NYM Annual Session – Memorial Day Weekend May 22-25, 2026
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, children’s programs 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.
- May 22-25, 2026
- Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, Wisconsin
For an updated schedule with locations and Zoom links, please go to the Sessions website (pw is quaker2026)
2026 Theme: Courage in Witness, Stronger Together: How do we partner to make change in the world as Quakers?
Quaker spirituality and action is inherently collective. It is something done in community and through partnership. In these times of crisis and violence, we will explore together how we each can seek clearness to engage more deeply and effectively in action and partnerships to witness and do what must be done for justice, peace and healing.
Queries and Guidelines for Small Group Discussions, 2026
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?
For the updated schedule with locations and Zoom links, please go to the Sessions website (pw is quaker2026)
Welcome to the Northern Yearly Meeting Annual Session!
This guide is intended to help you understand and enjoy NYM Annual Session. A lot happens at camp, the schedule is full, and hopefully this helps you have the least confusing and best time possible!
Reminders of What to Bring
- Your checkbook, cash, or credit card if not yet paid. If paying by credit card, the fee will be added to your registration.
- towels – not provided
- bedding (unless you rented it with your registration): pillow, pillow case, sheets, and blankets or sleeping bag. It can be very cold in a tent.
- For children sleeping on cabin floors: air mattresses or pad, plus bedding
- flashlights
- rain and cool weather gear
- insect repellent
- sunscreen
- swimsuit
- journal and pen
- musical instruments and songbooks
- your own cup if you prefer a larger mug for tea or coffee
- padlock if desired for cabin locker
- books for the book swap
- bike helmet if bringing a bike. Helmets are required at all times when riding.
What NOT to bring: Pets, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, and alcohol are not allowed at the camp.
Wisconsin Lions Camp
3834 County Road A
Rosholt, WI 54473
Map
Mosquitoes and deer ticks are common at Wisconsin Lions Camp. Mosquitoes can carry disease and deer ticks frequently carry multiple diseases, including Lyme disease. Please do daily tick checks of your skin and clothing to reduce the potential of contracting any of these diseases. You can also tuck your pants into your socks! This can prevent the sweet little critters from crawling up under your pants.
There are many toxic and natural products available on the market to help protect you/your family from ticks and mosquitoes; please use what works best for you.
Zoom meetings scheduled in advance of annual session:
- Detailed budget review – Sunday, May 17, 4:00pm
- State of Society reports – Sunday, May 17, 6:30-8pm
Cost is never a reason to stay away, as there are inexpensive food and sleeping options, as well as generous scholarships. We hope you can come!
Scenes from past annual sessions
