We hope that parents, sponsors, and volunteers over 35 will find a lot to nourish their spirits at the YAY Gathering!
Many of the activities offered at the YAY Gathering are intergenerational and designed to be meaningful and accessible for all ages, including adults. This includes semi-programmed morning worship, afternoon intergenerational offerings like crafts, games, and other participant-led activities, and the daily evening program.
In addition to intergenerational activities, there is a two-hour workshop block each morning. While Junior Gathering groups meet and high schoolers participate in a workshop, parents and sponsors can sign up for their own workshop, join extended meeting for worship, or take some time for themselves.
Families will be housed near one another, so parents can have time together in the lounges after bedtime.
Workshops
From 10am-noon each full day of the YAY Gathering, high schoolers and adults have the option to participate in a workshop. Choose from a range of topics including creative expression, spirituality, and social change. “Quaker Parents Vibing” is a workshop specifically designed to give parents at the YAY Gathering a space for community, connection, and rest.
Adults at YAY may also choose not to take a workshop, if what you need most from the experience is a couple hours to yourself each day!
Intergenerational Activities at YAY
Intergen worship every morning was a blessing. This is the only Quaker space where I felt I could fully be present with my child and my family – to be centered and held.
2022 YAY Parent
Mornings
Every morning at the YAY Gathering begins with all-ages worship. This worship will be semi-programmed, meaning that in addition to a period of “open worship” based in silence and the possibility of vocal ministry, there will also be some elements that are planned in advance, like group singing, a story, or a simple art project. At YAY Gathering, children in worship are welcome to be children, whatever that looks like for them. We hope that support, flexibility, and kid-friendly design will allow parents to be fully present in a shared worship experience.
Afternoons
Afternoons at YAY are spacious and relaxed. Drop by the picnic pavilion to relax, chat, work on a jigsaw puzzle, or enjoy games and other activities led by YAY participants. Take a walk or go for a scavenger hunt on one of Colombiere’s wooded paths (maybe your kids will want to show you something they learned on a walk with our Junior Gathering Naturalist-in-Residence!). Find a shady spot under a tree to hang out with a book or a friend while kids play together with Frank the Giant Unicorn Sprinkler. Take some quiet time in your room. The choice is yours!
Evenings
In the evenings, we will come back together again as a full group for community exploration and celebration: a dance party, a talent show, and a storytelling session.
