A Long History

Since its inception in 1978, YouthQuest, the Brethren in Christ Youth Conference, has grown to be a core event for students across North America. Over the years, the conference has drawn students from regions like California all to way to Alberta. Starting at French Lick, Indiana with an approximate attendance of 400, the event was eventually moved to the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. The Tamiment Resort served us well until 1999, when, with an attendance of 815, we stretched the facility beyond its comfortable capacity. Knowing that we needed to find a new facility for 2002, the YQ planning team changed the venue to the Sheraton Parkway Hotel & Convention Center in Richmond Hill, Ontario.

Our desire was to allow YQ to grow numerically and also give students the opportunity to see the many diverse places where our BIC churches are located. In the back of our minds, some of us dared to dream that we might reach 1000 registrants. So, you can imagine how excited we were when we not only exceeded our goal of 900, but also exceeded our dream goal in 2002. Our most recent YQ 2006 in Niagara Falls, Ontario was an awesome experience and the event continues to grow and change.

Taking feedback from church leaders and denominational staff, we struck out on a new direction to make YQ a biennial event. The desire to meet together more regularly was strongly felt throughout the planning team and the General Conference. So, starting 2004, we meet on a biennial schedule for YouthQuest. This has helped YQ stay a more regular part of a church’s schedule and give students an opportunity to attend YQ twice in their high school career

Comments

[Dan Houck]

I am getting so excited about our Washington YouthQuest! I think it will be the best one yet. What bands should we invite? Do you know of a good speaker to recommend? Post your ideas on the page.