LCMS Youth Gathering

LCMS Youth Gathering Overview

What is the LCMS Youth Gathering?

Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering (Gathering) provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. Throughout the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the nation and world. Want to see what its like? Check out this video of the LCMS Youth Gathering Theme Reveal.

When and Where is the Gathering?

The 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering will be July 19-23, 2025 in New Orleans, LA. Our group will be adding a day to the beginning and end of the trip to travel, so the dates for the entire trip will be July 18-24, 2025.

What is the cost for the Gathering?

There are a number of factors taken into account with the cost of registration. Because some factors could vary, there is not one flat cost that we can say to represent the entire cost of the trip. The estimated cost per person for registration, hotels, travel, food, and other various expenses will be around $1800. The cost for participants to attend is supplemented by OSLC More Than Camp Fundraising. The out-of-pocket cost for attendees will be no more than $800, which includes the $250 deposit to register.

Who Can Attend Gathering?

Youth Participants: The LCMS Youth Gathering’s primary focus is for youth participants between the ages of 14 to 19. To register for the 2025 Gathering, youth participants must meet ONE of the two following eligibility requirements: Must be 14 years old at the time of the Gathering OR Entering his or her ninth-grade year at the time of the Gathering.

Adult Volunteers: Participants who are 21 years or older by the time of the Gathering are eligible to attend the Gathering. There are three options for adult volunteers.

Family Group Adult Leader: Adult volunteers who are interested in traveling with our group to Gathering have already been selected. Please contact Deborah Toenjes with any questions.
Team Flex: Volunteers age 18+ interested in serving in a more flexible role with the Gathering Leadership are welcome to apply to be part of Team Flex. The Team Flex application will open in January 15, 2025 and closes April 30, 2025.

Young Adult Volunteers (YAVs): Participants who are ages 19–25 are eligible serve as role models and servant leaders throughout the Gathering. The YAV application is open and closes December 31, 2024.

OSLC Youth @ LCMS Youth Gathering 2025

LCMS Youth Gathering 2025
July 18 - 24, 2025

$250 Non-Refundable Deposit to Register/$800 Estimated Total Registration
Includes Gathering Registration, Transportation, Hotel Stay, and All Meals.
Open to Graduated 8th graders through 12th graders (Summer of 2025).
Actual total cost is supplemented through OSLC More Than Camp Fundraising, which happens during the month of March.
Registration is closed. Contact Deborah for more details.

Looking to learn more about your identity in Christ and connect with thousands of other youth across the nation in world? Held every 3 years since 1980, the LCMS Youth Gathering (Gathering) provides thousands of youth and adults the opportunity to come together as a community of God’s people to learn more about Jesus Christ, the Christian faith and their Lutheran identity. Throughout the Gathering, youth spend time together in God’s Word, worship, service and fellowship with others from across the nation and world. Want to see what its like? Check out this video of the LCMS Youth Gathering Theme Reveal.

For questions and additional info, reach out to Deborah.

Additional Info:

For the Registration email address, please have it be the parent or guardian of the youth participant.
Requests for financial assistance can be made at Financial Assistance Form.
Participants must have an OSLC Participation form on file. This can be found at OSLC Participation Form.