YouthQuest

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the location of YQ change each time?
Yes. As of 2002, YQ moves to different cities in either Canada or the United States.
2. What age group can attend YQ?
All students in high school are welcome to come to YQ.
3. Who plans YQ?
A consistent group of 4 directors along with representatives from every conference plan YQ. New
conference representatives join the planning team each YouthQuest.
4. Is YQ just for Christian youth?
No! Many groups bring students who are at different stages of spiritual development. The program definitely targets Christians but YQ always has students make first time commitments to Christ and has been inspirational and challenging to new believers.
5. Are there discounts for groups who have to travel extremely far?
Yes! Each student/leader receives a $100 discount if they have to travel more than 1500 miles (one way).
6. What does YQ have to offer my leadership students?
YQ offers a specific seminars for student leaders to receive training and resourcing on leadership. Also, there are places where leaders can get involved in discussion groups or display their talent on stage. Students will have a unique opportunity to hang out with our Bishops, Pastors and Youth Leaders from all over North America.
7. Will my students get a chance to see the city where YQ is held?
Yes! Each student will have the opportunity to choose an off-site trip that allows them to see or experience a part of the city.
8. Is YQ a good deal for the money?
Yes! YQ does appear to be more expensive than most retreats you take your students to. However, if you take into account that the registration cost covers...3 nights in a 5 star hotel, breakfast and supper each day, the full program including off-site trips and experiences...it really is quite a deal!