ASPIRE Youth Conference
The summer ASPIRE Youth Conference at Hastings College is for middle and high school students — rising fifth graders to graduated seniors. It aims to help young people come to know and believe they are loved by God. It’s an inclusive place where community, connection and God’s truth thrive.
Held June 1-5, 2027, AYC is a wonderful opportunity for students to deepen their faith in a vibrant, supportive community. It promises to be a week packed with engaging worship, meaningful small group discussions and fun recreation, creating the perfect environment for spiritual growth and connection with other young people.
We look forward to welcoming youth groups for a transformative experience!
2027 ASPIRE Youth Conference
Dates: Tuesday, June 1 to Saturday, June 5, 2027
Location: Hastings College campus
Cost: $200 per person (including chaperones)
Cancellations made before April 1, 2027 will be refunded $150.
Deadline: The deadline to register is May 1, 2027.
Register Individuals
Register Church Groups
Registration Coming Soon!
Small Groups – Big Mission
A central part of the ASPIRE Youth Conference is the daily small group experience, which is mandatory for all youth and chaperones. These groups are intentionally formed to help participants meet new people of faith from other churches and areas.
While some youth from the same church may be in a group together, the focus is on building a wider community. To ensure a quality experience, all small group leaders follow a dedicated manual with activities and discussions appropriate for their group’s age and abilities.
8:00am – Breakfast in the cafeteria
9:00am – Energizers, announcements, music and keynote
10:30am – Small group time (groups will be formed by age and interest)
12:00pm – Lunch and rest time
2:00pm – Small group
3:30pm – Recreation
5:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Worship
8:30pm – Recreation
10:00pm – All participants in dorms, time with back-home groups
11:00pm – Quiet hours begin
Chaperones
Each church is required to bring at least two chaperones (if more than 20 youth, add one chaperone per 10 conferees – for example, five youth require two chaperones, while 21 youth require three). Additional chaperones are welcome!
All chaperones must submit evidence of a background check completed by their church or complete forms allowing Hastings to complete a background check.
Any adult willing to undergo online training and serve as a small group leader can attend at no cost. Please indicate this in the registration form. Churches may submit up to one chaperone per church as a small group leader.
Back Home Groups: While we encourage churches to bring their students and chaperones to experience the conference together, we can accommodate youth traveling to the conference without a chaperone. Youth attending without their own church chaperone will be assigned to a “Back Home Group” led by a trained college student who will stay with them in the dorms, ensuring their safety and participation throughout the week.
Typical Daily Schedule
8:00am – Breakfast in the cafeteria
9:00am – Energizers, announcements, music and keynote
10:30am – Small group time (groups will be formed by age and interest)
12:00pm – Lunch and rest time
2:00pm – Small group
3:30pm – Recreation
5:00pm – Dinner
7:00pm – Worship
8:30pm – Recreation
10:00pm – All participants in dorms, time with back-home groups
11:00pm – Quiet hours begin
Housing
Housing is provided in Hastings College residence halls.
Youth are expected to room two people per room. (Exceptions may be made, please contact Mary Plock at mary.plock@hastings.edu.)
About Our Leaders
Questions?
If you have questions about the Hastings Youth Conference, contact Mary Plock at mary.plock@hastings.edu.
The ASPIRE Youth Conference is a component of ASPIRE at Hastings College. ASPIRE is an intergenerational program focused on cultivating preaching that compels diverse audiences, especially young adults, by communicating Biblical teachings in ways that are timely, relevant and inclusive of contemporary culture and digital platforms.