bash 2017

Bishop Burbidge invites all middle school students
of the Diocese to join him at BASH 2026! 

BASH is our largest gathering of Catholic middle school students (6th-8th graders) every year! This event is a celebration of our Catholic faith and love of the Lord. We are planning for over 1,300 middle school students to gather for an evening of faith, fellowship, and fun!

This event includes music, games, inspirational speakers, confessions, and a Vigil Mass for Sunday, with Bishop Burbidge as the principal celebrant. BASH is designed to be open to any Middle School aged youth that want to attend, so please welcome and invite them to participate in the life of the Catholic Church! Our goal is to have all 70 parishes and 5 missions participating in this event. If you have a child in middle school, we encourage you to call your parish to see if they will be participating. Perhaps if they are not already planning to participate, this will change if they hear that there are interested families!

Details

WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2026. 3:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Bishop O’Connell High School, Arlington, VA
COST: $15.00 per participant (youth and adults)
HOW TO SIGN UP: Young people that want to participate must sign up through their parish point of contact (usually the Director of Youth Ministry).
PROMO VIDEO: The promo video will be shared here in late March.

OUR LINEUP INCLUDES: 

  • Keynote and entertainment from nationally known speakers. 
  • Tons of inflatable games, pizza, Rita’s, Smiley’s Ice Cream, and more! From the rock-climbing wall to bacon pizza, we’ve got a great day planned!
  • Gaga Ball tournament and free throw competition, with great prizes available for the winners!
  • BASH T-shirts! Every youth and adult participant will receive a BASH T-shirt. Sizes available: Youth Medium, Youth Large, Youth Extra Large. Adult Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large, 2X, 3X, 4X.

Registration Procedures

Young people that want to participate must sign up through their parish point of contact (usually the Director of Youth Ministry). The cost is $15.00 per participant (youth and adults), which includes entertainment, dinner, snacks, and a T-shirt. This event is significantly subsidized by the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal; the $15.00 per person is meant to offset the cost. However, we would not want a young person to miss the event for financial reasons so please let us know if assistance is needed. Please note that parishes may charge participants an additional amount to fund the group’s transportation costs, pay for the adult leaders to attend, and cover other administrative fees.

Instructions for Directors of Youth Ministry to sign up your youth:

  1. Get your youth excited about BASH by putting the poster up around the parish, sharing the promo video, and having some of your older, “veteran” youth talk about the event at a youth meeting or in their religious education class or the classes at the parish’s school.
  2. Get a headcount of how many will be participating, and download the BASH Permission Slip/Forma de Permiso for each to complete. Make sure you have at least one OPCYP compliant adult per ten youth participants.
  3. Online registration will open on March 25, 2026. Instructions will be linked here at that time. 

Volunteers needed!

We are in great need of adults who can serve as volunteers for this event! Whether you are able to assist all day or only have a few hours to offer, we would love your help in making BASH happen safely and smoothly! Please contact Christine Najarian to let us know you are interested in serving as a volunteer.

Downloads

Permission slips, posters, and more will be added here.  

Check-In Procedures

  1. Come to BASH on Saturday, April 25 (check-in begins at 3:00 p.m.). Be sure to bring a SIGNED ORIGINAL permission slip for each participant and keep it with you at all times.
  2. When you check in, you will verify your list of attendees, pick up pre-printed name tags and sign a statement agreeing to have the OYCYAM bill your parish $15.00 per attendee.
  3. Your parish will be sent an invoice following BASH. Instructions on making your payment will be included.
  4. BASH begins at 3:30 p.m. & concludes at 8:30 p.m.

Address and Directions

Address:
Bishop O’Connell High School
6600 Little Falls Rd
Arlington, VA 22213

Directions:
Take Rt. 66 East to Exit 69 (Lee Highway/Washington Blvd.). Go to traffic light at end of ramp and turn left onto Lee Highway. Go two blocks and turn left onto Underwood Street. Continue on Underwood for about three blocks. Bishop O’Connell High School is located on the right.

Future BASH date

2027: Saturday, April 24
BASH will continue to be held at Bishop O’Connell High School.