UNITED CONFERENCE 2026 | GSM (Grades 6-12)

WHAT IS UNITED CONFERENCE?

UNITED Conference is a three-day, in-house youth conference hosted by Gateway Student Movement (GSM) for students in Grades 6–12. This gathering exists to call students to live boldly for Jesus in this cultural moment through worship, biblical teaching, intentional response spaces, and meaningful community.

UNITED is built out of the heart of our monthly UNITED Nights — when our whole ministry gathers together — but expanded into a full conference experience designed to deepen faith, strengthen identity, and activate students to live out their faith beyond the weekend.

By hosting UNITED in-house, we’re able to:

• Create a more intentional, discipleship-focused environment
• Lean deeply into prayer, worship, and response
• Give students space to process and grow through small groups
• Remove travel barriers and keep the event accessible and affordable
• Fully lean into GSM culture, values, and community

This format allows us to shepherd students closely throughout the weekend, not just inspire them — but walk with them as God moves in their lives!

THEME: UNITED (GOSPEL → MISSION → IDENTITY → COURAGE)

17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20 - NIV)

GOSPEL — “New Creation”
When we are in Christ, we are made new. The old is gone, and God begins something fresh in our lives.

MISSION — “Ambassadors, Ministry of Reconciliation”
God sends us to share His love and message with the world. Being His ambassador means living for Him and helping others know His peace and hope.

IDENTITY — “Old Has Gone, New Is Here”
Our true identity is found in Christ, not in what the world says. Knowing who we are in Him gives confidence and purpose.

COURAGE — “Make God’s Appeal, Step Out, Respond”
Following Jesus takes boldness. Courage is saying yes to God, stepping out in faith, and responding to His calling in your life.

WHERE: GATEWAY CHURCH (HYDE PARK)

WHEN: April 23–25, 2026

• Thursday, April 23 – Conference kicks off during GSM (no registration required to attend Thursday only)
• Friday, April 24 – Friday Night Doors Open 6:00PM
• Saturday, April 25 – Conference concludes final session at 9:00PM

OPTIONAL SLEEPOVER
We know that overnight events look different for every student and family. For some, sleepovers are a highlight of the experience, while for others they can be a barrier to participation—and we want to be mindful of both.

At GSM, our goal is to make events as accessible as possible so every student can be involved. With that in mind, we’re trying something new this year.

On Friday night after service, students will have two options:

• Check out and go home for the night, or
• Stay for the optional sleepover

Either way, all students will return the next morning for breakfast and continue with the conference together.

Students who stay overnight will be divided by gender and grade, with leaders present throughout the evening.

If you have any questions or concerns about this option, we’re more than happy to chat—we want this weekend to be a great experience for your student.

NOTE(S)
- All students are required to complete a Waiver Form and Student Covenant (available on the registration site).

- There will be no showers at sleeping accommodations — please pack accordingly.

THINGS TO BRING 

• Bible
• Notepad
• hygiene essentials
  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• bedding (Sleeping bag, blanket)
• clothing & Pajamas
  • Warm clothes
  • Extra socks & underwear
  • activewear, hat, gloves, Rainwear
• comfortable shoes
• water bottle
• medications (If needed)
• Snacks (Optional, nothing messy)

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

• Eat Dinner before you come on on Friday
• All general youth guidelines in effect

COST: $115 – Covers everything for the weekend! If cost is a concern please reach out to Pastor joey (@joey@wearegateway.ca)

EXTRA COST: $35 - Covers a GSM United Conference t-shirt (Optional).