2026 Spring Conference

📅 April 23–27, 2026

Join us for the AIYLC Spring 2026 Session in the heart of Virginia’s Historic Triangle. Students will explore Leadership, Patriotism, and Free Enterprise through workshops, tours, and challenges. Hosted in Jamestown, VA, this 4-day conference blends history with hands-on leadership growth. This will be an unforgettable experience designed to inspire the next generation of leaders.

A woman with red hair styled in loose curls, smiling, wearing a black jacket and an orange lace top, with a dark blue background.

Ms. Rachel Townsley

Director

A man with glasses and a blue dress shirt smiling for a selfie indoors.

Mr. Alan Dooley

Assistant Director

What you need to know

  • When

    The 2026 Youth Leadership Conference begins on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with onsite student registration commencing at 1:00 p.m. and finishes Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Parents may visit to observe the lessons at any point of the conference, but are especially encouraged to join us for the closing ceremony on Sunday, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

  • Where

    The conference will be held at the scenic Jamestown 4-H Education Center, including sleeping accommodations, dining facilities, and food. The conference includes field trips to museums and battlefields around the Jamestown-Yorktown area.

    Jamestown 4-H Education Center

    3751 4-H Club Road

    Williamsburg, VA 23185

  • Who

    The conference is open to all 10th and 11th-grade high school students from public, private, and home schools. This includes JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Scouting, and Sea Cadet members, but it is not a requirement to attend.

  • Cost

    $100 per student.

    The conference costs AIYLC nearly $350 per student. AIYLC covers the additional balance through fundraising efforts and generous support from donors.

    These fees allows us to provide 4 days of lodging, meals, snacks, supplies, transportation, entrance fees to historical sites, and more.

  • Application

    All students must complete and submit the online application, including parental digital signatures, by March 1, 2026.

    AIYLC will notify the student an parent of acceptance through email. An invoice for $100 will be included.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Yes, you may drive to AILYC. However, you will need to turn over your vehicle keys to the AIYLC director for the duration of the conference. Your vehicle keys will be returned upon completion of the graduation ceremony.

  • Bedding

    The Jamestown 4-H Educational Center has camp-style cabins with bunks to sleep in. You will need to bring appropriate bedding to sleep comfortably through the conference.

    • Pillow

    • Sleeping bag and/or twin sheets and blankets.

    Hygiene

    There are restroom and shower facilities at the Jamestown 4-H Educational Center, but there are a few things you will need to bring:

    • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and soap)

    • Washcloth or similar

    • Towel

    • Shower shoes (flip-flops or similar)

    Additional items to consider

    Here are some recommendations to consider bringing depending on your situation:

    • Phone and charger

    • Camera

    • Flashlight

    • Bugspray

    • Sunscreen

    • Sunglasses

    • Umbrella or rain jacket

  • AIYLC strives to provide a safe environment for all students attending the conference. We ask that you don’t bring any of the following things:

    • Valuables

    • Recreational products (tobacco, vapes, drugs, or alcohol)

    • Weapons (knives or firearms)

    • Animals or pets

  • Please keep in mind the weather for the dates of the conference and select clothing that is weather-appropriate.

    AIYLC Dress Code

    • Collared shirts or non-controversial T-shirts

    • Weather related clothing

    • Pants, jeans, or shorts (Skirts are not recommended for this environment)

    • No ripped or fringed clothing-even if it is the style of the garment

    • No short-shorts, mini-skirts, midriff revealing, low necklines, or other revealing clothing

    • No wallet chains

    • No hats indoors, but they are permitted during the outdoor portion of tours

    • Shoes should be comfortable for a camp setting and walking tours

  • YES!

    The Jamestown 4-H Educational Center provides daily meals to everyone and AIYLC provides snacks throughout the conference.

  • While our conference is packed with educational events and experiences, we have programmed plenty of opportunities to make lasting friendships, enjoy some free-time, and reflect on your time at AIYLC.