STARS National Conference

What is SNC?

The conference is energetic and exciting because it is youth-driven. A core group of teens plan the conference and lead many of the activities, workshops, and events. This is powerful training for teens who are mentors, speakers, and leaders in their communities. Year after year conference participants overwhelmingly agree that the people of the conference play a major part in making the experience dynamic and fun! They will learn from a diverse group of peers and adults and will have the opportunity to begin lifetime friendships.

Large Group Sessions
Participants gather twice a day for motivating rallies with skits, entertainment, and nationally acclaimed motivational speakers.

Family Groups
Participants meet in small group discussions led by youth staff. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet more people and build a support netowrk with others who are making healthy choices.

Workshops
Workshops are interactive, educational, and fun! At the beginning of the conference participants select the workshops which they want to attend. Workshop categories include:

Relationships
Mentoring
Leadership
Communication
Teen Issues
High-Risk Behavior Avoidance

Adult Breakout Sessions
Adults are encouraged to attend all youth workshops and sessions, and an adult breakout session will be offered each day to better equip adults to work with youth.

Community Groups
Each evening participants will have the opportunity to meet with the group they came with to the conference. Community groups can debrief about the day and brainstorm ideas for their own programs.

Social Events
Every day participants will have time set aside to kick back and have fun! Three fantastic evening events in addition to some afternoon events, will give participants the opportunity to meet teens from all over the country.

Location and Travel Details
The SNC 2013 will be at the University of Denver in Denver, Colorado. The campus has beautiful views of the spectacular Rocky Mountains. Conference accommodations will be suite-style dorm rooms on campus.

Participants should fly to Denver International Airport. Driving time from the airport is about an hour and a half. Once you register for the conference, you will be sent shuttle information to get to the conference.

Who can attend?
Students entering eighth grade through 2012 high school graduates may attend as youth participants. College students, teachers, parents, and church and community leaders may attend as adult participants and will participate in all youth events with some optional adult workshops. One adult for every 10 students must attend.