Photos and reporting by Miya Kim, written by Alyssa Fisher, Director of Communications for Cal-Pac

This year’s Aho To’utupu (Youth Day) event brought together youth, young adults, and their families from across Southern California to celebrate faith, culture, and community. The full-day event took place on Saturday, August 10, at Colton UMC. Youth and their families from around Cal-Pac prepared for this event for months, learning dances, memorizing Bible passages and songs, and creating costumes.

One video of the event, provided by Kuata Tongan LA of United Methodist Church described the purpose of the event: “to remind everyone that serving God comes in three phases as a Tongan Methodist: 1st, You are in the Potungaue Talavou (Youth) and you must learn the Basics of Tongan Faiva to not only Represent your Church, but your God…2nd, You are an Adult and either or both in two categories: you are the older generation of the Youth that is teaching the younger generation what To’utupu is all about AND/OR you have started your own family and is now ushering your young ones to be apart of To’utupu. 3rd, You are part of the Congregation where you help with Teungas (Costumes), you sing the songs for the Faiva & you hype up your Potungaue Talalvou with Pride.”

For Maikolo Brown, a youth member from First Tongan UMC of Pomona Valley and a Cal-Pac Youth Planning Committee (YPC) officer, To’utupu is an opportunity to see other churches’ unique dances and costumes year after year. Brown has been involved in the event since he was four years old. Tu’utanga Tu’ihalamaka, a longtime participant and youth worker from Lennox Tongan UMC, stressed how important the event is for teaching children cultural dances and values. It’s more than just performing—it’s about ensuring that young people understand and embrace their heritage.

However, the preparation process comes with its challenges, as families’ are often juggling practices with sports, school, and other responsibilities. The dedication it takes to create a successful youth day year after year is a testament to the community’s commitment to work together and carry on the tradition.

Gus “Kaki” Ahkiong, a church administrator at Bellflower First UMC, has been a participant since in the event since 1994. She shared that the event is wonderful because young people and their parents get to show off their creativity and their love for God. She looks forward to seeing kids and their skills as they grow each year. Ahkiong liked the addition of the memory verses to the program, and sees it as an opportunity to build connection between young people, The United Methodist Church, and the Cal-Pac Conference.

More photos, videos, and information about the event can be found at the following links:

• Kuata Vahenga LA of the UMC (Facebook Album)
• Lennox United Methodist Youth Ministry (Facebook Page)
• Kuata Tongan LA of United Methodist Church (YouTube Video)