Very Important Thing
Have fun. Even though it seems like there are a lot of rules and stuff, that's just to keep things nice, relaxed, and to create an environment where people can have fun. So remember, no matter what you're doing at the moment, have fun. It may take a little effort, but I've found having fun tends to make my day a lot better.
The Con
Now you've gotten you're registration slip, and you've sent it in and even paid ahead of time. It's time to go. (This is where you're imagination kicks in so I can sort of take you on a trip to the Con [conference].)
Day 1
You've pre-registered for the conference. Your parent or guardian
signed a statement saying you can go and a medical release form, (or you signed
them if you're 18 or over). You sent in the money for the conference. You should
make sure you've brought everything that is listed in the conference "to bring"
list. What you need is simple:
- Some clothes (enough so you don't smell funny when you come back home)
- Maybe a favorite pillow/blanket/stuffed animal.
- Some sleeping gear (sleeping bag, pillow, air mattress, whatever)
- Some snacks to munch on, though they are usually provided
- A favorite book/poem/story to share at coffee house (explanation to come)
- Toiletries—Toothbrush, tooth paste, etc
- Basically, try to think what you would need if you were going away for the weekend and couldn't come home 'til Sunday (which is what you are doing)
Now that you're all packed and ready to go and have figured out a means of transportation to and from the conference, get in the vehicle of your choosing, and go to the con. (Asking, "Are we there yet?" is optional.)
Opening circle: During the opening circle, the conference staff will tell you what's going on, what the rules are, workshops, and what's going to happen at the conference. They will then start to call out Touch Group Leader's names. You hear the name of your touch group called, "The green peach fuzz Touch Group will meet in that corner over there." You look to see where "over there" is and go there.
Touch Groups: You are now in a Touch Group. There may be one or two people you know, but the rest are complete strangers (except for the person sitting across from you who told you their name, but you can't remember it because so many people told you their names). The main reason for a Touch Group is to get people to know one another, have fun, and to help people with the conference experience. Your Touch Group leader will play a game or get you to do some cool, creative thing so you can finally find out the name of everyone in your group and not forget it (which saves you from uncomfortable moments).
Worship: The first worship is usually focused on the theme of the conference. It gives people time to reflect on the conference's meaning, life in general, and offers an opportunity to grow spiritually. Sometimes there are readings from poetry, a story, or just reflection from conferees. It's a very special time at night when you can sit back and feel connected to the people around you. Saturday worship is usually a tying together of what the con has been. It's a chance for people to reflect on their experiences and a chance to enjoy the diversity the conference gives to people's lives.
Sleep: Now worship has ended. You've been hanging out with people, talking up a storm, and having lots of fun (see I told you that one rule wasn't that hard to follow). Now you're tired and you want to sleep. A sleeping area is provided that is quiet, peaceful, and not a bad place in general to fall asleep. So unroll the sleeping bag, and sweet dreams.
Day 2
Morning Gathering: Conference staff typically gathers all the conferees together to discuss what's happening before lunch. There's going to be some workshops (i.e. a cool origami making group is meeting in the play room, and there's a workshop on Buddhism in the sanctuary) and maybe a special activity.
Workshops: Choosing a workshop is a cool part of cons. Usually there are many to choose from. Try to find a workshop which meets your interests and you want to participate in. Workshops give you an opportunity to learn something new and possibly discuss a topic that you've been wondering about for quite a long time (why does some candy melt in your hand before you get it into your mouth?) You find a nice workshop which meets your interest. When it ends you've made a few more friends, know a few more names, and now have a new bit of knowledge that you hadn't had before. There is now an afternoon gathering and the staff talks about some afternoon workshops.
Coffee House: In many regions, it's a YRUU [Young Religious Unitarian Universalists] tradition. Coffee House is a time to show a special talent. Sing a song, tell a story, read a poem, do a skit, or just have fun cheering in the audience for all of the folks on stage.
Day 3
Clean up: Your chance to clean up! Yeah fun!
Closing Circle: Now there is closing circle in which you get to say some good things that happened to you at the Con, hug your new found friends good-bye ('til you see them again), get their addresses, and talk for a bit. Get all of your stuff, pack it in the car, and head home.
A conference is a learning place. You can experience a diversity of cultures and beliefs. You have the chance to meet new people, and make new friends. Now that you've read this packet, hopefully you have a better understanding of what a conference is. Any other questions you might have you should ask your YRUU friends, or the staff of the upcoming conference.
For more information contact youth @ uua.org.
Last updated on Friday, April 18, 2008.
