About YOUTH 23

Every four years, youth from throughout The United Methodist Church have gathered for four days of discipleship, fun, and fellowship at the YOUTH event. The event is filled with interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service opportunities, and fellowship time. Adult leaders who bring youth to our event can expect inspiration, support, and chances to authentically experience what it means to be part of the Methodist and Wesleyan family.

YOUTH 2023 will be an especially important year for you and your youth to be a part of this gathering. COVID-19 restrictions have limited youth ministry opportunities over the last two-plus years. YOUTH 2023 is a chance for your church to again experience cutting-edge speakers, amazing artists, and broaden your youth’s understanding of what they and their church are capable of!

This is also a unique time in the history of The United Methodist Church as it wrestles with itself and undergoes immense change. The youth who come to YOUTH 2023 can demonstrate to the adults of the church how worship, fellowship, and discipleship can build friendships and understanding that root us together in God’s love, give us chances to live as Jesus lived, and inspire our actions through the Holy Spirit.

To the youth thinking about coming to YOUTH 2023, the adults of the church need to see and hear your Christian witness! Come and let us help amplify your voice and demonstrate the good that gathering together can bring! YOUTH 2023 is designed for and open to those entering sixth grade (Fall 2023) through those who have graduated twelfth grade (Spring 2023). Most of the opportunities onsite are for youth. Since all groups have dedicated chaperones and caring adult leadership, we will also have some special opportunities for those adults, bringing together a collection of some of the top organizations and minds in youth ministry.

YOUTH 2023 is open to all. We really do believe that every church and every youth is welcome. You will experience amazing hospitality and real expressions of what it means to care about others and our world because God first cared for us.

YOUTH 2023 will be in Daytona Beach, Florida from July 25-28, 2023 (Click here for a more detailed schedule). Worship and learning will be held at the Daytona Ocean Center and lodging at the Hilton Ocean Front Resort. And yes, you will literally be oceanfront with an amazing beach to enjoy! Registration includes all onsite programming, including worship, concerts, learning, communion, prayer space with The Upper Room, service opportunities, and the chance to connect with exhibitors and agencies from across the faith connection. Registration also includes lunch and dinner on July 26 and 27. Hotel reservations open July 2022. More information will be available closer to that date.