I have never taken it for granted that the youth want to go. Oh, they talk about going years prior to being eligible. They have watched their older peers return from previous Gatherings so excited and enthused about the faith, the church, and one another, but I never know if this group would want to go. So I call a meeting, gather the eligible youth and their parents together, and give them choices. As always, the answer was quite clear.
Some traditions are worthwhile.
For our group, the Gathering begins when we choose to send in a registration. As difficult, if not impossible, as it is to answer these and other questions, I like hearing them because they are the first buds of the Spirit we need to get us going. But for me, as pastor, going is more than just physically getting there. We spent a lot of time preparing ourselves for the Gathering. Experience has taught me the need for meeting this often.