Events & Registration
ENVISIONING: Let’s make some plans! 2025
7th - 12th Grade Conference:
Everything around us is suggesting that it’s a time of challenges, transitions, and hope-filled new beginnings. Can we spark a “call” in one another to begin envisioning what we wish to hold and create together, both at our Powell House Youth Conferences and in the world?
Lifting from an old decades long tradition of a “Planning Conference” being held in Sept in the Youth Program, this year, let’s spark some Envisioning—in, between, around and among us!
Changes in the start of a new season for the Powell House Youth Program will be afoot. What may be at the heart of our hopes? How can we translate that into plans that meet shared hopes? Or as we seek these answers we might approach the question from the opposite direction: What simple things seem to add so much? and can we identify what they add and what this might tell us about our hopes? Is there a song you’ve been itching to introduce during Sunday singing, or an improv game you learned at school this year and think would add some pizazz to Cabaret Night? Bring any favorite or exciting & new songs, improv games, or XYZ that you would like to bring to the community throughout this upcoming year.
Come welcome new friends and build connections as we make plans together for the year! Let’s get together, share & nurture the love.
Fall for Creativity! 2025
4th - 6th Grade Conference:
We will hold our own conference this weekend, while being side-by-side with other age groups having their conference! (Think of those special bubbles next to other bubbles that create a larger bubble all together!) You'll be sure to have time with just your group together to get to know one another. We'll have games of all kinds, art, creativity, music, dancing, and whichever community activities you feel led to engage with! Invite your friends of all ages (you can even invite their families to attend the Fall Family Conference next door). This will be a fabulously fun introduction to Powell House and the community here!
Fall for Community! 2025
7th - 9th Grade Conference:
Come build community with your fabulous peers and with the rest of the Powell House community! We will have our own conference, and get to know each other in new ways. We’ll also share overlapping activities with all the age groups. Come ready to hike, play, sing, explore, and be silly together! This is a terrific one to invite your friends of all ages to! (And even your friends' family members can attend the Fall Families one next door!)
Fall for Connection! 2025
10th - 12th Grade Conference:
We are each wired for community and connection. You are sure to have an abundance of good options and opportunities this weekend! And by special request, you'll be sure to have some good quality alone time together with your group. Invite your friends of all ages as this will be a terrific introduction to Powell House, the community here, and all that is possible. There will truly be something for everyone!!
Bubbling Up & Out 2025
4th - 6th Grade Conference:
Imagine being surrounded by thousands of shimmering bubbles, each one a tiny, iridescent miracle. Every bubble is unique and can float through the air as a perfect sphere in its own majesty, or come together and form all kinds of different shapes as they adapt and change. This weekend we will explore what makes each of us unique and how we can connect to each other in new ways. Through fun games, meaningful bonding, and lots and lots of bubbles, we will explore all that we can create when we combine our own unique ideas and talents!
Unfolding, Sharing 2025
7th - 9th Grade Conference:
You are a story unfolding, a voice worth hearing, a light worth sharing. Through hands-on creative activities, improv games, quiet moments, and meaningful guided conversations, you'll explore your identity while being grounded in care and community. We’ll explore the ways in which we share experiences and feelings, and shine a light on our inner storyteller. This is a space to be real, to be seen, and to let our unique stories inspire creativity and connection.
Reflections 2025
10th - 12th Grade Conference:
What do you see when you look at your reflection? Is it the same person that other people see? What makes me ‘me’ and you ‘you’? We will explore these questions and more as we delve into the mystery that is ourselves. Learn to express your inner self in a multitude of mediums and ways that resonate with your sense of self. And share the feelings of happiness and wonderment that comes with being together.
Eternal Exploration 2025
4th - 6th Grade Conference:
Adventurers gather! Assemble! Look within for treasure! Come with excitement and curiosity, ready to explore inside and out of doors. Together, we’ll uncover the wonders of our own fictional worlds and the natural world around us. We’ll collaborate to imagine new realities, create games, and ask questions both big and small. Guided by Friends queries and the phrase “what if…?” we’ll ask questions of ourselves and the world around us, and imagine!
WinterSong 2025
7th - 12th Grade Conference:
The end of the year is filled with occasions for gathering, reflecting, and sharing love and warmth with those dearest to us. What traditions, big or small, do we cherish most, and why do we repeat them each year? Are we deciding which traditions to follow or just following? We’ll come together as a community to celebrate what makes our gathered time meaningful and special. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures brisker, we’ll explore what brings us warmth and light through shared music, fireside conversation, and group games. The winter is upon us so let’s sing out in celebration!
Origin Stories and Super Powers
Young Adult (18+) Conference:
The mythical heroes of the world -- from Hercules to T'Challa to Katniss Everdeen -- have stories that explain how they came to have the powers and concerns they possess. What does it mean to consider our own origins? What superpowers -- or Kryptonite -- do our own pasts give us? Let's spend a weekend exploring the mythologies of our own lives and build community based on our strengths!
Nature and Me
A lot of people think of themselves as separate from nature. The truth is that we are as much a part of nature as any living being. Maybe you know this because some mornings you wake up and feel like a wild animal running through the house. Or maybe you feel connected to the slow and steady life of a plant, content to stay in one place as you are fed sunlight and water. Or maybe you just don’t feel like part of nature at all! At this conference we will explore what connects us to nature and how it feels to be in nature. You can expect games and plenty of time in the woods around Powell House.
Healing Within, Rising Together
In today's fast-paced world, we often prioritize external demands at the expense of our own well-being. Yet, true health—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual—starts from within. It’s about nurturing ourselves so we can contribute fully to the lives of others. However, personal well-being isn’t a solitary pursuit; it is deeply intertwined with the well-being of our communities. The strength of a community is built upon the individual efforts of its members to care for themselves and each other.
This conference will explore the essential balance between nurturing inner wealth and fostering communal health. As we care for ourselves, we inevitably impact the spaces we inhabit, shaping environments that are supportive, resilient, and interconnected. By reflecting on the practices of self-care, we also reflect on how we can offer care to those around us, amplifying the collective well-being. The health of the individual and the health of the community are inseparable—when one thrives, so does the other.
EarthSong 2025
EarthSong is a time of celebration and care for our community. It includes our annual send-off ceremony for our seniors as they enter a new phase of life. You can expect deep conversation, fun activities, and joyful games. We hope you join us for this warm and vibrant conference!
Creativity! for 6th-8th Grade
Creativity is a gift that everyone can share! At Powell House, we believe that creativity isn’t about being perfect—it's about expressing yourself and having fun! This weekend, we'll explore all kinds of creative activities like drawing, writing, dancing, making piñatas, and more. No experience or special skills needed—just bring your curiosity and an open heart! Come join us for a weekend full of art, fun, and connection with Friends.
Sticky Situations
Sticky Situations
9th - 12th Grade
In-Person at Powell House
March 28 - 30, 2025
Relationships are all around us. From our classmates, to our family, to our friends, to our Powell House community. How do we relate to the people (and communities and living things) around us? What can we learn from different models about the way we connect to each other and support each other?
Jillian Smith Age 36: she/her or they/them: Poho youth alumni class of 2006! I identify as a feminist universalist Quaker who dabbles in Hinduism & I’m a member of NYYM. I was a JC back in the day and a co-facilitator with Mike. I served on the board of Poho for 9 years. I obtained my American Montessori Society certification in ages 3-6 during the pandemic. I’ve worked in a variety of industries.
Monya Relles, 27 (they/them). Monya grew up as one of Chris and Mike’s kids and now their real job is at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, training other educators and working with young people to learn about nature, science, engineering, and leadership. When they’re not working they can be found dancing, doing circus, hiking, and making weird zines. Their favorite memories of Powell House are tied between sardines on Friday nights and silent late night walks on Saturdays.
Cai Quirk, 28 (any gender neutral pronouns). Cai is a lifelong Quaker who grew up in Ithaca Meeting and attending youth conferences at Powell House, and has now been APing and co-facilitating Powell House youth conferences for 10 years. Cai also works for Friends General Conference in the Spiritual Deepening Program and on the Gathering Team, helping form Quaker events around the country. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Cai creates work around queerness, gender, spirituality, nature, mythology, and storytelling. They have published a book, given hundreds of talks and workshops around the country, exhibited work in 14 states and 4 countries. At Powell House, their “Map of Genderland” and tapestries from the “Queer Temple” series are often appreciated by attenders for expanding and celebrating ideas around queerness.
Secret Ingredients
Secret Ingredients
6th - 8th Grade
In-Person at Powell House
February 28 - March 2, 2025
How do we show our love for others? How do we like to be shown that people love us? What ingredients are essential for healthy relationships (friendships, family, or romantic connections)? At this conference we will discuss these questions and figure out key ingredients for happy, healthy ways of connecting. We will spend the weekend cooking delicious heartfelt concoctions and add plenty of love to fill our bellies.
Becks Anacheka-Nasemann, 23 (they/them). Becks grew up at Powell House as a 3rd generation attendee and as one of Chris and Mike’s kids. After graduating from the youth program in 2020, they have been working as an AP for all age groups and have loved seeing the ways that young people playfully build and uphold the community they hold so dear. Becks is a Mount Holyoke senior currently working towards a career in science education, and has worked as a babysitter, nanny, and tutor for children since age 13. When not at PoHo, Becks lives in Amherst, MA and enjoys hiking, watercolor art, cooking, and playing with their menagerie of pets (1 dog, 2 cats, and 2 pet rats).
Samy DeBellis Age 28 (they/she): Meet Samy! She graduated from the PoHo youth program in 2014 and has experience APing and Co-Facilitating since 2015. She has been a member of Purchase Meeting since 2018 and serves on their Board of Trustees. Outside of her Quaker life, Samy works as a Speech-Language Pathologist on Long Island. When she is not working or volunteering at Powell House, you can find Samy cross-country running, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Beyond Pink and Blue: 11th-12th Grade and Young Adults
Beyond Pink and Blue
Registration is now closed for this conference
If you would like to register within one week of the conference please send an email to us at sarahandmartin@powellhouse.org. Please note that all registrations within one week of the conference will be charged a $40 late registration fee.
11th-12th Grade and Young Adults, January 24-26We live in a world that tries to divide people and identities and put them in narrow boxes, when in truth we form a wide spectrum of possibilities of every kind. We are a rainbow. We are many rainbows! Come explore your colors together, the nuances and unique aspects of yourself that make you you! Let’s dance along these rainbows until we find the pot of gold where they all come together and we can truly welcome and cherish each other for who we truly are.
WinterSong 2024: 7th-12th Grade
WinterSong 2024
7th-12th Grade, December 13-15WinterSong is a celebration of care and community during the darkest days of the year. As we approach the winter solstice, we will share in fulfilling activities and discussion, and burst with fun and creativity. We love to have a big group for our song conferences, so please consider registering early for this special weekend!
Registration is now closed for this conference.
If you would like to register please send an email to sarahandmartin@powellhouse.org and we will let you know if we have space.
Worlds Like Our Own: 6th-8th Grade
Worlds Like Our Own
6th-8th Grade, November 22-24Who would you be in a world of fantasy and adventure? Role-playing games can allow us to reflect on ourselves and our world in fun and exciting ways. At this conference we will play games like Dungeons and Dragons, talk about our favorite imaginary worlds, and maybe even design a role-playing game set at Powell House.
Junior Counselor Training: 9th-12th Grade
Junior Counselor Training
9th-12th Grade, November 8-10Calling all current and future junior counselors (JCs)! Here’s your chance to carry the torch and see Powell House through new eyes. This conference serves as a training for new JCs as well as an opportunity to bolster your skills for current JCs. In addition to gaining skills as a JC, you can expect to have a fun and fulfilling weekend with plenty of games and connecting activities.
Stewing, Bubbling, Brewing: Young Adults (18+)
Stewing, Bubbling, Brewing
Young Adults (18+), October 18-20Good things take time. What’s cooking in your cauldron? This conference is all about the patience and slow work of creating something beautiful and nourishing. We will center a lot of the theme around cooking with lots of food projects throughout the weekend. Additionally, we will have discussions that will broaden our scope to anything from social justice to creative projects.
Grounding, Loving, Creating: 7th-12th Grade
Grounding, Loving, Creating
7th-12th Grade, October 4-6Working for something you believe in is a beautiful and often tiring process. At this conference we will explore the ways love can inspire us to face difficult challenges in creative ways. We will give gentle care to each other and the physical space at Powell House. The weekend will be full of interesting work projects, lively discussions, and fun games and activities.
Welcome to Powell House! 3rd-6th Grade and Parents
Welcome to Powell House!
3rd-6th Grade and Parents, August 23-253rd Graders MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians of 4th-6th graders are welcome as well.
Powell House is a place for deep connection and loads of fun! We teach Quaker testimonies in a caring, experiential way that gives kids freedom of choice in how they grow spiritually. Come enjoy a weekend and learn for yourself what makes the PoHo Youth Program so special. We will spend lots of time outside, with swimming in the afternoon, a bonfire at night, and a refreshing morning hike to Dorson’s Rock.