The ELS Board for Youth Outreach is excited to announce that the 2023 LYA Youth Convention will be held at Bethany Lutheran College from Thursday, July 27 – Sunday, July 30. Co-directors for the convention are Pastor Kyle Madson and Mr. Benjamin Faugstad. This annual event brings together youth from across the country. The Convention theme is “Created” (based on Genesis 1:27) and will feature keynote speaker, Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary President Rev. Timothy Hartwig.
Early Registration
February 15 – June 1
- Subsidized cost by the ELS Board for Youth Outreach
- Includes either zip-lining or kayaking as an Activity; as well as a choice for all Sectionals and MasterClasses.
(Activities, Sectionals, & MasterClasses will have limited capacity: register early to ensure your top picks for classes and activities!) - Cost is for youth participants* & adult chaperones**
* Open to confirmed youth (exceptions can be made for groups bringing those in confirmation).
* Every church needs to send at least one youth leader/chaperone of the same gender as the students (consider paying their way as a church). If your church is unable to send a youth leader/chaperone, consider partnering with another congregation.
Late Registration
After June 1
- Includes eitherzip-lining or kayaking as an Activity; as well as a choice for all Sectionals and MasterClasses.
(Activities, Sectionals, & MasterClasses will have limited capacity: register early to ensure your top picks for classes and activities!) - Cost is for youth participants* & adult chaperones**
* Open to confirmed youth (exceptions can be made for groups bringing those in confirmation).
* Every church needs to send at least one youth leader/chaperone of the same gender as the students (consider paying their way as a church). If your church is unable to send a youth leader/chaperone, consider partnering with another congregation.
Highlights of the 2023 LYA Youth Convention include…
Morning & Evening Chapel Services and Sunday Divine Service
Daily services in the beautiful Trinity Chapel at Bethany Lutheran College. Sunday Divine Service (holy communion celebrated) hosted and presided over by Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Mankato and her pastors.
“Created” Keynote
Keynote on God’s unique and good creations of man and woman by the Rev. Pres. Timothy Hartwig.
Activities
Group outdoor activity to either go ziplining with Kerfoot Canopy Tours or kayaking with Bent River Outfitters
Sectionals & MasterClasses
Sectionals taught by ELS clergy and Board for Youth Outreach members and “MasterClasses” covering a wide range of subjects, taught by Bethany Professors.
Recreation & A Baseball Game
Recreation time in the brand new Bethany Activity Center, plus an evening at a Mankato Moondogs baseball game with a buffet meal (thanks to a generous sponsor).
We look forward to seeing you at the ELS Youth Convention at Bethany Lutheran College from Thursday, July 27 – Sunday, July 30, 2023!