FAQ
How do I register for the conference week?
Details and instructions for registration can be found on our website, at yesonstar.org/register.
What is the total cost of the conference?
The total cost of this year's conference, before scholarships, varies based on the age of the youth attending. The seven-night stay on Star Island costs $675 for youth aged 16-17, and $940 for youth aged 18-22.
Are there scholarships available?
YES! We do our best to ensure that everyone who wants to attend our conference can do so. YES youth use multiple kinds of financial aid:
1. Financial Aid through YES: YESonStar.org/financial-aid
2. Financial Aid through Star Island Corporation: starisland.org/programs/registration/#financial-grants
3. The New Shoaler Discount from Star Island: starisland.org/discounts/
4. Financial Grants from your local UU, UCC, or other congregation
(this varies -- talk to the minister or Religious Education Director)
5. Financial Grants from your regional or national UU or UCC chapter
Each year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of our youth staff and contributions from YES alumni and friends, we can distribute $2500-$3000 as part of the YES Financial Aid. Even more is distributed through Star Island. If you require assistance and think you might be eligible, we recommend contacting the registrar as soon as possible. Please see YESonStar.org/financial-aid for full information
Details and instructions for registration can be found on our website, at yesonstar.org/register.
What is the total cost of the conference?
The total cost of this year's conference, before scholarships, varies based on the age of the youth attending. The seven-night stay on Star Island costs $675 for youth aged 16-17, and $940 for youth aged 18-22.
Are there scholarships available?
YES! We do our best to ensure that everyone who wants to attend our conference can do so. YES youth use multiple kinds of financial aid:
1. Financial Aid through YES: YESonStar.org/financial-aid
2. Financial Aid through Star Island Corporation: starisland.org/programs/registration/#financial-grants
3. The New Shoaler Discount from Star Island: starisland.org/discounts/
4. Financial Grants from your local UU, UCC, or other congregation
(this varies -- talk to the minister or Religious Education Director)
5. Financial Grants from your regional or national UU or UCC chapter
Each year, thanks to the fundraising efforts of our youth staff and contributions from YES alumni and friends, we can distribute $2500-$3000 as part of the YES Financial Aid. Even more is distributed through Star Island. If you require assistance and think you might be eligible, we recommend contacting the registrar as soon as possible. Please see YESonStar.org/financial-aid for full information
What should I bring with me for the week?
What is the policy on drugs and alcohol?
We are a completely dry conference. Nobody is allowed to consume or possess alcohol or recreational drugs, even if they are over the legal drinking age. This is an important part of ensuring our community is safe and open.
- Clothes for 8 days and 7 nights (for both warm and cool weather)
- Swimsuit
- Towels for swimming/sunbathing
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Toothpaste and toiletries
- Water bottle and sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes
- Feminine hygiene products
- Camera, instruments, journal
- Themed dinner costumes (optional)
- Gifts for secret buddy (optional)
- A check or credit card to pay your bill
What is the policy on drugs and alcohol?
We are a completely dry conference. Nobody is allowed to consume or possess alcohol or recreational drugs, even if they are over the legal drinking age. This is an important part of ensuring our community is safe and open.
What is the policy on sexualized behavior?
Our conference is committed to promoting healthy relationships. We believe teenagers and young adults should be empowered to make their own decisions regarding sex and their bodies. At the same time, we are very mindful of New Hampshire's age of consent laws and encourage people to remain mindful throughout the week to create safe and inclusive spaces, and to make the best of their experience in the conference community.
What if I need to reach a family member during the week?
Although we encourage conferees to unplug from technology for the week to be fully present at the conference, there is cell coverage on some parts of the island if you need to make a call to the mainland.
If you need to reach a conferee from the mainland, the best way to do so is by calling the island's front desk, which is staffed 24/7. The person who answers the phone will be able to get you in touch with your conferee.
What is the role of the adult advisors?
The adult advisors provide us with support over the course of the year-long planning process and during the conference itself. Although youth are in charge of leading the conference, our advisors help us ensure that everything goes smoothly and that any issues that come up are resolved quickly. You can read more about the role of YES's adult advisors at YESonStar.org/adult-advisors
I have specific medical concerns and/or diet concerns.
Kosher, vegetarian, and vegan options are available at all meals and at the snack bar. The registrar can address any diet and medical concerns you have.
Our conference is committed to promoting healthy relationships. We believe teenagers and young adults should be empowered to make their own decisions regarding sex and their bodies. At the same time, we are very mindful of New Hampshire's age of consent laws and encourage people to remain mindful throughout the week to create safe and inclusive spaces, and to make the best of their experience in the conference community.
What if I need to reach a family member during the week?
Although we encourage conferees to unplug from technology for the week to be fully present at the conference, there is cell coverage on some parts of the island if you need to make a call to the mainland.
If you need to reach a conferee from the mainland, the best way to do so is by calling the island's front desk, which is staffed 24/7. The person who answers the phone will be able to get you in touch with your conferee.
What is the role of the adult advisors?
The adult advisors provide us with support over the course of the year-long planning process and during the conference itself. Although youth are in charge of leading the conference, our advisors help us ensure that everything goes smoothly and that any issues that come up are resolved quickly. You can read more about the role of YES's adult advisors at YESonStar.org/adult-advisors
I have specific medical concerns and/or diet concerns.
Kosher, vegetarian, and vegan options are available at all meals and at the snack bar. The registrar can address any diet and medical concerns you have.
What if I have a medical emergency while on island?
The island has basic medical facilities for more common medical ailments. For more serious medical issues, emergency transportation to the mainland is available.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Conferees spend the week in Oceanic and Gosport, two beautiful old hotels. Rooms are separated by sex and most conferees are given either a double or a triple room, although singles are also available.
Who should I talk to if I have more questions?
For questions regarding registration, scholarships, donating, or purchasing from our online store, please contact our registrar. All other queries can be directed towards our chair and co-chair.
Click here for contact info.
We hope to see you soon!
The island has basic medical facilities for more common medical ailments. For more serious medical issues, emergency transportation to the mainland is available.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
Conferees spend the week in Oceanic and Gosport, two beautiful old hotels. Rooms are separated by sex and most conferees are given either a double or a triple room, although singles are also available.
Who should I talk to if I have more questions?
For questions regarding registration, scholarships, donating, or purchasing from our online store, please contact our registrar. All other queries can be directed towards our chair and co-chair.
Click here for contact info.
We hope to see you soon!
