Registration is now open for the 2026 Western States Youth Gathering (WSYG), taking place June 28–July 1, 2026, at California Lutheran University in Southern California. Youth graduating 8th grade through those graduating 12th grade—along with their adult leaders—are invited to take part in this dynamic, faith-forming experience that brings together young people from across the western United States.
Held the summer before the next ELCA Youth Gathering, WSYG 2026 offers congregations a meaningful opportunity to invest in youth faith formation through worship, learning, service, and community. The event will gather hundreds of participants for main stage sessions, interactive experiences, service projects, shared meals, and joyful nightly activities—all grounded in Lutheran theology and a commitment to walking together in faith.
WSYG 2026 is especially excited to celebrate a renewed partnership with the ELCA Youth Gathering, strengthening connections between regional and churchwide youth ministry. As a “Gathering Expedition,” Western States serves as a powerful preparation experience, helping youth and leaders grow spiritually while building relationships that extend beyond their home congregations.
“As a youth worker myself, I have taken my youth to both Western States and the Gathering since they began, and have found them to be life-changing, faith-formative events that have shaped thousands,” shared Tom Hoegel, Team Lead for Tech & Coordination for WSYG 2026. “With WSYG being a year before the ELCA Youth Gathering, it provides a wonderful opportunity to prepare your young people for the overall Gathering experience. It’s one step in the movement of their faith formation.”
Past participants echo that impact. Vera, who attended the 2023 Western States Youth Gathering, reflected on the meaningful balance of service and rest. “We did two different service projects which I enjoyed, and it felt like we had great activity options to choose from, plus downtime when needed,” she shared, noting that worship and music alongside youth from other states were highlights of her experience.
Registration includes housing, meals, and all programming. Registration opened December 15 and details—including costs, schedules, and key updates—can be found at westernstatesyg.org.
The leadership team is already hard at work crafting an experience that will be memorable, welcoming, and deeply rooted in faith. Congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are encouraged to begin conversations now and plan to be part of this shared journey.
For more information, contact Maya Goehner, Media/Publicity Team Lead for WSYG 2026, at wsyg2026@gmail.com, or visit westernstatesyg.org.
