Gathering Programs and Events

The week of the Gathering is offers a wide variety of programs and events throughout the week.

Mornings

Adults and high schoolers sign up for a week long, morning workshop when they register for the FGC Gathering.  All children (birth through rising ninth grade) are in age-specific Junior Gathering groups (the children's program).  Some adults choose to serve as Junior Gathering or High School volunteer staff and receive a workgrant for their service.  High Schoolers who want to work with Junior Gathering children may choose the morning workshop "Ministry with Children."

Evenings

Adults gather each evening to hear a speaker or performer.  One night early in the week, they choose among a couple dozen Interest Groups, generally led by Gathering attenders.  Mid week, Friends of all ages gather for an evening together which is usually a concert.  High Schoolers are welcome at all evening programs. Some evening presentations might also be open to the public at no charge if space allows. Before attending, please check the website in July to see if the event will be open.

Photo by Arthur Fink

Early Mornings, Afternoons, Late Evenings

During these times, Friends choose among a wide variety of events generally lasting 60 to 90 minutes, including:

• Worship opportunities
• The daily Bible Half Hour
• Dance and other participatory movement activities like yoga and tai chi
• Singing
• The Quaker Art Center exhibit and performances
• Presentations by Quaker organizations
• Field trips
• Events sponsored by organized groups.
• Events planned at the Gathering by attenders and advertised in the Daily Bulletin.  Read about how to plan your own event.

  Photo by Mike Goren

Pre-Gathering Events

Friends may choose to attending a one to two day event prior to the Gathering to explore a topic in depth. Browse this year's pre-Gathering offerings.

Other reasons to consider arriving early at the Gathering include:

• Mandatory training for High School staff (starts Friday night)
• Mandatory training for Junior Gathering staff (starts Sunday 9 AM, most staff arrive Saturday night)
• Time for settling in before the Gathering begins

Children and Teens

Children and teens flourish in age groups at the Gathering.  Children are in their own programs every morning (during adult workshops) and every evening (during evening programs) -- except for the mid-week intergenerational evening program.  High schoolers (starting with rising tenth graders) are housed in their own dorm, sign up for a morning workshop, have some high school specific activities and also may participate in many afternoon options.