Common Questions
Before you decide, here's what parents ask
Is this a church event?
No — YouthCon is completely independent and not faith-based. Some locations are hosted at church facilities simply because they offer affordable, secure spaces already built for youth programming.
What grades is this for?
Students in grades 6th through 12th.
Is this okay for shy or introverted teens?
Yes — this is exactly who YouthCon is built for. Many of the teens in the room will be shy or nervous, and that's completely normal. No one walks in feeling overly confident — that's the whole point of the day.
What if my teen doesn't like public speaking?
That's okay — we're not asking them to be experts, just to be introduced to it. They'll watch other teens challenge themselves throughout the day, and most find their own moment to do something they didn't think they could do. Confidence comes from doing the hard thing in a room that feels safe to do it in.
What does "Certified Future Leader" actually mean?
CFL is YouthCon's own designation — earned, not just handed out. It means your teen completed a full 6-hour immersive experience and its challenges. As a Certified Zig Ziglar Speaker and Coach myself, I built this around the same principle: confidence comes from a real sense of completion. Teens leave having accomplished something they weren't sure they could do.
Do parents stay, or is it drop-off?
It's drop-off. We've found this creates a safer, more focused environment where teens are more willing to engage and step outside their comfort zone. Parents are welcome to volunteer — sign-up is available through Eventbrite.
What time is pickup?
The event ends at 3:00 PM. We encourage parents to arrive by 2:45 PM for the closing photos and certification moment.