Photo Highlights from YAY Gathering

YAY 2025 Group Photo

The 2025 Young Adult and Youth Gathering ended on a sweet note.



The 2025 Young Adult and Youth Gathering, presented by Friends General Conference, drew in a beautiful community this year. YAY Gathering is a unique, intergenerational Quaker event. It was hosted July 2-6 in Clarkson, MI. Centered on younger generations (ages 0-35), YAY Gathering provided a space for play, spiritual practice, and deep connection for families and volunteers of all ages.

One Friend said:

The high school program was incredibly welcoming, it was well staffed and the perfect sized group, I got to know everybody. My workshop deepened my connection to God.

This year’s theme, “Peace Like a River, Joy Like a Fountain,” drew in 155 participants, including seven FGC staff. As a community, Friends nourished their spirits through creativity, worship, and playful activities. YAY Gathering welcomed an inclusive community experience, celebrating the gifts that each generation brings.

Below are some photo highlights from the 2025 YAY Gathering. Coming up, join FGC staff at the the 2026 Gathering of Friends in Vermont! The 2026 FGC Gathering, “A Window And A Door: A Prayer” will be held July 7-12, 2026, at the University of Vermont in Burlington, VT. We hope to see you there!

At the papermaking workshop, Friends worked together to create handmade (and reused!) paper with the YAY logo.

Parents met for discussion, intimate sharing, and time to relax outside on the grass.

The High School Program was thriving with 21 participants!

Capture the Flag is always an intergenerational favorite.

The Sprouts group decorated their own mural, played games, sang songs, and spent lots of time hanging out in the People of Color Center, which was next door.

Middle School students made some amazing tie-dyed crafts!

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