Youth conferences are for those who wish to grow, share, and care in community. We welcome all youth. The group thrives in the wide diversity of spiritual traditions that our attenders bring. We practice and experience the testimonies of peace, equality, simplicity, integrity, and community.
Chris DeRoller and Mike Clark, youth directors, lead the conferences. Powell House is the conference and retreat center of New York Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). 



What is a youth retreat?

It is a place to be safe and open, a time to rest and reflect, and a group in which to feel deep relationships. You bring yourself and not much else: a commitment to respect and be present for the other attenders, some clean clothes, a willingness to be open to the experiences that present themselves, and anything that is listed in the confirmation letter. It is a weekend to step back from the busy world and leave behind the stuff that clutters our lives.
We sing, dance and slouch on the couch. We swim, sled and swing. We play games, learn names and share a massage. We sit, we run and we nap. In the midst of all that, we connect with ourselves and each other.

AGE GROUPS: We have four age groups.

1. 4th & 5th  grade
2. 6th & 7th
3. 8th & 9th grade)
4. High School (10th to 12th grade)

TIMES:

Conferences begin with registration at 6:15 p.m. on Friday evening and dinner is at 7:15 p.m. Conferences end after lunch at 1:15 p.m. on Sunday unless otherwise noted. Sunday worship (singing and silence) is from 11:15 - 12:15, we strongly discourage pick-ups during this time.

TYPICAL COST:

$110. Longer conferences will cost more. Scholarships are available for all Powell House Youth Program conferences. Tell us how much you need. First-timers receive the $30.00 Youth First-Timer Discount.

TRAVEL:

Make sure we know your travel plans at least 72 hours prior to each conference. If requested 72 hours in advance, we will provide transportation on Friday from the Hudson station for the 5:45 p.m. train and from the Albany/Rensselaer station for the 7:05 p.m. train. We rely on volunteer drivers for this service. We cannot guarantee transportation if notice is given less than 72 hours in advance. We appreciate a contribution of $5 each way. You need to call Amtrak for information on reserving tickets and for schedule changes: 1-800-872-7245. Whether you need a ride or if you have room for riders in your car, please check the carpool box on the registration.  We will make one list and send it to everyone on the list.

BRING:

We supply bed linens and towels. Bring casual clothing and outdoor wear. During swim season bring swim suits and beach towels; during winter, ice skates. Powell House has a stereo system for CDs and connection for MP3 players, so you may bring appropriate music to share with your friends.

DO NOT BRING:

Please leave radios, cell phones, laptop computers, and other electronic devices at home. Cigarettes, other tobacco, illegal drugs and alcohol are not allowed at conferences.

FOOD:

Tasty, nutritious vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals and snacks are provided. Please do not bring your own snacks and food unless you speak to Mike or Chris first.

LOST & FOUND:

Items are only kept one month, so claim them immediately. There is a $5.00 + postage charge for mailing lost items. Labeling clothes helps get them home.

AT THE END OF THE CONFERENCE:

Those traveling south by train will be brought to the 2:25 train in Hudson. Those travelling west will be taken to the 2:15 train in Albany/Rensselaer. Request for transportation to the train stations must be made 72 hours in advance of the start of the conference. Those leaving by car should by picked up by 1:30.

FINANCIAL AID & DISCOUNTS:

Scholarship monies are available for those who need them. Pay what you can. Indicate the amount of aid you need for each conference on your registration form. There is a $30 discount for first timers. Don't forget that your local Meeting may also be a source of assistance.

REGISTRATION:

Register early! Space is often limited. Please register at least three weeks before the first conference you would like to attend. Fill out the enclosed registration form and send it with a $30 per person per conference deposit to: THE POWELL HOUSE YOUTH PROGRAM, 524 PITT HALL ROAD, OLD CHATHAM, NY, 12136-3410.

CONFIRMATIONS & CANCELLATIONS:

Confirmations are mailed approximately two weeks before each conference. If you must cancel, call us immediately, as we often have a waiting list. If you cancel by 5 p.m. the Friday one week before a conference, your deposit will be credited to another conference, or returned. You will be notified if you are on the waiting list.

IF YOU HAVE A CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS, PLEASE STAY HOME:

Germs travel quickly here. We will either return or forward your deposit to the next conference. Just let us know as soon as possible. We'll look forward to seeing you next time.

CONTRIBUTIONS:

Guest fees only cover 50% of our operating budget. The balance is raised through fund appeals. We encourage and appreciate any contribution you can make to help. All contributions are tax-deductible.