2026 Summer Conference
July 8-11, 2026
Ohio Wesleyan University
Get ready for a one‑of‑a‑kind, youth‑driven experience!
Join us for a dynamic, idea-packed conference designed to spark creativity and ignite collaboration between youth and adult allies to work and grow together. Grounded in the four pillars of effective prevention: Information, Personal Growth, Environmental Change, and Drug‑Free Alternatives, this unique event empowers young people to take the lead.
Over four incredible days and three nights, participants will gain powerful new skills, deepen their commitment to positive decision‑making, and build the confidence to create meaningful change in their schools and communities.
What to expect…
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Speakers
Feel inspired and motivated by experienced speakers from across the country.
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Team Building
Make new connections while setting a tone of collaboration and support through challenging and fun activities.
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Family Groups
Reflect and connect with other conference participants on a deeper level.
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Youth Action Groups
Turn inspiration into action! Work with your attending group to develop action plans to make real change in your community.
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Fun Events
Unwind and have a blast at nightly fun events!
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Stage Presentations
Hear directly from youth leaders! Engaging and insightful presentations and skits designed and presented by Youth Staff.
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Adult Track
Network with like-minded professionals and to learn effective strategies to guide young people to success.
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Workshops
Gain new skills and insights! Interactive and educational workshops presented by youth leaders and adult experts.
AGENDA
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12:30 PM - 1:30 PM - Arrival/Group Check-In (Smith Hall Lobby)
1:15 PM - 1:45 PM - Get Acquainted Activities
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM - Opening Ceremonies
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Family Group 1
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM - Team Building
5:30 PM - 5:45 PM - Adult Advisor Welcome Meeting
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Dinner
6:45 PM - 8:00 PM - Speaker: Erin Pompa
8:15 PM - 9:00 PM - Family Group 2
9:15 PM - 10:45 PM - County Fair Fun Event
10:45 PM - 11:00 PM - Dorm Check In
11:30 PM - Participant Lights Out
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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM - Speaker: Matt Bellace
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM - Family Group 3
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM - Extreme Skill Workshops Session 1
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Extreme Skill Workshops Session 2
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM - Youth Staff Skits
5:15 PM - 6:45 PM - Dinner
6:45 PM - 7:15 PM - Change for fun event
7:15 PM - 7:20 PM - Family Group Check-in
7:30 PM - 8:45 PM - Family Group 4
9:00 PM - 10:30 PM - Fun Event
10:30 PM - 10:45 PM - Dorm Check-In
11:30 PM - Participant Lights Out
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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Breakfast
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM - Energizers and Daily Reminders
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM - Youth Workshops Session 1
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM - Youth Workshops Session 2
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Lunch
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM - Family Group 5
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Youth Presentation
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM - Youth Action Group 1
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Dinner & Free Time
7:15 PM - 8:30 PM - Family Group 6
8:30 PM - 10:30 PM - Dance
10:30 PM - 10:45 PM - Dorm Check-in
11:30 PM - Participant Lights Out
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8:00 AM - 9:15 AM - Breakfast
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM - Group Picture
9:45 AM - 11:00 AM - Youth Action Group 2
11:15 AM - 12:45 PM - Family Group 7/Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM - Closing Ceremonies
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Staff Closing
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Check Out (Dorms)
We have reached capacity.
Interested potential participants may join the Waitlist for a chance to attend if space becomes available.
REGISTRATION
WHEN: July 8-11, 2026
WHERE: Ohio Wesleyan University, 61 S Sandusky St, Delaware, OH 43015
WHO: Students going into 9-12th grade (2026-2027 school year) and their adult allies
COST: $650 per participant*
*Thanks to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, a limited number of $50 Ohio Participant Reduced Rates will be available. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis upon completion of Participant Registration. See details below.
Registration Questions - email Julia Hall jhall@compdrug.org
Evaluations conducted by The Ohio State University show that by attending the Youth to Youth Conference youth experience positive changes in their self-perceptions; specifically, in key areas such as leadership, knowledge about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, and self-efficacy. These outcomes are met through uplifting small discussion groups, workshops conducted by youth and experts in the field, creative teambuilding, dynamic speakers, and of course… FUN!
Youth to Youth conferences are designed for drug-free community coalitions, school clubs, youth serving organizations, peer educators, faith-based groups, character and asset builders and any and every type of young person!
Conference Volunteer Opportunities
Adults that have graduated high school in or before 2024 (must be at least 20 years old)
Every year we offer the opportunity for adults to be a part of the Youth to Youth Conference volunteer staff. The staff role is one of the most critical and influential parts of a Youth to Youth Conference. Youth to Youth conferences are very active, participatory conferences. It is an excellent opportunity to receive training in many areas of youth leadership/drug prevention programming. We value the commitment of these adults who are willing to assist in helping teens make positive choices and we promise to make the conference a learning, rewarding and fun experience for adult staff.
Adult Staff Volunteers
Students graduating high school in 2026 - 2028
Every year we offer the opportunity for youth to be a part of the Youth to Youth Conference volunteer staff. The staff role is one of the most critical and influential parts of a Youth to Youth Conference. Youth to Youth conferences are very active, participatory conferences. It is an excellent opportunity to receive training in many areas of youth leadership/drug prevention programming. We value the commitment of these youth who are willing to assist in helping their peers make positive choices and we promise to make the conference a learning, rewarding and fun experience for youth staff. Applications due by April 17th
If selected, youth staff rate is $350 for Non-Ohio Youth Staff, and $50 for Ohio Youth Staff thanks to funding from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health.
Youth Staff Volunteers
Graduated High School in or before 2025
Every year we offer the opportunity for Y2Y alumni to be a part of the Youth to Youth administrative team. The A-Team volunteers play a critical role behind the scenes at conference. From event set up to tear down and everything in between the A-Team volunteers help to make conference a memorable experience for all attendees.
A-Team Volunteers
Youth to Youth strives to provide teens and their adult advisors with up-to-date, accurate information on topics that will assist them in their peer prevention programming efforts. We are looking for youth and adults who are promoting a drug-free lifestyle and want to empower others.
We are asking that you present unique, creative ideas and provide skill-building opportunities for others at the conference. We encourage workshops to be interactive and not solely based on lecturing and question and answer. Conference participants prefer presentations which focus on “how to” information, which will assist them in accomplishing goals in their own schools and communities. Topic areas include but are not limited to: Bullying, Healthy Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Dating Violence, Media Influences, Suicide, Distracted Driving, Depression, Youth Obesity, Underage Drinking, Tobacco, Hookah, E-Cigarettes, Marijuana, Prescription Drug Misuse, etc.
Workshop Presenters
Graduated High School in or before 2025
See the conference in action from behind the scenes!
Unable to attend conference or serve as adult staff? Don’t worry, we still have plenty of opportunities for you to provide invaluable support. Pick a day, event, or time that works for your schedule.
Volunteers are the heart of this conference, with whom it wouldn’t be possible. Just a few hours of your time can make an impact that lasts a lifetime.