Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dates of the Gathering? July 18-22, 2012. Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE) is July 16-18, 2012, and the Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE) is July 16-18, 2012.
Where is the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering? New Orleans, Louisiana
What is the cost of the Gathering? Registration is $315. Housing is $119-141 per night, depending on your housing assignment. Higher rates are closer to the event location (Superdome) and lower rates are closer to the airport. Transportation cost varies depending on how you decide to get to New Orleans. Food per day is about $40, but up to you and your congregation to work out the logistics and money saving tactics (email Kristen for ideas). Also, be sure to budget for gratuities!
Is there financial assistance available? Yes! There is financial assistance for youth only through the ELCA YOUTH GATHERING. The congregation’s primary adult leader can apply online for assistance on behalf of a student beginning May 15. Financial assistance will close on July 31, or when the budget for this runs out. Assistance awarded will be uploaded as a “credit” to the congregation’s registration account.
How do I register for the Gathering? Registration will be ONLINE ONLY on October 9, 2011 at www.elca.org/gathering PROMPTLY at 2 PM CDT (That’s 12 noon in the Rocky Mountain Synod!) Beware that this is the hottest event for 2012 and close to all 38,000 participants will register that afternoon. Be prepared to be patient with the system, and to register PROMPTLY so that you are sure to get in before it fills up! Consider having a “Registration Celebration” and get your entire congregation involved! (email Kristen for ideas.)
Who is eligible to attend the Gathering? Any teenager going into ninth, tenth eleventh or twelfth grade or having just graduated from high school at the time of the Gathering is eligible to register as part of a congregational group. All registrants should be members or guests of ELCA congregations.
What is the appropriate youth to adult ratio for the Gathering? The ELCA Youth Gathering is, and will always be, a ministry by, with and for teenagers. For that reason we cannot support a one-to-one ratio of adults to youth. We have noticed, however, and want to be supportive of, a growing connection between caring adults and young people in ministry. The ideal youth to adult ratio is 5 to 1, but the only ratio we insist on is one adult for every ten youth, and we encourage at least one adult for each gender represented in a group. Adult leaders must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the Gathering.
What is MYLE? Multicultural Youth Leadership Event (MYLE). More information coming soon!
What is DAYLE? Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event (DAYLE). More information coming soon!
What is my congregational ID number? Your congregations ID number is the 5 digit number assigned to your congregation by the ELCA. You can find it by going to congregation’s secretary! It is listed in the ELCA Yearbook that every congregation should have around somewhere. If you still can’t find it, contact Kristen.
How will my congregation get to the Gathering? There are a variety of ways to get to the ELCA Youth Gathering. You can drive, take a bus, take a train, fly, however it works for your congregation and budget! If you are from the Denver metro area, or from the Albuquerque area, we recommend you participate in the bus trip provided by Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp!
How can I advertise the Gathering in my congregation? Go to the Gathering homepage at www.elca.org/gathering and click on the Downloads page. You will find logos and posters and all you need to get started!
How will I equip my adults to be Triple A Adults (Authentic, Affirming, and Available) to the youth on the trip? Bring your team to the Trainings that will be happening all throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod! Click here for more information.
Can I use the training opportunities to equip all adults working with youth in my congregation, or just those attending the Gathering? YES! It is the goal of the training events to equip ALL adults who walk alongside young people! Bring your team to the Trainings that will be happening all throughout the Rocky Mountain Synod! Click here for more information.
What volunteer opportunities are there? There are 3 ways to volunteer at the Gathering.
- You can be a COMMUNITY LIFE volunteer and help out with the hospitality and life inside the hotel. You must be 19 years old or older, and be out of high school for at least one year to be a Community Life volunteer.
- 2 You can be on the GATHERING VOLUNTEER CORPS and help out with the Gathering logistics all around the Gathering. You must be 19 years old or older, and be out of high school for at least one year to be a Gathering Volunteer.
- You can be a SERVANT COMPANION and travel with congregational groups on their servant day. You must be 19-35years old, and be out of high school for at least one year to be a Servant Companion.
Important facts for volunteers: Applications will be available at www.elca.org/gathering on May 15. There is a $75 fee that will cover your background check and administrative costs. Room and board will be provided. Volunteers will pay for their own transportation, but will receive a $200 travel stipend upon arrival in New Orleans. |
