We Believe in UCC Youth.

Dan Hitzemann, a youth chaperone from Illinois, lost a lot of grey hair this week. He was the first guy to sit down for a haircut at the Locks of Love Hair Salon at the UCC National Youth Event at Disney World.

Among the firsts at this week's National Youth Event is a newly-launched NYE application for smartphones that will allow users to keep up with schedules, stay connected with their friends, and is ecologically-friendly, as it reduces the need for printed materials.

As registration for the 2016 National Youth Event is set to close, gathering organizers have lined up an array of performers and speakers to underscore the importance of faith, leadership, service and social justice. A mix of young activists, family members and social justice groups will address youth from the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Four amazing youth speakers — all ages 15 or younger — will bring energy and excitement for their peers at this summer’s National Youth Event, helping reveal what faith, justice, leadership and service look like. 

There's one New Year's resolution that coordinators of the 2016 National Youth Event are suggesting to the young people and their chaperones who are planning to attend the National Youth Event this summer–skip your regular haircuts, grow your hair until the gathering, and donate on-site to Locks of Love.