youth and family resources


fall youth retreat

2025 Fall Youth Retreat: September 26-28, 2025

Castaway Club

Grades: 6-10


The Eastern ND Synod Youth Retreat will take place September 26-28 at the Castaway Club. This retreat is geared toward students in grades 6-10. For those older than grade 10, we invite you to check out the work crew options in the Informational PDF below. 


Join us for a powerful weekend where faith meets action as we explore what it means to Do Good Better. Inspired by Galatians 6:10 — “Let us do good to all...” — this retreat invites us to live our faith out loud in a world that longs for compassion, courage, and creativity. We’re thrilled to be joined by Pastor Emily Harkins of The Dwelling in Winston-Salem, NC — a bold and inclusive church without walls that walks alongside people experiencing homelessness. Pastor Emily brings a deep passion for justice, community, and the kind of faith that shows up in real and radical ways. Don’t miss this unforgettable weekend filled with connection, purpose, and a whole lot of good.


Download this Informational PDF for retreat details! 


Register here! 

Informational Sessions for Leaders


Tuesday, September 23 at 1:00 pm
Log in for a WEEK OF Zoom for any last-minute details and questions.

Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88154241534? pwd=nA4b9waVVYrTCoceaQ8wnBaYNK5i8C.1
Meeting ID: 881 5424 1534 Passcode: 621652


Event Contact: Rev. Kim Adams, EaND Youth Retreat Coordinator

elca youth gathering

2027 ELCA Youth Gathering:
June 28 - July 2, 2027 in Minneapolis, MN


Every three years, thousands of high school youth and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering.  Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live out their faith in their daily lives. 


The 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering took place in New Orleans on July 16-20, 2024. Two pre-events, the Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) and the tAble, took place on July 13-16 2024.


The next ELCA Youth Gathering will take place on June 28-July 2, 2027 in Minneapolis. 


ELCA YOUTH GATHERING WEBSITE