2026 YOUTH CONVENTION
2026 YOUTH CONVENTION
In conjunction with the National Convention, kids of all ages are encouraged to join the 2026 Youth Convention. The 2026 Youth Convention will engage and inspire the next generation of conservation leaders through experiential learning, environmental ethics, and hands-on service. Modeled on the award-winning Green Summer program, this event integrates youth leadership, science, and stewardship into the National Convention week — preparing participants to lead similar programs across the country.
The official Youth Convention runs on Thursday night through Saturday evening. Youth-oriented programming happens the full week, offering optional Add-On Days (Monday–Thursday). Most activities take place on the scenic grounds of the Minnesota Valley Chapter and within the adjacent Bloomington Wildlife Refuge — providing an immersive, hands-on environment for discovery and leadership.
Youth Programming
Youth will have an opportunity to learn and practice real leadership skills. In the field, in the context of conservation service projects; youth will learn different roles to making for meaningful and safe conservation activities.Â
Each morning begins with hands-on Leave No Trace instruction led by trained youth counselors. Participants practice outdoor ethics through games, challenges, and real-life scenarios that emphasize one or two principles per day. Youth have the opportunity to earn Leave No Trace certification, equipping them with practical tools to lead low-impact recreation and stewardship in their own communities.
Paired with Leave No Trace, the Water Science rotation immerses participants in River Watch water quality monitoring of the Minnesota River Basin. Youth collect and analyze samples using SOS, Chlorine Watch, and additional scientific tools, submitting data to both the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and SOS platforms. These activities connect participants directly to national citizen science networks while teaching essential ecological literacy.
Afternoons are dedicated to conservation projects that change daily based on weather, capacity, and youth leadership priorities. Projects include prairie restoration, pollinator gardens, elm restoration, invasive species removal, trail restoration, mushroom inoculation, and pond planting. Youth select their preferred project each day, developing teamwork and agency through meaningful service.
A dedicated leadership and media crew documents the week’s experiences through photography, art, and journaling. Their work culminates in a multimedia presentation showcased at the Saturday Convention Banquet — celebrating youth action and the spirit of “Getting It Done.
One Youth Convention --- Age Appropriate Roles
We want an engaging and meaningful experience for youth with different skills and experiences. We have structured roles that will be fun and challenging for all! If some flexibility in a specific role by age is needed, we are here to accommodate; let us know! Â
The Youth Convention is intentionally youth-designed, youth-led, and youth-powered — a defining characteristic that sets it apart from other national programs. All aspects of planning and implementation are coordinated by youth and young adults under the age of 25.Â
Note: For youth 5-7, please see the “ELF” associated activity which will run concurrently with the Youth Convention.Â
Note: For youth over 14, who do not wish to be a Junior Counselor — Register as a youth for the convention and when the Camp Director reaches out — just let them know! Â
Junior Counselors (JC) will be matched with a group of younger youth. JC help to lead programs and activities. Paired with a trained and experience adult counselor, JCs will receive their own remote and online training prior to the convention.
This is a great experience for our older youth to continue their participation in the Youth Convention with increased responsability and opportunities.Â
Regster as a youth for the convention, and identify your desire to be a Junior Counselor in the follow up emails!
Adult Counselors will include trained Green Crew Counselors, Green Summer Counselors and those with experience in a camp setting.
Counselors will be trained and credentialed. They will provide leadership (with the support of a JC) of groups of youth in program, activities and conservation service projects. Â
Regster as a volunteer to the convention, and identify your desire to be a Counselor in the volunteer onboarding process.Â
Formerly Chaperones, adult advisors provide logisitic and program support to the Counselors. Adult Advisors will receive orientation prior to the convention, and will be assigned a specific support role.Â
Register as a Volunteer for the Convention. Identfy your desire to be a volunteer with the youth convention in the onboarding process.Â
FAQs
A 15-passenger van will be rented by the Minnesota Division for the full week, serving as the official transportation between the Convention hotel and the Chapter (Mon–Sat). The van will be driven exclusively by adults aged 25 and over. Singing is expected during transit, adding a spirit of community and fun. Youth participants not staying at the hotel may also be dropped off directly at the Chapter each morning.Note: For youth 5-8, please see the “ELF” associated activity which will run concurrently with the Youth Convention.Â
All meals are included— either at the hotel or served on-site. Some meals will be planned, prepared, and served by youth, highlighting teamwork, leadership, and sustainability. All ingredients are sourced through local IWLA members and community farm-to-table partners.
Optional supervised camping will be offered Friday night, supported by trained adult Eagle Scouts from the local Chapter. Families are welcome to join, and a late-night option will accommodate participants departing by 10 p.m. All camping equipment will be provided.
The site includes outdoor shelters, potable water, restrooms, and an indoor lodge available for weather contingencies. Additional backup options are secured through Three Rivers Park District facilities.
Forms and Waivers
WHY ATTEND?
By the end of the Youth Convention week, participants and counselors alike will have developed new skills, built community, and taken direct action for conservation. The program’s structure ensures that learning leads to measurable impact — both during the event and long after participants return to their home chapters.
- 10 or more Leave No Trace certifications earned through nationally recognized training.
- 3–4 major conservation service projects completed, directly improving the Minnesota Valley Chapter site and the Bloomington Wildlife Refuge.
- Four full days of daytime youth programming for Convention families, blendingÂ
environmental science, leadership, and service. - Water quality data collected and submitted to both the SOS+ platform and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) through River Watch monitoring.
- A youth-produced media presentation shared at the National Banquet,highlighting the week’s accomplishments and reflections.
- 20+ trained counselors equipped to replicate the Youth Convention model within their own IWLA chapters, extending the program’s reach nationwide.
- Recognition through certifications and volunteer service documentation, applicable toward Scouting America and GSUSA advancement.