Schedule

2:00 PM

Check in, get your swag bag and meet fellow participants and parents.

3:00 PM

Parents and youth learn about the program, are introduced to our leaders and review rules and procedures.

Topics: Presenting the Theme; Rules & Procedures; How This Came to Be

3:45 PM

Youth will get to meet their counselors and the other participants that they will be spending most of the conference with. Counselors are prepared with get-to-know you games to help break the ice and get ready for an amazing event.

3:45 PM

When youth leave to meet their pride, the parents will have a special session where they’ll be introduced to some of the principles their children will be learning and receive research-based resources.

4:50 PM

Youth will share their first meal together as a group. Group dining fosters the development of friendships and allows for a seamless transition between activities, minimizing time spent on check-in and check-out procedures. If you would like to take your child out for a meal, our team will gladly assist with the check-out process.

5:35 PM

Outdoor group games help maintain high energy levels and offer opportunities for self-discovery. Youth requiring accommodations or who feel uncomfortable participating in certain activities will be supported to engage at a level that suits their comfort. Our counselors are committed to providing inclusive and adaptable experiences.

6:50 PM

Youth will learn about our crafting projects this year and enjoy time to socialize with their prides and counselors.

7:45 PM

We end each day of the program with a time for youth to discuss and debrief the activities of the day. This is an important time to process how they felt and what they learned. Counselors guide this process so no participant feels pressured to share.

8:00 PM

We kindly ask parents to arrive promptly at 8:00 PM for check-out. With many participants, punctuality ensures a smooth process and helps us honor the venue’s schedule. Please note that only adults listed on the registration form are authorized to pick up participants. If you need to add a designated adult to the list, please contact us via email.

8:00 AM

Youth who arrive earlier during the check-in window will have the chance to connect with other members of their Pride who arrive early and enjoy additional time for crafting activities, which will be available until check-in concludes. We encourage parents to bring their youth early to avoid last-minute lines before 9:00 AM and to ensure they don’t miss any of the opening events.

9:00 AM

Studying scriptures can be challenging for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Our goal is to reframe the approach to engaging with sacred texts, focusing on building a meaningful relationship with the writings rather than solely viewing them as instructional. We introduce techniques such as Lectio Divina and Florilegia to support this approach.

10:00 AM

Youth will enjoy presentations from engaging speakers and inspiring musical performances.

Topics: Strengthening Relationships with Family; Safe Relationship Habits

11:40 AM

Prides will participate in interactive games and explore how these activities connect to their personal experiences. Counselors will also facilitate guided discussions to deepen reflection and engagement.

12:25 PM

Lunch will be provided for all participants. If there are specific dietary needs noted in registration alternative options will be provided.

1:35 PM

A variety of classes on different topics will be offered, allowing youth to select three sessions that interest them most.

Classes: How to talk to parents and leaders; How to have a relationship with God; Finding queerness in the scriptures; How to be an ally; Trans 101

4:25 PM

Time for the youth to socialize and discuss their classes while engaging in hands-on crafting projects.

5:10 PM

Dinner will be provided for all participants. If there are specific dietary needs noted in registration alternative options will be provided.

6:10 PM

Youth have an opportunity to discuss and debrief the activities of the day.

6:40 PM

Youth who would like to share a talent in the variety show can indicate that at registration or by emailing info@belongyouthconference.org.

8:00 PM

Youth must be checked out by a designated adult.

8:00 AM

Crafting activities will be available to youth who arrive early during the check-in window from 8:00 am to 9:00 am.

9:00 AM

Youth will practice building a relationship with sacred text.

10:00 AM

Youth will enjoy presentations from engaging speakers and inspiring musical performances.

Topics: Neurodivergence; Body Image; Q&A Panel with Therapists

11:40 AM

Prides will play games and discuss how they relate to things they're experiencing in their lives. Counselors will also lead guided discussions.

12:25 PM

Lunch will be provided for all participants. If there are specific dietary needs noted in registration alternative options will be provided.

1:50 PM

Youth will hear from speakers and musical numbers.

Topics: Identity Development; Stages of Coming Out

3:05 PM

Youth will receive guidance on how to effectively share their stories, with an opportunity for those interested to practice in a group setting with multiple Prides.

3:55 PM

In breakout groups by Pride, youth will have the opportunity to share their stories with one another, guided by their counselors.

4:50 PM

Youth will hear from speakers and musical numbers.

Topics: Consent and Boundaries; Loving yourself, others, and God; Final Message

6:10 PM

Youth have an opportunity to discuss and debrief the activities of the day.

6:30 PM

The week will conclude with a celebration where parents can connect, exchange contact information, and meet each other. Youth will have the opportunity to introduce their parents to their counselors and new friends, and participants will have a chance to say their goodbyes. Dinner for participants will be included in the social.

8:00 PM

A designated adult must check out the youth. For those needing to leave early, check-out will be available at any time.