YOUTH SUMMIT &
CONFERENCE
it was so welcoming, and I immediately felt like I belonged!
2023 Youth Summit Attendee
nice to know there are positive, worthy causes happening in our communities. and it encourages you to push forward and present things to your own community.
2017 conference attendee
Get "in tune" with
your health
What can you do at the youth summit?
Building Community
This Youth Summit is organized and designed with youth input--a safe space to BE YOURSELF. You'll get free time to laugh with new friends, explore partner exhibit tables, join fun activities at your own pace, or take space away to do art in the art room. Come share your bold ideas for a future you want for young West Virginians - your voice is important!
What can you do at the conference?
Location and schedule
Both the Youth Summit and Conference:
Will be at WV Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, WV.
will begin at the Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts (the PAC) at 58 College Ave in Buckhannon.
Please click here to get Google Maps location info.
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SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
registration
We are so excited for you to join us this year! Please read this section of registration information carefully. If you have any questions, please email us at trythiswv@gmail.com.
Let's go!
Attendance
Registration for the Try This Youth Summit and/or the Try This Conference includes all breakout sessions, physical activities, meals, and a t-shirt. Lodging in the dorms is a separate expense - see lodging details below.
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Youth Summit (ages 22 and under): FREE - and you can stay for the whole Conference, too!
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Youth Summit ONLY (chaperones and exhibitors over 22 years old): $25
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Youth Summit + Full Conference (over 22 years old): $125
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Full Conference: $125
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Friday Conference ONLY: $70
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Saturday Conference ONLY: $60
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If you need a scholarship, please click here to fill out our request form.
Lodging
$40 per room, per night
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Each dorm has 2 beds and can accommodate 2 people. Bathrooms are shared between 2 dorm rooms and have 1 sink, 1 toilet, and 1 shower.
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Attendees staying in the dorms must provide their own toiletries and linens, including towels, XL twin sheets, pillows, blankets, and all bathroom and shower gear. These are not hotel rooms - the only thing provided is the XL twin bed, bathroom space, and toilet paper.
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We recommend people room together to conserve space and save money! It would only be $20 per person per night if you share! You will have space to write the name of a roommate if you choose. If you select a room with a roommate but do not have a specific person listed, a roommate will be assigned to you.
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Young people who attend the Youth Summit do not pay dorm fees for the Youth Summit or the Conference!
If you do not want to stay in the dorms, there is a list of local hotels and campgrounds available on our website.
Alternative
Lodging
​If you would prefer to stay in a hotel or at a nearby campsite, please check out these alternatives. Click the links below to learn more:
Hotels:
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Baxa Inn - Buckhannon
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Bicentennial Inn - Buckhannon
Campsites:
Frequently asked questions
We're here to help!
“I’ve never filled out a grant.”
“I’ve never been to a conference.”
“I’m worried my experience level / appearance / sexual orientation / age / history with drugs / education level / income...means I won’t fit in.”
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Try This is a space for all West Virginians to feel invited and welcome. We hope our work reaches people who might feel this way, or have been told these things would prevent them from making a difference in your community. Regardless of the above, Try This is a place for you!
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“Can I register more than one person at a time?”
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Yes! You can register up to 5 people at a time, and the form will ask you for details on each "registrant".​
“Do you need volunteers to help?”
YES! Each year, Try This has dozens of folks help make the Youth Summit + Conference possible. The best part is that our volunteers get to enjoy the activities and presentations while volunteering, and Try This covers the cost. This event also qualifies as an AmeriCorps service project. If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, please reach out to trythiswv@gmail.com.
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“Can I / my child come to the Youth Summit if they are outside the 13-22 age range?”
Absolutely - this age range serves as a guide for who will get the most out of our event, but younger West Virginians are also welcome to join with their parent or guardian. We also have adults attending who are bringing young people who are welcome to participate in most of our activities as chaperones.​
“If I come for the Youth Summit, can I stay for the Conference?”
Please do! Many of the youth who attended the 2023 and 2024 Youth Summits stayed for the Conference as well. Young people have always been part of the Try This network. There are plenty of presentations and activities available for all ages. However, please note than any attendee under 18 must have a chaperone with them for the Try This Conference - Try This will not have designated volunteers to chaperone unattended minors for this event.
"What should I expect to be doing? What should I wear?"
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The Try This Youth Summit and Conference are what you make it, so that's up to you! However, we advise you pack for comfort. It will be quite warm in June, and there will be lots of activities for you to enjoy - like tai chi, aerial yoga, paddling, and more - so we recommend wearing tennis shoes and something you'd feel comfortable getting active in. Don't forget your sunscreen!
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“I want to come, but I can't afford to. Can you help?”
We do not want the cost of our event to prevent someone from enjoying our event. Please fill out this scholarship form to request some help: Scholarship Form
“I have an idea for a great presentation or activity I'd like to see happen - can I share it?”
Great! Reach out to Brittney at director@trythiswv.com or text/call her at 304-997-4628.
