news article
YOUTH 2023—an incredible experience for Upper New York youth
August 14, 2023 / By UNY Communications
Editor’s Note: Many youth from Upper New York attended Youth 2023. Here are some commentaries from youth that attended.
Youth 2023 was an event held Tuesday, July 25 through Friday, July 28, by the sandy beaches of Daytona Beach, Florida. Discipleship Ministries sponsored the event, which occurs every four years. This year’s theme was an acronym, BOLD, Being Ourselves, Living Differently. Over the course of the four days, youth and leaders learned what it is like to be BOLD, whether that was from workshops, volunteering, or in worship. The event had over 2,500 people attending, and there were people from almost every state in attendance. There were also people in attendance from as far away as Mozambique and the Philippines!
There were many different workshops to choose from. Some of them gave a different perspective on how to worship God, or they talked of how we can get people to worship God with us, while others showed people how they don’t have to change their perspective to become closer to the Lord. But all of them involved being BOLD and growing in our lives and in our faith. Each morning and evening there was a worship service in the large room of the Ocean Center, where most of the event took place. The worship would begin with a band, called FRVR FREE, playing upbeat music. They would hype everyone up for worship as they poured out their love of God into their singing and instruments. They also performed at the end of worship, sending everyone out to their next activity. Either way, they brought a new level of energy and love into the arena. If the Big Room Worship was too loud or overwhelming, they also offered a quieter space called the Upper Room. Here participants could watch worship through a live feed on a TV screen.
There were many different speakers, all of them having experienced challenges that they overcame with God’s help. Whether that was falling into different stereotypes, surpassing an obstacle in their path, or even feeling separated from the Lord. Each of them was very powerful in their own right, and it was inspirational to hear all of their stories. Our own Bishop Héctor A. Burgos Núñez, was one of the first speakers. Bishop Héctor attended with his wife and daughter, who also enjoyed being part of the experience.
On the opening night, a band called Rend Collective played. They were very down to earth and in touch with themselves and God, plus they added their own Irish flare into their music. The crowd had so much fun dancing and singing along to some of the songs we had sung before, or even songs we had never heard.
My favorite part of this event was that on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, you had the option to go down to the beach and take communion as the sun rose. My friends and I went down every single day, because it was an amazing 
way to start the day, even if it meant we had to wake up a little early. I could really feel God in those moments, as I looked upon the rising sun and felt the waves splashing on my ankles. It is a memory I will cherish forever. Throughout the event, we were meeting people from everywhere, whether it was our neighbors from the Midwest, the people on the top floor of the hotel from Alaska, or the people in workshops we were interacting with. In all of these people there was a great kindness, and I am thankful for every person I had the pleasure of meeting.
Overall, Youth 2023 pulled everyone closer to God, whether it was the rekindling of a relationship, strengthening a firm bond, or anywhere in between. The power of God was all around, and it was an experience I know I will never forget. Youth 2027's location has yet to be determined, but I hope more youth from Upper New York will have the opportunity to attend this amazing event. Our Bishop Hector has challenged us to have 150 youth in attendance in 4 years!! - Kevin Clark, East Greenbush UMC
Youth 2023 was an amazing experience, and I can’t wait for what’s to come. Being able to feel connected to everyone else was an amazing feeling, because I knew we all had something in common; our love for God. Although the workshops and the music were amazing, the speakers will be my favorite thing about my experience. Being able to 
connect someone else’s journey with God is such an interesting thing, especially when it’s as simple as a Bible verse. The range of stories and different experiences that others have had that you can relate to as well, makes you feel like one. Which made connecting and feeling comfortable so much easier. Youth 2023 was so fun and upbeat, and I was able to immediately meet new people to hang out with over the course of three days. At first, I felt a little nervous to branch out and talk to others. But with BOLD being the main theme of Youth 2023, I gave it a shot. Everyone was so sweet, and I felt accepted instantly. Being able to have so much fun during worship is something everyone should be able to do, and I’m grateful to be one of them. - Valeria Burgos-Adorno
Are you bold? This was frequently asked at Youth 2023. Though a simple response could be said, being bold not only includes being yourself, but also insists that an individual loves themselves and loves others the way Jesus does. The sights and sounds of this event are truly unique as the event consisted of 2,500 Christian people all coming together for one common idea: Jesus. Between the loud sounds of worship every day, and seeing some new and old friends, Youth 2023 was an experience like no other that allowed me to attend thought-provoking workshops, feel the sand on my feet, and realize what power the youth of the church can bring. - Grace Stierheim, Williamsville UMC