Campformation 2026 Returns to Prescott for a Week of Faith, Adventure, and Community

Campformation 2026 will take place June 29–July 3 at Camp Pinerock in Prescott, Arizona, welcoming youth entering grades 6–10 for a week of faith formation, outdoor adventure, and community. Congregations from across our synod gather each summer for this long-standing Lutheran outdoor ministry tradition.

With more than 60 years of history, Campformation combines worship, small-group faith exploration, and activities like zip lining, hiking, swimming, and ropes courses. Learn more and register at lutherancampformation.com.

Leadership Lab 2026: A Week of Faith, Vision, and Leadership Formation for Youth and Adults

Registration is now open for Leadership Lab 2026, a week-long youth and leadership formation experience taking place June 22–27 at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. Participants explore leadership for church and community through hands-on learning, worship, and shared faith experiences grounded in the promise of Joel 2:28: “your young shall see visions.”

The registration cost is $420 per person, with lodging, meals, and a T-shirt included. Discounts are available for returning participants, first-time congregations, and groups bringing multiple students. Registration increases by $50 after April 15, so congregations are encouraged to register early.

Grow, Play, and Pray: 2026 VBS and Summer Camp Opportunities

Ready for summer? Lutheran congregations across the Grand Canyon Synod are offering Vacation Bible Schools and children’s camps filled with faith, fun, and fellowship. Explore the growing list of programs, and help us share your church’s summer offerings by emailing Deacon Laura Book at lbook@gcsynod.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 13, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Valley Youth Invited to March 29 Community Gathering at Love of Christ Lutheran in Mesa

Youth in grades 7–12 from ELCA congregations across the Valley are invited to a Youth Community Event on Sunday, March 29 from 4–7 p.m. at Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Mesa. The evening will include games, food, and fellowship, bringing together youth from multiple congregations including Esperanza and Desert Cross.

Additional churches are welcome to join. Congregations interested in participating can contact Deacon Laura Book (lbook@gcsynod.org) for details.

Beyond Sunday School: How Desert Cross Lutheran Creates Monthly Faith Formation Playlists

What began as a creative response to pandemic disruption has become a defining ministry practice at Desert Cross Lutheran Church. Through thoughtfully curated monthly Faith Formation Playlists for children, youth, and adults, Desert Cross offers flexible, accessible “faith on the go” that meets people wherever and whenever they are—far beyond Sunday morning.

This behind-the-scenes look explores how a whole-church team collaborates around shared themes, integrates worship and learning, and embraces the belief that faith formation happens 24/7. Read the full story to learn what other congregations can take from Desert Cross’s intentional, community-centered approach to lifelong faith formation.

A Lutheran Family's New Year Resolution: Finding Balance in God's Grace

As the New Year begins, Deacon Laura Book reflects on faith, family, and the gift of time. Wrestling with modern challenges like screen use, parenting, and busy schedules, her family has embraced January as a sacred “reset”—a chance to reassess rhythms and begin again together.

Rooted in Scripture and Lutheran theology, this reflection reminds us that our resolutions need not be perfect to be faithful. In baptismal grace, we are free to try, fail, forgive, and start anew—trusting that God meets us in every season with mercy and love.

Grand Canyon Synod, LettersBrian FlatgardJanuary 15, 2026Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Update: October 26 Youth Gathering at Love of Christ, Mesa Postponed

The Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date.

SYAT Retreat at Camp Pinerock Charts Next Steps for Youth & Family Ministry

The Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT) met Oct 10–11 at Camp Pinerock, Prescott to review first-year goals, plan budgets and collaboration, welcome Pr. Amy Janssen (Tucson), and pray together for the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months, SYAT expects to announce scholarships and new resources for children’s, youth, and young adult ministry and will reach out to every congregation to learn more about local needs.

Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardOctober 14, 2025Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Not Just a Conference: TENx10 Summit is A Convergence for Youth Discipleship

Join over 500 leaders from across denominations at the TENx10 Summit in Atlanta, October 8–10, 2025. This unique gathering invites passionate changemakers to reimagine how the Church forms faith in young people. Earlybird registration ends August 26. Learn more at tenx10summit.org.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSeptember 30, 2025Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT), Tenx10Comment

Update: October 26 Youth Gathering at Love of Christ, Mesa Postponed

The Youth Night of Connection planned for October 26, 2025, at Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa, has been canceled. Organizers thank all who showed interest and hope to reschedule at a later date. Updates will be shared at a later date.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 22, 2025Youth and Young Adult, Synod Youth Advisory Team (SYAT)Comment

Finding Joy in the Long Days: Desert Cross Lutheran's Holiday Breakfast Playdates

At Desert Cross Lutheran Church, holiday mornings have become ministry moments. What began as simple breakfast playdates in the park for young families has grown into an intergenerational tradition of fellowship, outreach, and joy. These gatherings remind us that church happens not only in sanctuaries but wherever God’s people meet in community.

Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church

The Grand Canyon Synod has joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers serving 1,800 students, Lutheran preschools like Children of Hope and New Covenant are planting seeds of faith and building bridges between church and community. Learn more about ELEA schools at elcaschools.org.

Young Adults Are Gathering Across the ELCA: Creating communities of faith, fellowship, and radical welcome

Young adult ministry is surging across the ELCA. After attending the Justice & Joy conference in St. Louis (July 24–27, 2025), Bryan Gamelin—co-leader of Gather Valley of the Sun—returned with new partnerships, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to radical welcome and young-adult leadership. Fall programming for Gather in our synod is underway.

Congregations: want to connect or host a gathering? Contact Bryan Gamelin (bryangamelin@yahoo.com) to explore next steps.

From the Grand Canyon Synod to Wittenberg, Germany: A young adult’s travels into the global church

NAU student and campus ministry leader Sarah Lee represented the Grand Canyon Synod at the International Seminar for Laypersons in Church Leadership in Wittenberg, Germany, and Geneva, Switzerland. From walking in Luther’s footsteps to advocating for LGBTQIA+ inclusion and meeting global Lutheran leaders, Sarah’s journey was a transformative experience in faith and leadership. She returns with renewed vision for campus ministry and gratitude for the synod’s investment in young adult leaders.

Campformation: 60+ Years of Faith, Friendship, and Fun in the Great Outdoors

For over 60 years, Campformation has nurtured faith, friendships, and leadership among youth in grades 6–12. This summer, campers Hunter, Annie, and Stella shared how worship, community, and adventure shaped their faith journeys. Past campers often return as leaders, continuing the cycle of ministry. Read their stories and learn how to share your own memories of Campformation.

Not Just Camp: Leadership Lab Transforms Lives and Builds Christ-Centered Leadership

This summer, seven congregations from the Grand Canyon Synod made the long journey from Arizona and Nevada to Rock Island, Illinois, for a week that would shape hearts, minds, and futures. Leadership Lab—hosted on the campus of Augustana College—is more than a summer program. It’s a living laboratory where faith meets leadership, tradition embraces innovation, and young voices discover their calling.

Your Input Matters: Support Youth and Family Ministry by Completing This Survey

The Synod Youth Advisory Team invites all congregations to complete a brief survey about youth, children, and family ministry in your context. Help us build a synod-wide picture of what’s happening with young people—from Pre-K to post-high school—and share contact information so we can connect, support, and grow together. Take the Survey Now: Grand Canyon Youth Ministry Survey.

New Youth & Family Ministry Hub Launches: Explore, Equip, Empower

Our new Youth and Family Ministry page is live! Discover resources for faith formation, summer programs, Safe Church policies, and national initiatives like TENx10. Meet our Synod Youth Advisory Team and explore how we equip young people and families to grow in faith and leadership. Visit gcsynod.org/youth-family to get started.

Camp ALOMA Turns Moments into Memories—And Kids into Leaders

Camp ALOMA’s 2025 summer season brought joy, spiritual growth, and unforgettable moments to children across our synod. From first canoe rides and faith-filled Bible studies to hilarious cabin moments and deepening friendships, campers returned home transformed. Read stories from Anna-Belle, Mae, Lucas, Maddie, and Reagan as they reflect on a season of God’s presence, laughter, and learning in the woods.

Youth Leadership in Action: Kenny Represents Grand Canyon Synod at 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Seventeen-year-old Kenny from Love of Christ in Mesa served as both a voting member and Election Committee member at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix. Invited by Bishop Hutterer, Kenny brought energy, thoughtfulness, and leadership to a week of worship, decision-making, and hope for the future of the ELCA.

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