First-ever IMPACT Youth Gathering

GRAND FORKS, B.C. – Well, it finally happened. After a five-year wait that included two National Youth Gatherings, one pandemic, and countless online events, the first-ever IMPACT Youth Gathering was held June 30 to July 3 in beautiful Grand Forks at Pines Bible Camp. A total of 58 youth and 37 adults (lots of whom were young adult volunteers) converged to be fed by God’s Word, grow together in fellowship, and be encouraged by the church body at large.

A total of 58 youth and 37 adults (lots of whom were young adult volunteers) converged to be fed by God’s Word, grow together in fellowship, and be encouraged by the church body at large.

The IMPACT Youth Gathering, formerly known as the ABC District Youth Gathering, chose to try some new things after “Unmasked” in 2018, and in 2023 finally got the chance. The gathering got away from university campuses to meet and go to summer camp, and changed from having one main session speaker to having five speakers, one for each main session, so that attendees could gain multiple perspectives.

Youth from four provinces (including an Ontario youth who flew across the country) came together to learn about how God has made an incredible impact in their lives and how they too can impact their congregations, families, friend groups, and communities around them. Main sessions were on God’s impact, mental health, prayer, conflict resolution, and pop culture, followed by Bible studies that allowed for smaller groups to look in-depth at the main session’s subject matter.

Attendees also had the opportunity to take part in their favourite camp activities: a high ropes course, bazooka ball, archery, water games (including a 40-foot slip ‘n slide), yard games, campfires, wide games, and arts and crafts times. There was also a time to give back to the camp staff, who were fantastic hosts, and serve Pines Bible camp as they prepared for their summer day camps.

There was also a Q&A panel where youth could ask anything and have it answered, from questions on mental health to theology to sexuality to ethics to friendships. A worship service was graciously hosted by Christ Lutheran Church in Grand Forks on the Sunday evening.

It was an incredible weekend, and the IMPACT team is already looking forward to 2026 and beyond. Serving on the team are: Rev. Eric Moffett (co-chair), Michelle Heumann (co-chair), Sonja Bland (registrar), Rev. Scott Brayall (chaplain), Kayla Moffett, Samantha Neeb, and Rev. Glenn Worcester.

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please contact the IMPACT team at cochairs@impactyg.ca. The IMPACT committee is dedicated to putting together the best times and resources for the youth and their leaders—and that’s done best together. So get in touch!