2026 Spring Conference
📅 April 23–26, 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.
Ms. Rachel Townsley
Director
Mr. Alan Dooley
Assistant Director
What you need to know
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When
The 2026 Youth Leadership Conference begins on Thursday, April 23, 2026, with onsite student check-in 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.
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Where
The conference will be held at the scenic Jamestown 4-H Education Center, which provides sleeping accommodations and dining facilities where daily meals are included as part of the program. The conference also features field trips to museums and battlefields throughout the Jamestown-Yorktown area.
Jamestown 4-H Education Center
3751 4-H Club Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185
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Who
The conference is open to all 10th and 11th-grade high school students from public, private, and home schools.
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Cost
$100 per student.
The conference costs AIYLC approximately $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, entrance fees to historical sites, and more.
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Application
All students must complete and submit the online application, including parental digital signatures, by March 1, 2026.
AIYLC will notify the student and parent of acceptance through email. An invoice for $100 will be included.
✺ Frequently asked questions ✺
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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YES!
The Jamestown 4-H Educational Center provides daily meals to everyone and AIYLC provides snacks throughout the conference.
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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.