NYM Annual Session May 23-26, 2025
NYM Annual Session is a 3-day gathering of regional Quakers, held over Memorial Day weekend at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in central Wisconsin. Hundreds of Friends come together for fellowship, worship, recreation and to conduct the yearly meeting’s business, Alternatively, Friends can attend virtually on Zoom during business meetings, theme and small groups, and select other activities.
Queries – Begin to think about the small group discussion
2025 Theme: Becoming the Quakers the World Needs:
How Is God Calling Me to Use My Gifts in a Challenging Time?
Quakers have a history of being agents of change and harbors of stability. Being a Quaker is a marathon not a sprint, and the arc of our work can take generations. Grounded in the legacy of Quakers, together we will explore ways to stay strong while following God’s leadings to provide support and change in today’s world.
Why go to NYM Annual Session?
What is Northern Yearly Meeting? Should I go to Annual Session?
NYM is an organization of regional Quakers. NYM Annual Session is a 3-day gathering held over Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26. We hold business meetings, enjoy the company of old and new Friends, seek spiritual growth, and enjoy campfires, walks in the woods, boating, swimming, singing, and much more. Children and youth participate in a lively and popular program.
Virtual Attendance
Friends attending via Zoom participate in business meetings, the theme presentation, small group discussions of the theme, and possibly more in the afternoons.
Location
We meet at the Wisconsin Lions Camp in rural north-central WI, approximately 20 miles from Stevens Point. This is a summer camp for children and adults with a full range of disabilities. Buildings are modern and fully accessible. Our session will be concentrated in a compact, flat area by a small private lake, near seven miles of hiking trails. Canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and swimming are available during scheduled times.
Food
Meals are in the dining hall, or at picnic tables outside. There are three options for meals. Snacks are available at all times for everyone, regardless of meal plan.
- Camp staff prepares standard American meals, including a salad bar and a vegetarian option.
- “Simple Foods” is run by campers, who share in preparation and cleanup of meals. It is vegetarian and can accommodate dietary restrictions.
- You can bring your own food. Small refrigerators are available in the cabins.
Sleeping
Cabins have 6 to 10 beds, shared with groupings like families, all-women, couples, young adults.
A significant portion of Friends sleep in their own tents. Tents can be pitched almost anywhere, from the grass next to a cabin, to the woods or fields, to a peninsula on the lake. Campers may use bathrooms in any cabin. Motels are also available nearby.
Children and Youth
Kids usually love it. Once they come, even if hesitantly because it’s new, they general clamor to come again. The freedom and availability of lots of fun activities captivate them. They meet with their age group every morning where they learn to treat each other respectfully while having fun and living out Quaker values. Teens make up their own rules and decisions at their own business meeting. Teens and middle schoolers have their own cabins where they can choose to sleep overnight.
Other activities include intergenerational activities, parent connections, worship sharing, ad-hoc interest groups, music, folk dancing, games, and outdoor activities on or around the lake.
Should I go?
Well, yes! Why not? It’s lovely to immerse yourself in all things Quaker.
Epistles are written and approved by those present at Annual Sessions! They describe a collective sense of experience and how spirit has moved among Friends during the gathering.
How do I attend NYM Annual Session?
What to know now that you are coming?
Zoom meetings scheduled in advance of annual session:
- NYM Bylaws updates deep dive – Tuesday, May 13, 6:30 pm
- Detailed budget review – Sunday, May 18, 1-3:00pm
- State of Society reports – Sunday, May 18, 6:30-8pm