Hastings College Chaplain Rev. Doodle Harris (Courtesy photo)
HASTINGS – – Hastings College and the ASPIRE program are inviting students from across the region to experience a week of transformation, community and fun during the 2026 Hastings Youth Conference (HYC).
The event, themed “Wholly Shift!”, will take place on campus from June 15 to June 19.
Open to students entering the fifth grade through recently graduated high school seniors, the conference is designed to be an inclusive space where young people can explore their faith, build lasting connections and recognize their value.
“Our goal for the Hastings Youth Conference is for every student to leave knowing, deep down, that they are loved by God,” said the Rev. Doodle Harris, Chaplain and director of service learning at Hastings College. “The theme ‘Wholly Shift!’ invites us to look at how our perspectives and lives change when we lean into that love. It’s about a total shift in how we see ourselves and the world around us.”
Headlining the event Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside, South Carolina.
Other leaders include Harris, Rev. Jeremy Wilhelmi from the College of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, and Hastings College adjunct professor of music, Dr. Amanda Boyd.
The week-long schedule is filled with a balance of spiritual growth and high-energy recreation, including:
Engaging Worship and Keynotes: Morning and evening sessions featuring music and inspiring speakers.
Small Group Discovery: Intentional daily groups organized by age to encourage deep discussion and new friendships.
Recreation and Socials: Afternoons and evenings filled with games, campus activities, and “rest time” to recharge.
Community Building: Opportunities for youth to connect with peers from different backgrounds and churches.
Registration for the conference is $200 per person, which includes all programming, meals and housing on the Hastings College campus. Chaperones are also required to register at the same rate. The deadline to secure a spot is May 1.
“HYC is more than just a summer camp; it’s a vibrant, supportive community,” said Harris. “Whether a student is coming with a large church group or as an individual, they will find a place where they belong.”
For more information, a full schedule of events, or to register, visit www.hastings.edu/hyc.
