FGC’s Young Adult and Youth Ministries program supports the spiritual lives of younger generations through community-building, leadership development, spiritual nurture, and peer support grounded in Quaker faith and practice. In addition to the FGC Gathering of Friends and Young Adult and Youth (YAY) Gatherings, FGC offers workshops, retreats, and other programs year-round to meet the needs of youth, young adults, families with children, and adults who work with young people in Quaker settings.
Past events have included a spiritual mentorship pilot program, youth summits for middle and high school students, and a writing program with Friends Journal.
2025 YAY Gathering
The next YAY Gathering will be July 2-6, 2025 in Clarkston, Michigan!
What is the YAY Gathering?
YAY is an intergenerational Quaker event for children, youth, and young adults (0-35). We come together for play, connection, laughter, spiritual practice, learning and rest with family members and event volunteers of all ages.
YAY puts young people at the center while celebrating the gifts that each generation brings to our community.
What will YAY Gathering be like?
Fun! And relaxed. Expect one thing at a time on the schedule, with space to breath in between. Time with age peers and time all together. Expect games, stories, music, walks in the woods, campfires, conversations, puzzles, games, and most importantly, a spiritual community of people who practice generosity, kindness, and curiosity.
The YAY Gathering is open to children, teens, and their family members; young adults 18-35; and volunteers of all ages by application.
Registration for the 2025 YAY Gathering is now open!
Learn about the YAY Gathering program or start your registration!
Register by April 28 for priority access to financial aid. Registration for YAY Gathering closes June 1.
Virtual Retreats for Youth of Color
Get up to some good trouble at our Virtual Retreats for Youth of Color!
FGC’s Ministry on Racism program held quarterly Virtual Retreats for Youth of Color throughout 2022. Each retreat will be held in 3 or 4 90-minute segments on a weekend, and is designed to be accessible from time zones across North America. These youth retreats are for all youth of color through High School age.
FGC’s Ministry on Racism began offering virtual retreats for Youth of Color in 2020. For more information about upcoming virtual youth retreats, please visit this link.