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2024 Fall Youth CONferences

September 20 - 22: Peer Advocate Leaders (PAL) Training Weekend

October 18 - 20: Elementary CON (ages 9-11)

November 1 - 3: Intermediate CON (ages 12-14)

November 15 - 17: Senior High CON (ages 15-17)

(Click on your age group)

Youth CONs provide year-round life-enriching experiences for Unitarian Universalist youth and others interested in UU programming and has been a focus of The Mountain since our founding in 1979. Not only is this tradition being honored, but we are enthusiastically growing more possibilities for youth engagement!

In addition to MountainCamp, biannual CONs provide Fall and Spring experiences for Elementary, Middle and High School youth.

We invite you to join us for Youth CONs this Fall for a fun-filled, transformative weekend together. Register now to secure a spot with other youth at The Mountain!

What is a Youth CONference?

A Youth CON is a weekend-long gathering planned and organized by youth of Unitarian Universalist (UU) congregations and their peers, with support from adults and advisors. Together, they create immersive, engaging experiences with memories to last a lifetime. 

The weekend is filled with workshops, activities, adventures, and community building in a supportive environment. During CONs, youth will develop new friendships through small get-to-know-you groups, and create lasting bonds with others during free time. CONs incorporate community building, fun, worship, spirituality, activism, and youth leadership opportunities.

Youth participating in Youth CONferences typically attend as a part of a congregational sponsored group, though all youth are welcome to attend. Adult advisors and Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs) work together with Mountain Staff to provide this enriching youth program.

Peer Advocate Leaders (PALs), ages 14-18, work closely with our Youth Program Manager to plan and implement our Youth CONs. We are also seeking PAL Mentors ages 18+ to help provide guidance and program planning for the Fall and Spring.

The PAL position includes co-leading focus groups and workshops throughout the weekend, as well as assisting with Orientation, Morning Circle, Arts & Crafts, Field Time, Coffee House (talent show), and the Dance. It's always a blast and a great way for young leaders to mentor youth and grow their camp leadership skills! Many PALs go on to serve as Counselors-in-Training (CITs), Counselors, or other Camp Staff during the summer months at MountainCamp.

PAL leadership training includes opportunities to grow in creative problem-solving, critical thinking, communication techniques, mentoring, and group facilitation skills. Personal growth sessions include self-awareness and interpersonal skill building.

PAL expectations: 

• Be 14-18 at the time of the CONference
• Implement The Mountain COVID protocol of testing and possibly masking

For Fall CONs 

• Participate in the PAL training and CON planning weekend (Sept 20-22, 2024)
• Participate as a PAL for the 3 CONs (Elementary, Intermediate, & Senior High)
• Register by September 6, 2024

Introducing

Wally Graeber

Youth Programs Manager

Wally joined The Mountain team on August 10th, 2024 as Youth Programs Manager.

What attracted you to The Mountain? In May of 2024, a friend recommended applying to be a camp counselor for MountainCamp. At the end of the summer, I was hired full-time as the Youth Programs Manager to help organize and support youth-centered gatherings throughout the year at The Mountain.

What would you like to accomplish as part of The Mountain team? I would like to help continue developing an organization that is rooted in connection with people, place, and planet. Creating a space for exploration, learning, and respite is at the heart of these goals along with UU values of justice, equity, and transformation.

What do you find most important in life? Recently I have begun to value witnessing the passage of time through timelapse photography. I am looking forward to sharing this interest by capturing the seasonal cycles of natural and human connections at The Mountain and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains.

For more information about youth CONs, PAL youth leadership opportunities, or other youth and young adult programming, please contact Wally at Wally.Graeber@themountainrlc.org or 828.526.5838 x253

Join us for a Mountain Experience!

Review our events page here to find a time to enjoy The Mountain during a scheduled event or a personal retreat. 

Pleases share this information with others who may enjoy a magical Mountain experience.

Thank you for your support!

Monday's 8.12.24 Mountain Sunset