NYC Day 3: Check-In, Scavenger Hunt, and Field Event

First full day in SLC down!

Today was a day of settling into routines, developing friendships, and getting a taste of just how big the Church of the Nazarene US/Canada region really is!

We started with breakfast with our family groups and got to explore the city a little bit with each group walking to a different breakfast spot.  Some enjoyed traditional breakfasts while others experienced a place where anything and everything was put on a waffle!

After breakfast, we got back together to gather our "Bring With" supplies for packing care kits later this week and headed over to the convention center to check in for the conference.  We were greeted by dozens of excited volunteers and staff and even met a few familiar faces.  Each participant received a unique "Wonder Bag" filled with goodies!

After checking in, we gathered again in family groups for a photo scavenger hunt and lunch.  Teams got varying points for taking selfies with items that matched their family color, other districts attending NYC, certain SLC landmarks and art, or silly/awkward family photos.  Everyone got really into it and one of the things consistently mentioned as the best part was getting to interact with teens from other districts.  We even ran into a wild Pickle Terry (Connor from Trevecca)!  Family groups are really starting to mesh now and we're figuring out our routines and finding grace for each other when things get a little difficult.

Our evening activities consisted of a field event that included districts from all over the country that all gathered at an outdoor center with rollerskating, yard games, photo booth, rock wall climbing, arcade, and live band from Trevecca (some of the same crew that led worship at Brooktondale camp last summer!).  Everyone was given free vouchers for snacks, drinks, and desserts, and Chick-Fil-A handed out free chicken sandwiches.  Thousands of teens enjoyed hours of entertainment before a sleepy ride back to the hotel and quickly settling into rooms.  Tomorrow begins our first sessions of the Conference and we're full of anticipation for how God will speak to our teens!!