Triennium at play
The first day ends with a smorgasbord of recreational opportunities
LOUISVILLE — The 2,025 youth and young adults attending Presbyterian Youth Triennium in 2025 ended their first night recreating in varied ways tailored to their needs and to their differing energy levels after a day of meeting new people and experiencing what is for many a once-in-a-lifetime event.
“Light the Night” was an apt description for what the young people experienced at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. One innovation was a Silent Disco, where youth donned glowing headphones and everyone in the room heard the same thing — the tunes spun by DJ Bill Buchanan of Asheville, North Carolina, who goes by the moniker DJ5.
“The room is silent. It’s a fully immersive experience. Everyone enjoys it together,” he pointed out. “If you are neurodivergent, it’s a good option.”
Kendall, a PYT participant from Omaha, Nebraska, was among those enjoying the quiet and yet active event. Some youth formed line dances while others danced in small groups. Just about every face bore a smile.
“It’s fun for sure,” Kendall said. “I’ve enjoyed meeting lots of new people.”
Kendall said Monday’s worship service featuring a stirring sermon by the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly, was a highlight to date. “That sermon spoke to our age group,” Kendall said.
Another large room featured another relatively quiet event, a glow-in-the-dark party. As the name suggested, the dark space had glow-in-the-dark hopscotch, tic-tac-toe, Jenga, ring toss and cornhole.
Downstairs was the Calm Corner, a quiet place with pillows and rugs, comfy chairs and couches. An electric kettle allowed for a soothing cup of tea.
Whitleigh Wilhelmi, assistant director of the Jones Learning Center at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, is a member of PYT’s Care Team.
She called the Calm Corner “a place for emotional calm.”
“It’s not just hospitality. It’s therapeutic,” she said. “It’s an anchor for people who need something calming.”
Offered for the first time at Presbyterian Youth Triennium, the Calm Corner had fidgets for self-regulation and posters for attendees to color.
Wilhelmi also marveled at the calm worship space PYT offered. Those who wanted to could worship and have the sound piped in at a decibel level comfortable for them.
“It was a welcome addition,” Wilhelmi said.
Videographer Alex Simon contributed to this report.
Presbyterian Youth Triennium continues through Thursday. The Tuesday preacher is the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, Moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008). Follow Presbyterian News Service and the PC(USA)’s social media outlets for some of the many activities in store for attendees.
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