Gathering details and Registration

  • The Godly Play North American Gathering will take place on the campus of Vancouver School of Theology.

    Early Bird registration has been extended through Feb. 15, 2025.

    Registration Fees
    Early Bird Registration (through February 15): $425 (USD)
    Regular Registration (February 16–May 1): $475 (USD)
    Late Registration (May 2–July 15): $525 (USD)

    Registration includes light breakfast each day, lunch on Thursday and Friday, and dinner on Friday.

    The Invitation
    Rejuvenate with us at the Deep Well! Through story, wonder, and play, renew and deepen the connection to yourself, others, and the children in your circles here and across the globe. 

    Drawing upon learnings from our past conferences, this year’s Gathering will be a unique and immersive event that embraces the wisdom of the circle, honors the diversity of our lived experiences, and engages Godly Play practices to shape our time together.

    The rhythm of each day will provide sacred space for hearing and sharing stories from guest panelists and attendees, time for individual response and rest, and convening in intentional and conversational working groups to expansively discern the application of Godly Play practices.

    So, come with an open heart, ready to enter the mystery and to leave with immeasurable connection, deeper meaning making, and a renewal of ideas to strengthen and broaden your Godly Play work. 

    Be a part of this extraordinary event, where as a beloved community, we will weave stories of hope, unity, and love, knitted together by a shared wondering of God’s call in our lives and the lives of children. 

    Share Your Ideas!
    This year, we will not host workshops in the traditional sense. Instead, we are living into our Godly Play value of drawing on the wisdom of the circle by going deeper into our work of Godly Play through participant-led conversations. We honor how each participant brings their own unique ideas, perspectives, challenges, and questions. 

    Do you have an idea or question you want to discuss during the “going deeper” section of the gathering? Share your thoughts on the registration form! This does not mean you have to lead anything. Rather it allows us to identify facilitators and divide conversations into relevant themes for conference attendees.

    Scholar’s Dinner Poster Submission
    Are you working on a project or conducting research related to children's spirituality or Godly Play? Interested in sharing your findings? Contact Hannah Sutton-Adams with the Godly Play Center for the Theology of Childhood, hannah@godlyplayfoundation.org.

  • Join us for our Scholar's Dinner at this year's conference, where you will have an opportunity to gather with scholars and practitioners to learn about recent research on Godly Play and the study of children’s spirituality. The evening will kick off at 5:00 PM with a poster session showcasing recent research. Following the session, enjoy dinner while engaging in thought-provoking conversation and networking with fellow thought leaders and peers. 

    As a highlight of the evening, we are thrilled to announce that the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Minor, the Director of the Center for the Theology of Childhood for the Godly Play Foundation, will give a keynote address over dessert. Those who register for this event will receive follow-up information about how to contribute to the evening’s discussions and activities.

    This intimate gathering provides the perfect opportunity to forge new collaborations or unwind with others who are passionate about finding and developing evidence-based practices for nourishing the spiritual lives of children. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable night of scholarship and camaraderie—reserve your spot today!

    Registration Fee: $50

    Scholar’s Dinner Poster Submission
    Are you working on a project or conducting research related to children's spirituality or Godly Play? Interested in sharing your findings? Contact Hannah Sutton-Adams with the Godly Play Center for the Theology of Childhood, hannah@godlyplayfoundation.org.

  • Godly Play Canada is excited to invite you to a Hybrid Godly Play Core Training in 2025! This engaging program will unfold over four Saturdays via Zoom, culminating in a full day of prayerful and action/reflection learning together in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia. Please note that this Godly Play Canada core training is recognized by Godly Play Foundation for US practitioners.


    We’d love for you to be a part of this transformative experience. And why not stay for the North American Godly Play Gathering afterward? It’s a wonderful opportunity to deepen your connections and share in the joy of Godly Play. We can't wait to see you there!

    Details and Registration Information here.

  • The Cancellation Policy for this event can be viewed here.

sponsorship opportunities

  • Feast Sponsor

    $2000
    On the evening of Friday, August 15th, participants will gather for a feast. This particular feast will honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Jerome Berryman.

  • Scholar's Dinner Sponsor

    $1000
    Our gathering will begin with an optional Scholar’s Dinner on Wednesday, August 13th. There will be poster sessions, research discussion groups, and keynote presentations from Rev. Sam Wells, PhD and Rev. Cheryl Minor, PhD.

  • Morning Coffee Sponsor

    $300
    Sponsoring morning coffee is an excellent way to get noticed by gathering participants. 2 opportunities to sponsor coffee breaks are available.

  • Partner

    $750

  • Contributor

    $450

  • Friend

    $150

Download our Sponsorship Packet to learn more about the event and sponsor benefits.

These sponsorships levels offer examples of options, but we will work with each sponsor to develop a package that works best for you. Contact Heather Ingersoll to come up with the perfect package for your organization heather@godlyplayfoundation.org.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

  • The Gathering begins at 9am Thursday, August 14, and we strongly encourage you to consider arrival on Wednesday. The event will end by noon on August 16.

    Air Travel
    Vancouver International Airport (YVR) - 30 mins drive, 50 mins on public transport from VST
    Bellingham Airport (BLI) - 1.75 hrs by train to Pacific Central Station
    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - 3.5 hrs by car to VST

    Rail Travel
    Pacific Central Station (Vancouver BC)

    Navigating Locally
    Guidance from UBC Vancouver Campus

  • We have booked a room block at Gage Signature Studios for Gathering participants with a discounted nightly rate. Book here or Alternatively, guests can call our Reservations Office at (604) 822-1000, Ext. 3, or toll free at 1-888-822-1030 or email reservations@housing.ubc.ca and indicate they are with the Godly Play North American Gathering or mention the Group Code (G250813A) to receive the group rate.

    Vancouver is a very popular summer destination, so booking early is advised.

    Carey Hall
    5 minute walk to VST
    222-260 CAD/night

    Hotel Accomodations at UBC
    West Coast Suites or
    Gage Signature Studios
    6 minute walk to VST
    220-380 CAD/night

    Triumf House
    15-20 minute walk to VST
    130-170 CAD/night

Policies

  • Godly Play encourages guests to consider public health guidance or advice from their medical providers on becoming fully vaccinated, receiving the booster vaccinations (if eligible) or being tested before attending the Conference. While masking will be optional, we will provide masks upon request at registration and throughout the Conference programming.

    Please do not attend the Conference if:

    1. You are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

    2. You were exposed to COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to the Conference.

    3. You tested positive for COVID-19 in the 10 days prior to the Conference.

  • Cancellation Policies for Online and Onsite Foundation Events