National Youth Gathering - Florida

Jill asked in my shout-out box where the boys were going in Florida this summer. The two youngest will be attending the LCMS National Youth Gathering from July 28 through August 1 in Orlando. This is an (almost) once in a life time opportunity as it only occurs every three years and you can only attend in the ages 15 through 19 (or as a limited adult chaperone).

Initially, this year's gathering was to be held in New Orleans, but due to Katrina, it was moved. Very few cities have the facilities for such an event. You can read more about that here. If my memory serves me correctly, three years ago when my older son attended, there were approximately 42,000 participants. Wow! Uh? It is quite an impressive, memorable event. It is also quite an impressive fund raising event. We need $2,000 more for our group. Donations accepted! [giggle] ..button in sidebar!

*photos from the 2004 gathering post-website to show enormity of event.

They gave 42,000 orange backpacks they gave to each person! It was a sea of orange everywhere! Looks like fun!