“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” John 20:31

We are now within a month of the Gathering, and I would like to spend my last few blogs with you looking at and discussing some final preparations for your trip. This week I will discuss what you and your group can and should physically not forget to bring to the Gathering, and next time I will conclude with some things you may want to focus on emotionally and spiritually.

As far as an actual what to bring list, the Gathering isn’t much different than any other retreat or Gathering that you have been to. But in any case, here are a few packing tips:

  • Clothes- Remember, it will be very hot outside! Make sure you bring comfortable clothing, especially shoes (you will be walking a whole bunch)! And with clothing, please make sure your youth and/or adults aren’t wearing anything inappropriate, i.e. alchohol/tobacco/drug related things or things that may be a little too short or too revealing.
  • Money- Unless you have other plans, your youth and adults will be responsible for their own meals, so make sure they are prepared for that. There will also be all kinds of Gathering things to buy so be prepared for that as well.

This will be a weird thing to say, but you don’t need to tell your youth to bring their Bible! They will actually be given a backpack and in it will be their own Bible! And, speaking of the backpack…everyone will get one–and everyone will have it with them for basically all of the Gathering!

I encourage you to make copies of everyone’s medical forms and have each person in your group carry their forms in their backpacks. Your youth will spend a lot of time apart from you so this will ensure that if anything happens, whoever is around will be able to help. I also believe it is a good idea that each leader, if possible, has a copy of every youth’s medical form in their backpack, as well.

As always, please feel free to contact the Youth Ministry Office, the Gathering website, or me if you have any questions or concerns.

May God bless you as we continue on the Road to the Gathering!