By Chris Mah Poy, First Third Animator, Chinook Winds Region

Five hundred youth from The United Church of Canada and the Presbyterian Church in Canada gathered at Brock University in St. Catharines’ Ontario for Collective 2026, a multi-day youth event earlier this month. Some 30 Chinook Winds youth, young adults and youth leaders participated in building community, worship and workshops with leaders from Symons Valley United Church, St. Thomas United Church and Fish Creek United Church providing leadership during the event.

Here are some reflections from some of our participants:

I enjoyed Collective because it brings youth from all over the country together. It also shows us that there are many different ways you can do worship. Also, these kinds of events let young people socialize outside of school. – Hope B., Scarboro United Church

I believe that Collective is important because it allows for the connection of youth and young adults across Canada, while also giving the opportunity for us as United youth to mingle, learn, and understand our differences and similarities with the Presbyterian youth. I enjoyed Collective because it had allowed me to meet many new people across both churches and the country. Letting me make new friends, and see old ones. I am extremely grateful to have the chance, and the opportunity to be able to these events, across the wider united church, and I am grateful for the donors who were able to let me attend. Thank you! –Lexie W., Airdrie United Church and Chinook Winds Youth Council.

Events like collective are important because it brings a community of like minded people from different ecumenical partners together for a fun week, while also raising awareness of global partners and issues that we can support. – Sophie P., Fish Creek United Church and Chinook Winds Youth Council

We are so grateful to the donors and leaders who helped regional youth participate at Collective. Special thanks to Symons Valley United Church, St. Thomas United Church, Knox United Church, Fish Creek United Church and Scarboro United Church, as well as our individual donors. These events are fantastic places of connection and formation, and we’re so thankful for the continued contributions to youth ministry.