What is the Lutheran Church-Canada National Youth Gathering?
The Lutheran Church-Canada National Youth Gathering (NYG) is an event sponsored by Lutheran Church-Canada. Our mission is to provide opportunities for Lutheran youth to grow in faith and relationship with others as the body of Christ.
Our 13th Gathering will be held over 5 days in Waterloo, Ontario. The National Youth Gathering will provide opportunities for youth, leaders, and volunteers to join in corporate worship, study God’s Word, be equipped through large and small group sessions, reach out to the community through servant events, and engage in fellowship and fun.
Who can attend the Gathering?
Youth in grades 7 to 12 as of June 2025 (ages 13-18) are welcome to attend the Gathering as youth participants. The NYG sessions are planned for Lutheran youth, however, we encourage your group to reach out and bring friends because all youth are welcome. We will provide pastoral support for questions about the teachings of the Lutheran church.
Adult volunteers are able to serve as Minions. Please see the “What is a Minion?” section below.
Adults 21+ are also able to serve as 7+1 youth leaders.
Lutherans from all countries are welcome. Youth groups from across Canada, the United States, and Australia have attended the Gathering in the past.
Why is the Gathering called “UNBREAKABLE”?
“Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Eph 6:11)
The committee hopes that the youth who attend will learn that the full armour of God makes them unbreakable in the face of worldly things that could make them feel breakable, and the sessions will show that God does not use only perfect people, but that scripture is full of accounts where He took very broken people and made them unbreakable.
Who are the main speakers at the NYG?
This year’s speakers are Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee and Jennifer Kerr (MAMFT, RMFT). Pastor Bugbee serves as pastor at First Lutheran Church and Christian Academy in Windsor, Ontario. From 2008-2018, he served as LCC President. At the 2013 NYG, Pastor Bugbee served the gathering as Bible Study leader. Jennifer is a mental and relational health counsellor from Regina, Saskatchewan. Throughout her time working with kids, youth, and young adults in numerous organizations, Jennifer knew she wanted to grow in her abilities to serve young people and families which led to her becoming a professional counsellor. She has been part of many LCC youth gatherings as a musician, and has spoken on mental health from a faith perspective at the 2023 IMPACT Youth Gathering. See our speakers page for info about our guest speaker, Cassie Moore.
Where will the Gathering be held in 2025?
The Gathering will be at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. All registrants will be provided with accommodations and meals from dinner on July 4 through breakfast on July 8. Main sessions will also be hosted on campus, along with other breakout sessions. 7+1 leaders will receive a map and a list of the rooms used for the Gathering. There will be off-site activities, including a trip to Bingemans waterpark/mini-golf/bowling and various servant events. Youth are to be supervised by their 7+1 leaders at all times.
How much will the NYG cost?
Youth and youth leaders pay a subsidized rate of $525.00 per person, which includes the program costs, food, accommodation, and an excursion to Bingemans. We offer a reduced registration rate for our Minions (volunteers) at $300.00 per person.
Will there be meals provided at the Gathering?
Yes. On Friday, a sponsored dinner will be offered to all attendees. Breakfast, lunch, and supper will be provided as part of registration fees on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Gathering. Breakfast will be provided on the Tuesday morning of the Gathering as part of registration fees. Tuesday lunch is not provided. Attendees are welcome to bring snacks. Additional food, snacks, and other items will also be available for purchase at Bingemans and on campus. There are dozens of food and snack options within walking distance of the university for any groups who come early or stay late. Please let us know of any food restrictions you may have.
What are the dorms like?
All dorms have air conditioning! All dorms are individual rooms with a shared washroom. 7+1 groups will all be on the same floor in adjacent rooms. Washrooms will be shared by two youth of the same gender. We will be staying in the King Street Residence – on the linked map you will find it across from the Golden Hawks playing field.
What is a 7+1 group? What is a 7+1 leader?
We ask that groups attending the Gathering have a minimum of one adult leader for every seven youth, so a 7+1 group is seven youth and their leader.
Who can be a 7+1 Leader?
See the 7+1 leader registration form for further information. A 7+1 leader must:
- Be an active, confirmed member of a Lutheran Church-Canada congregation
- Have love for God and for youth
- Be recommended and supported by their pastor (or other church worker or Board of Elders in a vacancy situation)
- Get a Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening and submit it to the Registrar (the church should supply a volunteer letter)
- Be at least 21 years of age (we strongly discourage congregations from sending leaders who are younger than 21, however, if another leader over 21 is attending and will co-lead, occasional exceptions can be made)
Do I send a male and a female 7+1 leader if I have more than 7 youth?
You are required to send one leader for every seven youth. However, we highly recommend that you consider having a 7+1 leader of each gender, if possible.
Do I have to get a police record check?
Yes! All adults (people aged 18 and over) attending the LCC National Youth Gathering in any capacity must provide an original police record check with vulnerable sector screening that is less than one year old. The original document will be returned to you, upon request, after the Gathering and a copy will be kept for our records.
Can I be a 7+1 leader if I’m not 21 at the time of the National Youth Gathering?
We strongly discourage congregations from sending leaders who are younger than 21. However, if another 7+1 leader over 21 is attending and will co-lead, occasional exceptions may be made. You can contact the planning committee to ask for special permission.
What if a youth who wants to come is only 12, or is 19?
Prayerfully consider that the Gathering content is prepared with 13- to 18-year-old youth in mind. If you determine a youth should be included, you may apply for an exemption. Please send the registrar a letter from the parent/guardian granting permission for the youth to attend the Gathering and a reference from your pastor or church worker identifying reasons why he/she feels this youth would benefit from attending a Gathering.
What is a Minion?
Minions are adult volunteers (19+ or out of high school for 1 year), formerly known as iBods, who are eager to serve in a variety of ways at the NYG. This includes welcoming, writing, acting, artistry, organizing, Bible study leading, event setting up and taking down, ‘takin’ care of the details’ etc. In addition to serving and volunteer work, Minions are encouraged to attend sessions and events whenever possible. See the Minion registration form for more information. If there are monetary concerns, please contact the Registrar.
Can we get any souvenirs from the NYG?
See the order form in your registration package.
Who are the people involved in putting on the Gathering?
The 2025 planning committee is co-chaired by Pastor Eric Moffett and Pastor Glenn Worcester, and the chaplain is Pastor Paul Roggow. The other committee members are Gail Haeussler, Deacon Amanda Hastings, Michelle Heumann, Rhonda Kelman, Tony Marchand, Kayla Moffett, and Nathan Vaughan. See the bios page for more info!
What is the registration deadline?
The registration deadline is April 30, 2025. You must have your whole group registered online no later than April 30.
Do we register online or with paper forms?
Both! You must register your group online and then mail all the original paper forms, along with payment to the Registrar. For legal reasons, we must have the original forms, with signatures, to keep on file for at least 7 years. Your forms should be mailed to:
Gail Haeussler, Registrar
LCC National Youth Gathering
2998 Christopher Cres.
Prince George, BC, V2N 4S4
Transportation from Waterloo Regional Airport to Wilfrid Laurier University
We are working on arranging volunteers to transport groups from the airport to the university. If you are flying into Kitchener-Waterloo Airport, you will be required to include your flight information on your registration form or email your information to the registrar by June 1.
Please do not fly into Toronto International Airport
If you fly into Toronto, you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation to Waterloo. Please see flight options below.
Refunds, Transfers and Cancellations
Once a registration has been entered online, that person has committed to attending, and the registration fee is non-refundable. A registration may be transferable to someone else in your group before June 1, at the Registrar’s discretion. No transfers will be accepted after June 1.
In the event that the NYG is cancelled for circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to provide as much of a refund as possible.
What should we pack?
- A little spending money (for snacks, drinks, Sunday offering, and any souvenirs or extras (like snacks/drinks) during our trip to Bingemans
- Clean, non-marking runners for in the gym
- Bible and something to take notes with
- Personal items (like toiletries and pjs)
- Walking shoes or runners for outdoor games and servant events
- Summer clothing
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Musical instruments and/or games (optional)
- Money if you want to play any arcade games at Bingemans (optional)
Note: Bedding, pillows, face cloths, and bath towels are provided by the university, so there is no need to bring these items.
Get Ready to Serve!
Once your Youth Group has registered for NYG ’25, you’ll receive all the exciting details about our Monday morning Servant Event in the Waterloo Region. This is a unique opportunity to put your faith into action and share God’s love with the community!
T-Shirts Provided: Lutheran Laymen’s League – Canada will be sponsoring Servant Event t-shirts for all participants. These shirts will be pre-ordered to ensure the right fit and included in your registration package when you arrive at the Gathering.
How Will Your Group Serve?
Take some time to pray and discuss how your group’s unique gifts can make an impact! Here are just a few of the ways you can serve:
- Food Bank of Waterloo Region
- Lutheran Bible Translators Canada
- Sharing music at Retirement Homes
- The Mission Thrift Store
- Canadian Lutheran World Relief
- Creation Ministries International
- Indwell
- Tiny Home Takeout
- Sunbeam Community & Development Services
- Lutheran Laymen’s League Canada…and many more!
Please note that some sites may have age restrictions (like 16+), or require specific gear (such as closed-toe shoes).
As we prepare to put on the whole armour of God, let’s stand firm in faith and service, ready to share His love and light wherever we go!
Afternoon at Bingemans
We will be going to Bingemans on Monday afternoon. Everyone will have a choice between the water park or bowling and mini-golf. Those who choose the waterpark will be at the waterpark only. Those who choose bowling and mini-golf will spend half the time bowling and then switch and spend the rest of the time playing mini-golf.
Everyone will have the ability to spend some of their time at the arcade if they wish but the cost will be their responsibility. Arcade costs are as follows: $15 for 60 credits, $30 for 120 credits, $50 for 200 credits, $75 for 300 credits. Games vary between 6-10 credits per play. They take cash, debit, and credit card.
Extra Nights in the Dorms
If you will be coming in a day early or leaving a day late, the cost per person to stay in the dorms is $62.13/person, tax included. Please contact the registrar if you would like to book extra nights.
Flight Options to Waterloo Regional Airport
Flair schedule may change as July 2025 is not yet available.
All listed flights are intended to arrive before the gathering starts and leave after the gathering completes. Please plan to arrive and leave so that you can attend the gathering from beginning to end.
From Vancouver:
● WestJet: Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 3:30 p.m. – Friday 1:10 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 6:00 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
● Air Canada: Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
● Air Canada: Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 7:35 p.m.
● Air Canada: Thursday 1:00 p.m. – 10:40 p.m.
● Flair: Thursday 11:25 p.m. – 7:00 a.m. Friday
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 – 10:35 a.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 3:50 – 8:26 p.m.
● Flair: Tuesday 8:25 – 10:40 p.m.
From Calgary:
● WestJet: Thursday 11:45 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 7:15 p.m. – Friday 1:10 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 6:00 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
● Flair: Friday 0:55 – 6:40 a.m.
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 8:27 a.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 6:45 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 3:50 – 8:45 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 5:45 – 10:45 p.m.
● Flair: Tuesday 9:40 – 11:55 p.m.
From Edmonton:
● WestJet: Thursday 9:55 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 5:15 p.m. – Friday 1:10 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 1:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 6:00 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
● Flair: Thursday 6:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. (No flights Friday)
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 11:14 a.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 8:32 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 3:50 – 8:40 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 5:45 – 10:40 p.m.
From Regina:
● WestJet: Thursday 7:15 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 3:05 p.m. – Friday 1:10 a.m.
● Air Canada: Thursday 10:25 a.m. – 7:35 p.m.
● Air Canada: Thursday 3:20 – 10:40 p.m.
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 10:52 a.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 6:40 p.m.
From Winnipeg:
● Air Canada: Friday 5:00 – 10:50 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 7:30 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 9:50 a.m. – 4:40 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 4:15 p.m. – Friday 1:10 a.m.
Return:
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 5:52 p.m.
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 2:33 p.m.
From Saskatoon:
● WestJet: Thursday 7:50 a.m. – 5:25 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 3:45 p.m. – 1:10 a.m. Friday
● Air Canada: Thursday 6:00 a.m. – 2:25 p.m.
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 10:23 a.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 6:14 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 5:45 – 10:19 p.m.
From Montreal:
● WestJet: Thursday 7:00 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 1:10 a.m. Friday
● Air Canada: Friday 7:10 – 10:50 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 10:10 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.
Return:
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 3:52 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 6:15 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 3:50 – 8:18 p.m.
From Halifax:
● WestJet: Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:23 p.m.
● WestJet: Thursday 3:30 p.m. – 1:10 a.m. Friday
● Air Canada: Friday 5:00 – 9:30 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 7:00 – 10:50 a.m.
● Air Canada: Friday 12:45 – 4:40 p.m.
Return
● WestJet: Wednesday 6:15 a.m. – 5:09 p.m.
● Air Canada: Tuesday 1:40 – 7:23 p.m.
Tips to Get the Best Airline Prices
- Seat sales happen over major holidays: Black Friday, Boxing Day, Family Day, St. Patrick’s Day
- The best WestJet sale is on February 29. This is their anniversary and in years that are not a Leap Year the day is either February 28 or March 1. But, it is one day only.
- Another great time is in the days leading up to Black Friday. You usually have 4 to 5 days to book – it is not a one-day sale.
- The farther out you book, the better the price. Don’t wait until a few weeks before the Gathering.
- If you are booking a group, don’t do it online. Call the customer service agents. Tell them you are booking a group of youth; tell them the youth have been fundraising for this event for three years. These agents have the ability to give you a better deal than advertised – don’t ask for it, chat amiably and talk about how excited the youth are and how long they have been waiting and fundraising. With WestJet, this has worked 80% of the time.
- The best way to call WestJet is to request a call-back time. Your phone will ring at your arranged time and an agent will be with you in a matter of minutes.
- There are no discounts with Flair. The online price is the best price you can get. Flair is already quite cheap. Remember that if the youth are bringing carry-ons that they have to fit in the sizing device. They check every single one and if it is too big, they charge you for a checked bag.
Contact the Registrar if you would like assistance finding seat sales or getting the best deal for your group.