Typical Activities

Members of our conference, known as "shoalers", spend the week attending a variety of discussion and activity-based workshops. Conferees may also spend time dressing up for theme dinners, playing guitar on the porch, watching incredible sunrises and sunsets over the open ocean, participating in nightly worships, and so much more!

Our 2014 Softball Team photo: Ready for battle against the Pels!

Daily Workshops
During the day, shoalers participate in workshops of their choice which are designed and run by other conferees. Although they vary each year, some of our common workshops include Art barn, Softball, and Gym Class.

Shoalers old and new who are not designated workshop leaders also have the option to create and run their own workshops, called "one-shots," throughout the week. Some of our famous one-shots have included Scary Stories, Billy Goating, Ghost Tour, and Shoe Golf!

Recreational workshops provide a fun way for shoalers to get to know each other better and unwind from the stresses of mainland life. Workshops such as social action encourage thoughtful discussions and push conferees to be active members in both their local and global communities.

Theme Dinners
During the week, each of our dinners are given a creative and unique theme which conferees are encouraged to dress up for The themes vary year to year (with some traditionally repeating) and are sent out well before hand and listed on the poster.  Conferees often bring there own supplies but also end up sharing clothing and prop pieces to assemble their looks. The porch and lawn become a center for funny pictures before and after dinner.

Evening Activities
Our evening Family group meetings are followed by all-cons such as Improv Night,  our "Coffee House" talent show, and the ever-exciting annual Auction!  Many shoalers also choose to simply relax and enjoy the sunset. Late at night we also have Night Owls like ice breakers, and Letter Writing.

Nightly Worship
Worship encourages shoalers to seek their own individual sense of spirituality and connections with the world. Through the guidance of that year's Worship Coordinators, shoalers are led through meditations that empower them to explore their own sense of self and strengthen the sense of community within the conference.

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Family Groups
Every conferee is part of a Family Group made up of approximately 5 to 8 people. Family Groups check in once every day and are one of the few mandatory activities of the conference. They build community and help conferees who may not have crossed paths as much get to know each other, as well as being a designated time to reflect on the day and week so far.

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Free Time
In their free time, shoalers enjoy practicing for the softball game on the front lawn, sunbathing, swimming in the chilly Atlantic ocean, exploring the island, hanging out in the marine lab, playing music together, and so much more.

To the left are some photos from our Edible Seaweed tour during Summer 2016, with Star Island's Marine Lab Manager and Botany expert!
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All of these elements and more make the YES conference a rare opportunity to explore a deeper connection with both the people and world around us, and examine life on the "mainland" from the safety of a beautiful island miles away. ​

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Empowerment + Safe Environment

Youth empowerment is a delicate balance between enabling youth and young adults to demonstrate their ability and leadership skills while having ready support, guidance, and feedback from adults who have extensive experience working with youth conferences. We’re proud of how our conference creates a safe environment for young people to find their voice.

Our conference is run by a staff of young adults, ages 16-22, who handle conference planning, worship services, group facilitation, registration, and logistics, both on and off island. On island, we have adult advisers and a minister, Rev. Dave, who are an integral part of our conference. There are also trained volunteer conferee chaplains that are overseen by the on staff chaplain coordinator.

The conference chairs stay in frequent contact with the adult advisors before the conference, and during the conference rely on them for guidance on various matters. Our advisors and Rev. Dave work together to ensure the physical and emotional safety of all of our participants. In our many years on Star Island, we have had few predicaments which require emergency attention, but when they do arise, adult advisors and Rev. Dave work with the conference chairs to take care of them.

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The Island

The YES conference is hosted on Star Island, a beautiful location off the coast of New Hampshire. As part of the Isles of Shoals, Star Island is revered for its historical background and the experiences it has provided for religious, educational and family retreats over the years. 

Since 1915, the island and its sponsorships have been organized by the nonprofit Star Island Corporation. To learn more about the island, feel free to check out their website. 

You can also take a tour of Star by watching the video below.

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