The following was part of the Vitality newsletter sent May 8, 2026. To sign up for Vitality, click here.

When I attend the Gathering as a photographer, I often get to see moments of beauty that would have otherwise been invisible to me.

Last year, at the Young Adult and Youth Gathering, students in the High School Program agreed that I might join them and take photographs while they played the game Wink. Wink, if you don’t know it, is an active and unpredictable game that often involves some rugburn. It’s a combination of Quaker wrestling and improv comedy. In this game, pairs of folks try to move in different directions as one person struggles forward and the other pulls them back. While they’re moving, several other pairs are tussling as well, all aiming for the “Lonely Person,” who sits at the front of the room.

Watching Wink unfold is like watching a highly-trained comedian at the top of their game. I laughed more than I had laughed in a year.

Even though the game has its physical hazards, adult facilitators in the room rarely had to remind anyone of safety. The most I heard was a quick “Remember to take off your glasses!” as someone joined the game. (The med kit, however, was always at the ready.)  By the time that the students played Wink, they were 100% invested in each others’ safety and to everyone having a good time. They were ridiculous and silly and dedicated to each other and committed to winning, all at the same time.

Can you think of a better way to live out the Quaker values in community?

That day, teens had invited middle school students into the high school space so they could watch the game unfold. Based on the grins and explosive laughter around me, I think the middle school students had just as much fun as I did.
 
When the game was over, I asked the teens if they’d like a group photo. They consulted and then ultimately declined: two people weren’t present that day, and they didn’t want a group photo that was incomplete. I told the group that I might not be able to come back on another day. They were fine with that choice.

In essence, they were saying: We belong together, and we’re not going to move forward if that means leaving some folks behind.

After the YAY Gathering had concluded, here’s what some high school students said on their feedback forms:

• The entire high school program in general was a blessing!
• I felt a lot of connection with the high school group, and my time spent with them strengthened my understanding of what it means to identify as Quaker.
• The high school community was so tight knit this year.

If you’re looking ahead to this year with the 2026 All-Ages Gathering, keep in mind that the deadline to sign up for youth programs is Monday, June 1. This gives youth workers time to create programs that thoughtfully meet the needs of this year’s youth. Kri Burkander will be the Friend in Residence for the High School Program, and Chelle Riendeau will be the Friend in Residence for Junior Gathering.

If you’re a parent or caregiver, I hope you bring your family to the Gathering this year! Youth Programs at the Gathering are a great place for young people to test out their skills, good humor, and wisdom in new setting. Whether or not you have children in your household, if you want to support young people at the Gathering, consider making a donation. Donations to the Gathering support scholarships, travel assistance, and work grants. Your donation can help make the Gathering more affordable for families. Thanks for your support!

I’m looking forward to the moments of beauty this summer that have yet to unfold.

Johanna Jackson

Communications Coordinator