BRI YLA (Youth Leadership Academy)
The BRI YLA (Youth Leadership Academy) conference annually happens during the BRI Conference.Â
The BRI YLA (Youth Leadership Academy) has activities for younger BRI Guests during the conference. Former YLA participant, Amelia Alfiero, is leading YLA planning along with YLA Chair, Caroline Goins, and Executive Director, Allison Gant. They will plan and implement a dynamic program that sets the foundation for youth leadership with a fun-filled atmosphere. It will be exciting to see what these young leaders will do to provide an outstanding experience for our younger members.
While the Blue Ridge Institute sessions are meeting the YLA team leaders are working with the family members that are 4-13 years old. Older children can apply to be YLA Counselors. Those ages 14-16 can be Junior Counselors and ages 17-18 can be Senior Counselors. Counselor applications open in April each year.  The leaders are imaginative in planning the YLA activities. BRI members are encouraged to bring the entire family to the planned group activities during free conference time.
We look forward to seeing all of the members’ younger leaders for days full of fun!
Why should I bring my children or grandchildren to BRI?
BRI: is more than just a conference, it’s an experience! It is a week that eliminates the daily grind and creates an atmosphere where members can deepen relationships with each other. It is a community of like-minded people that have fun together! Family is always welcome! Amidst the fun, children ages 4-13 will develop leadership skills at “YLA,” our Youth Leadership Academy.
YLA participants learn valuable leadership skills while having fun.
- Serving Others
- Becoming an Example
- Effective Communication
- Teamwork
- Problem-Solving & Decision-Making
- Negotiating
- Forecasting & Planning
Join a camp that is fun and engaging.
YLA is supervised by a child development education specialist and guided by previous top-performing BRI YLA graduates as Senior Counselors. Assisting them are Junior Counselors who are also previous BRI YLA graduates.
Activities include:
Age-appropriate break-out sessions
Whole group leadership sessions
Themed dance & movie parties