Can I come to the YLCs if I’m under 14?
Yes you can. In past years we have had people as young as 12. All we would say is that the conference is aimed at 14 – 21 year olds, and we don’t hold back on the teaching front! Talks are full of inspiring and stretching content so if you are on the young end, perhaps check with your youth leader first to see if they think you have the maturity to enjoy it all.
I’m a youth leaders- can I come even if I’m not bringing any young leaders?
Yes of course. Feedback from youth leaders is that as much as our aim is to resource 14-21 year olds, they are inspired by the conferences as well. It will be a resource to keep you thinking through how to mobilise young leaders in your context – and we are convinced that you will return the next year with a group of young leaders in tow!
Should we bring money to the Young Leaders event?
There is a tuck shop and drinks to purchase – although some food and drink is provided free of charge to make sure that everyone is looked after. We also have an excellent resources stand, packed full of leadership materials so it’s worth saving up and grabbing some goodies!
Is lunch provided?
Lunch can be purchased at the YLC. We keep it simple and cheap, so you will have a choice of 2 or 3 dishes each day, and we’ll only charge what it cost us to provide it (between £1 and £2).
Can I come along for just one day or an evening?
We only sell full passes for the YLCs. This is for a number of reasons including
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Our desire to make the conferences relational, so that over the course of the conference there is a growing ‘family’ feel and real opportunity to make friends that last beyond the conference experience. Having people in and out for different sessions can distract from building that kind of atmosphere
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We limit the size of the YLCs to 120 delegates. This is also to preserve the relational nature. We have found that expanding much beyond this number makes it hard for the Onelife team to serve you all as well as we would like, especially in terms of developing relationships that will continue after the conference. Because of this size limit places are valuable, even meaning that we have had to turn people away in the past. If you are desperate to come but cannot make the whole event you will still need to purchase a full pass.
Are there bursaries available?
If the only reason you can’t come is because of the money then we would encourage you to speak to your local church to see if they will help with the costs. If that’s not an option then do be in touch with the Onelife office and we will be able to discuss bursary options with you.
I’m a responsible adult do I have to stay with the young people that I’m responsible for?
No. We ask that every delegate under-18 has a responsible adult because Onelife can’t be responsible for them at all times. We take security and first aid seriously at the YLCs so if they are in the venue then they are well looked after. They may choose to hang out in the café whilst you go off to a seminar and that would be fine. We can’t be responsible for young people when they are outside the venue or go offsite, that’s when you have to be responsible for their safety in whatever way you see most appropriate.
What time does the YLC start and finish?
Registration begins from 6pm on the day of arrival and we suggest that if you are going to be accommodated that you aim to arrive around then to get settled in before the event starts at 7:30pm.
Evening meetings run until 9:30pm and then chill out venues stay open until 10:45pm so we encourage people to stay around and get to know the other delegates. However you are obviously free to go anytime after the evening meeting has finished.
Each morning the venue opens at 9am for a 9:30am start. It’s worth arriving before 9:30 as there are usually refreshments served and other exciting things happening!
If I apply for accommodation, how does that work?
The Onelife team find accommodation in the local area on church hall floors and in church family homes. If you are part of a larger group then you are likely to be placed in a church hall. If your group is between 2 and 6 people then usually you will go into someone’s home. The Onelife team will be in touch with your group leader before the event to make arrangements that suit your needs.