What is WRYE?

Good question! That acronym stands for the Western Regional Youth Event, and it is a regional gathering of UCC youth, who are currently in 6th grade through 12th grade. We’ll have youth from 13 different states (the western half of the United States). It used to happen every four years—alternating with National Youth Event, which also happened every four years—but because of the pandemic we haven’t gathered in 6 years! So we’re beyond exciting to be gathering again!

What ages of youth are allowed to attend WRYE?

Youth currently in 6th grade through currently in 12th grade.

What do we do at WRYE?

We spend one day engaged in workshops, another day working on service projects, and one day exploring the locale in a fun way (this year it’s DISNEYLAND!) Worship bookends our days, with good music and inspirational speakers. There’s time to play, and time in small groups – both conference groups and other smaller groupings. We gather on college campuses, and that provides an opportunity to imagine college life – living in dorms, exploring the campus, etc. WRYE 2024 is being held at California State University, Long Beach and we are excited about what this location and the faith and service commitment of the community provide us as a backdrop to our event.

Can we arrive early or stay later?

Absolutely! Some groups want to extend their stay in Long Beach, either to have some time at the beach or engage with other local projects. Extra nights can be added before or after WRYE just let us know. Rates are per room. Double Rooms cost $164/night ($82 per participant, if you have two), Single room is $137/night. Meals are included in that rate.

What is covered in our registration fee?

• Admission to Disneyland ($160)

• Meals - starting with dinner on Sunday night through lunch on Thursday. Sack lunches will be provided on our service project day. We will spend two meals at Disneyland (lunch and dinner). Youth should bring spending money for the park to cover these meals.

• Four nights stay at Cal State Long Beach (Sunday-Thursday). Rooms are double occupancy. Participants can submit roommate requests on their registration form. Adult leaders can request a single room for an additional fee of $220. Just reach out to us on our “Contact Us” page or email us at wryeucc@gmail.com.

• Program costs, service projects, and workshops

• T-shirt

What is the ratio of adults to youth?

While all groups must meet the requirements of their local church/conference we recommend to have at least one adult for every 6 youth.

What are the background check and mandated reporter requirements of adult chaperones?

All adult participants must complete a background check, submit a self-disclosure form, and complete mandated reporter training. Once you’ve registered we will follow up with you with needed forms and information.

I’m an adult leader, can I pay to have the option to have my own room?

Yes! Adult leaders and chaperones can pay an additional $225 to have their own room. Just select the option during registration.

What are rooms like?

Rooms are double occupancy (two youth, or two adults to a room) with bathrooms located at the end of the floor. Adults and youth will be in separate rooms but there will be adults staying on youth floors as well as campus security that will help ensure the safety of the youth. All participants (youth and adults) can make roommate requests on the registration website. There will be options for our non-binary and trans teens to have safe, respectful, and comfortable housing. We will work with our non-binary teens to make sure their roommate assignments fit their needs.

Don’t see your question here?

Please reach out to us using our “Contact Us” page or by emailing wryeucc@gmail.com.