Where is the conference being held?
What is the "S.O.A.R." youth conference?
Why should a young person attend the youth conference?
I'm concerned about the safety of my teen?
How much does the conference cost?
Can I send my youth alone?
What are the criteria for group leader, adult chaperone and youth?
How many adults need to come?
Can group leaders and adult chaperones bring infants and children?
What if my teen has a disability?
When do we arrive?
Will there be a Bookstore?
Additional Questions?

Where is the conference being held?
The conference is being held at Ave Maria University in Ave Maria, FL. Ave Maria University is located in Southwest Florida, 20 miles east of Naples. Click here for maps and directions. The closest airport is the Ft. Myers International Airport (RSW) which is approximately a 45 minute drive. The next closest airport is the Ft. Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) which is approximately a 75 minute drive.

What is the "S.O.A.R." Youth Conference? 
The youth conference provides an opportunity for teens to experience the love of Christ and the sacramental life of the Catholic Church.

With an exciting lineup of speakers, musicians, and presenters, the youth conference will challenge Catholic youth to stand firm in their faith.

The Sacraments are the highlight of the conference.

Why should a young person attend the youth conference?
The whole vision for the conference is to lead teens to Christ and to give them a deeper understanding and love for their Catholic Faith.

I'm concerned about the safety of my teen?
In the interest of protecting our young people from abuse or threat of danger, Ave Maria University is requiring ALL group leaders and ALL chaperones to observe their diocesan child protection policies. We desire this to be a place where parents feel free and safe in sending their teens. To this end, the University is requiring the adult chaperones and group leaders document that they have fulfilled this requirement.

How much does the conference cost?
The fee includes all meals and accommodations from Friday night through Sunday breakfast. The total cost per person is $115 per person. The fee is the same for students or chaperones.

Registration Info
Reserve spots online. Registrations are accepted on a first come first serve basis. There will be no onsite registration.

What are the criteria for group leader, adult chaperone and youth?
Group Leader: the adult responsible for organizing your trip and serving as the main contact for your group. Written and oral correspondence takes place between the Group Leader and the conference office. The Group Leader must be attending the conference and will be responsible for the entire group.

Adult Chaperone: the adult chaperone must be 21 years of age and in line with diocesan policy.

Youth: the participants in the conference must be entering 9th, 10th 11th, or 12th grades in the fall of 2010 or a 2010 high school graduate.

All participants (Group Leader, Adult Chaperones, and Youth) must be registered under the same Group Leader.

How many adults need to come?
In order to effectively minister to your teens and for the safety of the youth and for the good of all involved in the conference, there should be at least one but no more then two adults per ten youth.

Can group leaders and adult chaperones bring infants and children?
Although we strongly support Catholic family life, our staffing, facility constraints, and insurance regulations do not allow us to provide childcare. In addition, the focus of the Group Leader/Adult Chaperones needs to be on the Youth participants. If these adults bring their own children, their focus will be split. With the best care of the Youth in mind, this is not allowed.

What if my teen has a disability?
Please contact the Office of Mission and Outreach in advance if you have anyone in your group with a medical necessity or handicap that requires special needs. Ave Maria University is a full access campus and we will do our best to accommodate any special needs.

When do we arrive?
Plan to arrive at Ave Maria University between noon and 5:00pm on July 9, 2010.

Will there be a Bookstore?
Yes, Ave Maria University has a bookstore filled with a variety of Christian items such as t-shirts, jewelry, music, and books. The Bookstore will be open at various times during the weekend so check the schedule in your goodie bag.

Additional Questions?
Please direct any questions that have gone unanswered in this information:

Bill Maguire, Director of Mission and Outreach
Email: bill.maguire@avemaria.edu
Phone: 239-280-2473