Annual Counselors' Leadership Conference FAQs
 How is the location for Conference chosen?
Picking a location for Conference begins with an invitation. If a GEMS counselor or a club feels led to hold a Conference in their area, they contact the Conference Coordinator and ask for a Conference Planning Packet. The Conference Planning Packet explains everything that needs to be done, step-by-step, to guarantee a successful Conference. Included in the packet is an invitation, which they fill out and send to the Service Center.
Once an invitation is received, the Conference Coordinator visits the site to make sure the facility the LCC (Local Conference Committee) recommends will meet the needs of a Conference. The invitation and recommendation then goes to the GEB (GEMS Executive Board) for approval and a final decision is made about the site.
Knowing that the cost and location of Conference may be prohibitive to some, we try to move the location around so that a majority of women may be able to take advantage of the Conference experience multiple times during their career as a GEMS counselor.
Note: Conferences are in the planning process for three years prior to the event.
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How are the dates selected?
Dates for Conference are determined by considering school schedules, holidays, and summer breaks in the US and Canada. In addition, we consider the availability of the facility. Typically, we try to keep Conference dates around the second week of July. When these dates are not available, we try to choose a date that will be convenient for most GEMS counselors to attend. back to top |
 What
is the goal of Conference?
- To provide an uplifting, spiritual growth experience for all who attend. Deepening the faith walk of every woman who attends is paramount as we plan Conference.
- To provide opportunities for counselors to develop and strengthen their skills in working with and mentoring girls in their clubs.
- To provide personal growth opportunities for counselors. Recognizing that a counselors' personal growth will enhance her ability as a counselor of girls, Conference workshops include a variety of topics.
- To provide cross-cultural opportunities for counselors to develop enduring friendships with other women of faith.
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How is the registration fee determined?
The budget for Conference is set in the fall prior to the event and must be approved by the GEMS Executive Board. Facility fees including lodging, meals, snacks, set-up fees, meeting space, audio/visual equipment rental, speaker and musician fees, equipment operators compensation, event insurance, conference materials, promotional materials, Conference publications, and shipping of materials as well as administrative support salary all factor into the cost of a Conference. back to top |
When is the Registration Form available?
The Conference Registration Form comes with your Cable and is mailed mid-January. You can also register online. back to top
What are the benefits of attending Conference?
Ephesians 4:11-12 says, "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up." GEMS counselors have a calling to teach young girls, and the Annual Counselors' Leadership Conference is the best way to prepare for this role.
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 What
do you miss if you don't attend?
- Conference offers the chance to meet with sisters in Christ and share a sweet time of fellowship. It's a time to be encouraged and supported in your ministry.
- Conference offers opportunities to grow; not only in the GEMS ministry but personally and spiritually.
- The new theme for the next GEMS season is introduced at Conference. You will see and learn firsthand how to best present the theme to your GEMS.
- New GEMS curriculum, materials, and products are introduced at Conference.
- You will learn how to relate to the girls in your club as well as to your fellow counselors, parents, and church.
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 Should
my church be asked to help support me attending Conference?
Conference is an outstanding training opportunity for women serving as mentors to girls.
We also encourage counselors to raise funds for their registration fee. Some ideas include:
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Suppers: Baked potato supper, soup supper, chili cook-off, something with a theme.
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Sponsorship for specific events: rock-a-thon, walk-a-thon, bowl-a-thon.
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Bake sales, pizza sales, catalog sales, pig-n-a- blankets, pies, etc.
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Work on a project together and auction it to the church family: quilt, meals for a month.
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How are workshop choices handled?
You choose which workshops shops you would like to attend on your Registration Form, listing them in order of preference. Then, workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Some are limited to attendance size by the leader; these naturally will fill up faster. When a registration is received, if the first choice is filled, the second choice will be assigned; if the second choice is filled, the third choice is assigned, and so on. Please be assured that every attempt is made to give you the workshop choices you prefer. back to top |
 How
are room assignments determined?
If you wish to room with a specific friend or individual you must send your registration forms together in the same envelope. Room assignments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once rooms are assigned, it is very difficult to make changes. So if a larger group wishes to be placed in close proximity to each other, it is recommended that all of the registration forms are sent in together.
If you register online, your registration must be received on the same day as the person you wish to room with.
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What
if I'm coming to Conference alone?
No problem! If you are coming to Conference alone we will place you with another counselor who may be alone as well. Please be sure to indicate on your form if you are a 1st Time Conference Attendee (under your name and address). At the beginning of each Conference there is a special reception to welcome and enfold each counselor who is new to the Conference experience. We'll answer your questions, give you helpful hints, and take good care of you!
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Did you know...
New clubs receive one free Conference registration when accompanied by one paid registration. This encourages new counselors to experience the rewards of Conference.
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