WHEN?
Begins 1:00pm Thursday for all attendees except leaders who arrive at 11am, Dec. 26th and concludes 2:00pm Friday, December 28th.

LEADERS MEETING BEGINS PROMPTLY AT 11AM! This is only for leaders. (Adult men, Corporals and Lance Corporals)

WHERE?
Big Valley Church 4040 Tully Road Modesto CA.
Sign in when you arrive will be at the "ARC" which is the big tent-like structure you can see from Pelandale Road.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
Download the packing list here
Be sure to fill out  and bring this medical release form

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I ARRIVE?
When you arrive you will sign-in in the "ARC." You will be assigned to a "squad." That is a small group of guys led by a teen guy. We call him a Corporal. Through the Leadership Advance you will play, work, eat, sleep and learn together. There are plenty of times when everyone will also be free to do things all together. Many games are like this. But the major part of the Leadership Advance will have you together in your squad. Each squad will have a number of adult men who will be with you as well to help provide oversight and counsel where necessary, but the Corporal will be the one primarily responsible for leading the squad. This is one way that we make the Leadership Advance practical leadership training. The Corporal is typically a guy who's been to the Leadership Advance before or has led in similar contexts like a Christian Service Brigade Battalion so don't worry about having that responsibility given to you if this is your first time.

After signing-in you will be shown up to your room where you can put your personal gear. Your squad will share this space together during the duration of the event. This is where you will sleep and do your squad Bible studies together.  After you are set up in your room you will then go down to the ARC where you can hang out or play games while everyone get's signed in. Once sign-in is completed the squads will be called into formation. That just means that everyone lines up as squads with their Corporal in front. Your corporal will explain the details (there aren't many) for guys who aren't familiar with what to do. After that everything will be explained.

If you are worried that you don't know anyone or that finding guys to hang out with will be difficult, keep in mind this isn't school. This is a place with really cool guys. You can jump into a game or enter into a conversation with a group of guys without the fear of being rejected or not being welcomed. after only a couple of nights you'll see that it's not going to be hard to make friends at all.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OVERALL?
You can read more about the purpose of the conference and the theme for this year on our home page but let me explain a bit more. We want to help Christian young men learn to lead. We don't believe this is only accomplished by sitting down and listening (though that is necessary too). We designed this event to be full of activity. We also work very hard to make the workshops, lessons, bible study and talks really really practical. But most of your time will not be sitting down. Even our games are designed to teach teamwork and leadership.

But we acknowledge that this event is not for every young man. We are not looking for young men who necessarily feel they are already good leaders. We are looking for young men who are willing to be challenged and equipped but who also know how to have a great time.

You should expect to meet some really great guys your age as well as men who really care about helping you grow. You should expect to spend some serious time engaging in God's Word. You should expect amazing food, most of which is fresh and home made right there during the event. You should expect to get sweaty and have a blast during games. You should expect to be challenged in your preconceptions about what it means to be a man of God. You should expect to go home with practical skills to help you grow as a Christian leader. You really should expect to go home with new friendships with guys who will help you grow in your walk with God rather than tearing you down.

FOOD?
That’s a major highlight of the Leadership Advance! Expect to eat exceptionally well! Meals are provided for the whole event and we assure you that you will not be disappointed. If you have allergies or significant food needs please let us know ahead of time.

WHAT ARE THE SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS?
We sleep in some classrooms reserved for our use. That means that you need to bring a sleeping bag and ground pad or some other reasonable bed arrangements.

WHAT ABOUT ELECTRONICS?
As a general rule electronics will not be allowed. Enjoy the freedom over these 3 days of not having it with you. Leave it at home. 

WHAT WILL IT COST?
Check the registration page for current pricing. Scholarships are available. Just ask here

HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You register online and you can either pay right now online or you can send us a check. If you need to bring payment to the event please let us know to expect it at that time.  You can register and pay on the registration page linked at the top of this website or here: Register now

WHO DO I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS?
Call Dave Gregg at (510) 209-3678
Or email me at [email protected]