The purpose of occasional residential gatherings, in addition to considering normal yearly meeting business, is

1. to strengthen and support the witness and activity of Friends by continuing the personal friendships, spiritual inspiration and momentum that residential gatherings provide;
2. to provide time, at a more leisurely pace than is normally possible during regular Yearly Meeting sessions, for the exploration of those issues and concerns which by their nature require such time;
3. to provide the space for exploration of issues and concerns in groups or other diverse ways;
4. to provide the time and facilities for study and real learning;
5. to involve as many Quakers of all ages as possible in active participation; this should include activities for all ages.