NCYLS Frequently Asked Questions

Where will the seminar be held?

This year, NCYLS will be held at Menlo College in Atherton, California.

When will the seminar be held?

The seminar will be held from May 21st through May 23rd, 2010.

Seminar participants may register anytime after 7:30 am but before 9:00 am on Friday, May 21st. The Northern California Youth Leadership Seminar will begin with orientation at 9:00 am and conclude on Sunday, May 23rd, around 2:00 pm.

Students MUST be present for the entire weekend. If there is a conflict with exams on Friday, please let us know so we can assess accommodations for the student's exam schedule. If for any reason other than exams (not including studying for them), a student will be missing from the seminar for more than three hours, another student who can attend for the entire seminar should be selected. Questions and concerns about these situations are welcome. Please contact Ivan Rodriguez at 408-840-3792, for more information.

What happens in the time between student selection and the seminar?

After a school submits a nomination form, a confirmation that the nomination has been received goes to the school. Beginning in February, students nominated will receive a registration packet that will include forms to fill out regarding medical information, travel information, order forms for seminar memorabilia, and a participation contract to be signed by the parent, school counselor and student. These forms will need to be returned before May 15th. Before the seminar, their group staff members will contact the students.

What should students expect from the program?

During the NCYLS seminar experience students will have the opportunity to interact with many dynamic leaders from the fields of business, education, government, the arts and the professions on a small group basis, asking questions and engaging in dynamic discussions of thought provoking topics. These volunteer speakers will address numerous aspects of our hanging world and the challenges future leaders will face.

The program will not promote any specific political party, business, religion or way of thinking. It is about how to think, not what to think. It is designed to develop an awareness of present and future issues by actively involving seminar participants in discussions and informal debate. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions of the discussion leaders throughout the weekend, which encourages a fuller understanding of the topics presented.

“It’s awesome to see so many high schoolers like me stand up for what they believe in, even though they may be afraid to. I love the people here and it’s so great that we all came here without knowing anyone, but we are all really close now.” –Christy B.

There will also be many hands on activities such as entrepreneurial games, personality evaluation activities, team-building activities and general interpersonal skill building exercises. At the end of the seminar, students rave about the experience and are excited and honored that they were chosen to take part.

“I hear so often about “what the world is coming to” and how teenagers today are a mess. While that is true for some, I now realize just how many are out there doing everything they can to be the best they can be. We come from all different backgrounds, races, religions and classes, but we all share so much in common. I have become so inspired and realize that I have to help others.”—Emily Gerth,

Students will also be asked to become part of NCYLS’s commitment to nationwide participation in encouraging volunteerism in local communities. By undertaking community service projects involving at least 100 hours, they will have the opportunity to join thousands of other young leaders in making a difference in schools, communities, places of worship, or other environments in which there is need. Students who complete their 100 hours receive The Presidential Volunteer Service Award. http://www.congressionalaward.org/congress (Not affiliated to any political party)

Most importantly, students will be given the opportunity to interact with a very special peer group of young outstanding leaders. They will not only participate in the educational aspects of the seminar, but are given the unique opportunity to bond with a diverse group of students who at the same time are very much alike. The weekend will be filled with enthusiasm, energy, and an opportunity to freely exchange ideas with peers without fear of judgment. There will also be fun activities such as a dance and skit performances.

“When I first arrived, I felt scared of what the weekend could bring…after about an hour I felt completely at ease. I have met inspirational people who I will never forget; this includes panel speakers, my group leader, my junior staff person, and most of all the new friends I made. I am now motivated to go out and make a profound impact on the world.” –Annie D.

“It is an amazing experience meeting so many people just like you who are so friendly, intelligent and involved. I have been to many leadership conferences before, but this one was totally different because here it was all sophomores and none of us knew each other before we got here, but after one weekend we are so close.” –Annie S.

See our Program Schedule for a sample of activities during the weekend.

What are the accommodations like?

We will be staying at a college campus and students will be roomed together with at least two to a room and with members of the same gender. Each person will have his or her own bed. Girls’ and boys’ accommodations are separated.

All meals and accommodations are taken care of once students hit campus on Friday morning until Sunday afternoon when parents come to gather their newly inspired leaders back home.

You should bring linens (a pillow, sheets/sleeping bag, towel), toiletries, casual clothing and one dressy outfit for Sunday, change for the pay phone, alarm clock, comfortable shoes, a camera, any medications or over the counter remedies you need.

A staff member will be contacting you two weeks to a month before the seminar and can answer any questions you have as the seminar gets closer. You can also contact Ivan Rodriguez at 408-840-3792, with any questions.

 

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