Zones FAQ
Q: (GENERAL) What is the difference between a Quake and a Zone?
A: Both Quakes and Zones are centered on Jesus and provide opportunities for faith to be built in a caring Christian community. Youth Encounter Quakes are for junior high youth (grades 6-9) and focus on faith in Jesus Christ and building Christian community. Zones are designed for high school youth (grades 9-12) and go much deeper by providing opportunities for faith to not only grow, but also be applied. Youth are challenged to discover and put into practice their spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, as well as be involved in on-site service opportunities.
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Q: (GENERAL) Who can participate in a Zone?
A: Zone weekend events welcome people from all denominations and are designed for high school youth (grades 9-12).
Adult Leaders (21+ years) also participate in Zones with their church group. They are invited to not only chaperone, but also to grow in their own faith lives. Youth Encounter strongly recommends at least one Adult Leader for every four youth in attendance.
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Q: (GENERAL) There is someone in my group with special needs. What kind of accommodations can be made?
A: Youth Encounter gladly welcomes all of God's children and will do our best to accommodate any special needs. If you need a sleeping room that is handicapped accessible, please check the appropriate box on the Registration Form. If you would like to request sign language interpreters/signers at a Zone, there is also a box you can check on the Registration Form. Please contact the Zone Director specifically about all additional specific needs.
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Q: (PRICING) Why are there three different prices for the same Zone?
A: Your price for the Zone depends on when you register your group. Keep reading to find out which price applies to you.
Early Bird Registration Price: This discounted fee is $15 off the Standard Registration price! You qualify for this price if you PRE-REGISTER your group by the Early Bird Deadline (September 15, 2006 for Zones happening in 2006, October 1, 2006 for Zone happening in January or February 2007, and November 1, 2005 for Zones happening in March of 2007). This is done by
- Sending in the Early Bird Discount Qualification Form and $35/person (non-refundable) deposit by the Early Bird Discount Postmark Deadline. This first step saves your group a spot at the Zone, but in order to keep the discounted price, you must also send in the Registration Form (including housing information) and Individual Information Form by your specific Zones Standard Postmark Deadline.
Standard Registration Price: This fee applies if you register between the Early Bird Deadline (see above) and your specific Zones Standard Postmark Deadline.
Late Registration Price: This fee is earned by registering after the Standard Postmark Deadline for your specific Zone. Please call the Registrar (1-800-65-YOUTH, ext. 8449) to see if there is still space available.
Click here to find all the Registration Forms.
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Q: (PRICING) How much is it for adults to attend?
A: All participants (youth and adults) come for the same price. Unfortunately, the hotel doesn't charge different rates depending on the age of the people staying in the rooms, so neither can we.
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What is a Standard Postmark Deadline?
A: This is the date (approximately six weeks before the Zone) by which the Registration Form (including housing information) and Individual Information Form must be postmarked. If you send in these forms in after the Standard Postmark Deadline, you forfeit the reduced rates and must pay late fees (an additional $25/person on top of the standard price). See below for your specific Zone's Standard Postmark Deadline:
- Kansas City: September 26, 2006
- Pennsylvania: October 10, 2006
- Phoenix: November 28, 2006
- Connecticut: December 21, 2006
- Seattle: January 9, 2007
- Cincinnati: January 16, 2007
- Virginia Beach: January 23, 2007
- Chicago: February 6, 2007
- Twin Cities: February 13, 2007
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What is Early Bird Discount and why have it?
A: A: The Early Bird Discount is a way for you to save $15 per person off of the Standard Registration Fee. The Early Bird Discount benefits everyone in several ways:
- It's a discount every church can enjoy.
- It enables us to lower the deposit to $35 per person.
- It helps create a higher quality Zone because it gives Youth Encounter Event staff, Pathway Leaders, and Event Crews more time to plan.
- It helps reduce hotel fees and other costs (which help keep your costs low) by enabling us to know approximately how many people are coming so we can work out the details accordingly.
To qualify:
- Postmark your Early Bird Discount Qualification Form and a $35/person (non-refundable) deposit by the Early Bird Deadline (which is September 15, 2006 for Zones happening in 2006, October 1, 2006 for January and February events, and November 1, 2006 for Zones happening in March 2007) AND,
- Send in the Zone Registration Form (including housing information) and Individual Information Form by the Standard Postmark Deadline for your specific Zone.
OR
-
Complete your housing information and your registration information online by your Standard Postmark Deadline!
Remember, when you qualify for the Early Bird Discount, we do not need names or genders—just the approximate number of participants you think you will be bringing and their deposits.
IMPORTANT NOTES ABOUT THE EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT:
In order to keep the Early Bird Discounted rate, remember that you must send in your Zone Registration Form (including housing information) and Individual Information Form by your specific Zone Standard Postmark Deadline.
- You may add people to your group after the Early Bird Deadline. If it is between the Early Bird Deadline and the Standard Postmark Deadline, they will be charged the Standard Registration Fee. If it is after the Standard Postmark Deadline (and there is still room at the Zone), they will be charged the Late Registration Fee.
- Remember that if you do not fill up a room to capacity, you must still pay additional fees, even if you have registered at the Early Bird rate.
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What is the latest date I can register?
A: If you are interested in registering your group after the Standard Postmark Deadline, please contact the Registrar in order to confirm availability. If there is still room, please send (via fax) your Zone Registration Form and Individual Information Form. Then mail the originals and the deposit as soon as possible. If it is less than ten days before the Zone, Youth Encounter requires you to send your deposit and registration via next day air in order for us to have enough time to make the proper arrangements for your group. If you are interested in registering an individual after the Standard Postmark deadline, please refer to the next question.
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What happens if the number of participants I'm bringing changes from the original registration?
A: No problem! Just fill out and submit the Event Registration Change Request Form.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
ABOUT PRICING:
- If someone adds, s/he will be charged according to when they registered. For example, if you add them before the Early Bird Deadline, that person is eligible for the Early Bird price. If it is between the Early Bird Deadline and the Standard Postmark Deadline for your specific Zone, s/he will be charged the Standard Registration Fee. If it is after the Standard Postmark Deadline (and there is still room available), s/he will be charged the late fee (the Standard Registration Fee + the $25 late fee) .
- If someone cancels, you will not be charged the entire registration fee for that person. You simply lose that person's $35 deposit. Remember, the deposit is non-refundable and therefore cannot be transferred to the entire balance.
ABOUT ROOM CAPACITY: At all Zones, standard room capacity is four people. You may, however, fit five people in a room, although bed space, towels and linens will not be provided for the fifth person. If you do not fill up your rooms to capacity, you will be charged additional fees accordingly.
REMEMBER THAT IN ALL CASES, YOU MUST CONTACT THE REGISTRAR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO ACCOMMODATE YOU.
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What form should I use if my group needs more than eight hotel rooms?
A: No problem! We've created a special form just for you. First, use the Zone Registration Form. When you get to the ninth room, use the Additional Housing Form.
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Q: (REGISTRATION) What if I can only come for part of the Zone?
A: Part-time housing fees are available. Please contact the Registrar (1-800-65-YOUTH, ext. 8449) for more information. (Please note that pro-rated triple/double fees may apply if someone leaves partway through the Zone.)
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Q: (HOUSING) What is Youth Encounter's policy on housing?
A: Click here to read the housing policy.
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Q: (HOUSING) What if a family wants to be housed in the same room?
A: No problem. Just fill out the registration form with everyone's names. If everyone has the same last name, we'll figure out that it is a family. If the family consists of different names, maybe just make a note off to the side, so that we don't flag it and call you because we see males and females in the same room.
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Q: (HOUSING) What happens if I am unable to fill up all my rooms to capacity?
A: If you are unable to fill up your room to capacity (four people to a room), additional housing fees apply. The reason for these fees is because the hotel charges the same price for each room--regardless of how many people occupy it. In order to keep your costs as low as possible, the registration fee for each person to participate in the Zone is based on having the room filled to capacity (four people to a room). If you only have three people in a room (triple housing), an additional $60 housing fee applies. If you have two people in a room (double housing), an additional $110 housing fee applies. These fees apply to each room not filled to capacity, no matter when you registered.
If you are interested in finding out prices for single housing, please call the Registrar (1-800-65-YOUTH, ext. 8449).
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Q: (HOUSING) Is there any way to avoid paying additional housing fees?
A: One way you might avoid paying additional housing fees is by putting a fifth person in a room. For example, you are bringing five boys but don't want to pay the single housing fee by having four boys in one room and one boy in another. For the same registration fee as other participants, you can put the fifth boy in the same room as the other boys, therefore avoiding additional housing fees for a room not filled to capacity.
- Bed space/rollaway beds, linens and towels will not be provided for the extra person, however, so please come prepared.
- Due to fire code, not all hotels allow rollaway beds in rooms with two double beds. If you would like more information about cost and availability, please call your specific event hotel.
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Q: (HOUSING) What if I prefer to not stay at the hotel?
A: Although we would like you to get the full experience of the weekend by staying in the hotel, we understand that certain circumstances may make that difficult. Please contact the Registrar (1-800-65-YOUTH, ext. 8449) for specific no-housing fees.
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Q: (HOUSING) Can I arrange for adjoining rooms?
A: You may request adjoining rooms by noting your request in the "Special Needs" box on the Registration Form, although based on the physical construction of the hotels, it is not always possible. If adjoining rooms are available, we will definitely do our best to accommodate you on a first-come, first-serve basis. (Please remember to specify which rooms you want to be adjoining on your Registration Form.)
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Q: (PREPARING) What should I bring to wear?
A: As part of the mandatory Zone covenant, we ask that all participants and staff wear clothing that is modest and appropriate.
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Q: (PREPARING) I've never been to a Zone before! What should I do?
A: The first thing you should do is start getting excited! Zones are amazing weekends, but more importantly, God is with you! It is going to be great! The next thing you need to do is check out our just for for Adult Leaders & Parents section on the main page. That has all the information you will need. (We recommend reading the Zone Leader's Guide first.) Then read through the rest of the information on that page. Next, don't forget to check out your specific Zones page for information that pertains only to your Zone. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Zone Director.
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Q: (PREPARING) What should I bring?
A: Things TO bring: Bible, positive attitude, appropriate clothing, paper and pen, toiletries, money (for food or souvenirs), swimsuit (if your hotel has a pool), bedding and towels (if you are the 5th person in a room)
Things NOT TO bring: Negative attitude, inappropriate clothing, Walkman, IPod, MP3 Player, Game Boy, drugs, alcohol, weapons (pocket knives, matches, etc.), cell phone, magazines not approved by your main Adult Leader
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Q: (PREPARING) What do we do about meals?
A: Meals are on your own and are not included in the registration fee. At some Zones, the hotel restaurant will offer discounted meal options. Other options include going out to local restaurants, bringing sandwich stuff to eat in your rooms or ordering pizza. One church makes a list of the food they will need and puts it in the bulletin for the month prior to the event. Then they have a box labeled "EVENT FOOD" where people can leave their donation and cross it off the list! What a great way to get everyone involved!
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Q: (PREPARING) Do we have to pay for parking?
A: Parking is free at 8 of our 9 Zones. The only place where you have to pay for parking is the Twin Cities Zone where the parking ramp is $12/night. Street parking on Saturday and Sunday, however, is free.
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Q: (PREPARING) I have a large group. Any tips?
A: Registration: Have the main Adult Leader come in to the hotel and register the entire group while the rest of the group waits in the parking lot. (Or, come earlier than your group and meet up with them later.)
Meals:
- Call ahead to the restaurants where you'd like to eat. Often you can reserve a large room, or even arrange to have a discounted menu specifically for your group.
- Call ahead to a local sub shop and order a large party sub. Send one person to pick it up and eat in your rooms.
- Break into small groups and have each car go to a different restaurant.
- Order pizza and sit by the pool. (Please check with hotel first as this might be against the rules.)
- If your church is close to the Zone, have people from the church come in and prepare meals in your hotel rooms (while the group is still in sessions).
Small Group Time: Break your large group into smaller groups so that each group can be in one hotel room. Another idea is to contact the Zone Director and see if you can reserve one of the hotel's breakout rooms so that your group can stay all together.
Overall:
- Have lots of Adult Leaders!
- Let the Youth Director, Pastor, or Main Volunteer be the overall contact person for the group. Have each Adult Leader be responsible for the youth in their room.
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Q: (PREPARING) How do I get to the hotel?
A: Go to your specific Zone's page and you will find a link that enables you to get directions to the hotel from any address in the country. Or, you can print out the Event Flyer from the same page. Directions and a map are included.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) What is the schedule for the weekend?
A: By clicking on the Sample Schedule link, you will discover the general outline for the weekend. Little things here and there will be different at each unique Zone. You can upload your specific Zone schedule off each specific zone page with tons of other detailed information, or by checking out the Pre-Event packet link on teh Leader's page. If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Pre-Event packet, please contact the Zone Director. Each participant will also receive a final schedule for the weekend upon arrival.
Starting and ending times will stay the same. If you have questions about your specific Construction Zone, please contact the Event Director that serves that Construction Zone.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) How can I find out who the speaker and musicians will be?
A: The easiest way is to go to your specific Zone's page. There you will be able to:
- find out who the speakers and musicians are
- get driving directions to the hotel
- print out promotional materials
- download the information that will be included in your Pre-Event Packet
Another option is to go to the Speakers or the Musicians page.
Another way to find out information about the speakers and musicians is by clicking on Speakers or Musicians.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) What is there for adults?
A: In addition to experiencing all the amazing ways God moves through the Zone, this year you will have even more opportunities (such as the small group Bible Study, Youth Group Time, and the Service project) to network, share, pray, grow and brainstorm together. We will also be offering many different kinds of workshops just for adults. For more information about the topics offered at your Zone, please contact the Zone Director.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) What is a Pathway?
A: A Pathway is time set aside to explore real issues and spiritual growth in a small group atmosphere on Saturday of the Construction Zone. There are five pathway times on Saturday each running roughly 50 minutes long. Youth are allowed to choose which workshop/pathway they would like to attend along with the service project.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) Will sign language interpreters/signers be available?
A: Sign language interpreters/signers are available upon request only. Please make sure to indicate that you request a signer at your Zone by filling out the special requests portion of the Registration Form. To make sure that we are able to meet your needs, you can also contact the Zone Director with your special request.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) What is the Global Offering?
A: Each year, Youth Encounter receives an offering on Sunday morning at each of our Junior High Quakes and Senior High Zones for a global ministry that gives aid to the poor and shares Christ with the hopeless. None of the money goes to Youth Encounter; it all goes to help with the selected ministry.
This year, Youth Encounter is excited to receive an offering for Lutheran World Relief.
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Q: (WHAT TO EXPECT) What is the on-site service project?
A: In past years, Youth Encounter has partnered with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) for the on-site service project. We packaged nutritious, well balanced meals that were shipped overseas to feed starving children all over the world. The dry meals consist of rice, high protein soy nuggets, vegetables, vitamins, minerals and flavoring. Each easy to prepare small pouch of food provides six highly nutritious meals and has won rave reviews from all over the world. For more information, click here.
In the 2005-06 Event Season, Zone participants packaged 983,350 meals!
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Q: (ON-SITE) What should we do when we arrive at the Zone?
A: The easiest thing to do is to send the main Adult Leader in to the hotel to register the group while the rest of the group waits in the vans/bus/cars. Once the Adult Leader registers and picks up the keys, the group can drive to the closest door to unload and get settled. The main Adult Leader will also receive a packet of information about the weekend and can go over the details with the group before the Zone begins.
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Q: (ON-SITE) When can we get into our hotel rooms?
A: Keys to your hotel room will be handed out during registration, which is from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Friday of the Zone (except for the Virginia Beach Zone and the Chicago Zone, where registration begins earlier).
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Q: (PLANNING) What if I know someone who would be a great Pathway leader?
A: If you know someone who would be a good workshop leader, that is awesome! Just contact the Zone Director and let them know as soon as possible so they can work on getting in contact with him or her.
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Q: (PLANNING) What is an Event Crew and how can I be involved?
A: An Event Crew is an AWESOME group of local volunteers (youth and adults) who work with the Zone Director to help plan, promote, and run the Zone. Time commitments can be as little or as much as you want, so don't worry! If you are interested in serving on the Event Crew for your Zone, please contact the Zone Director. You will make their day!
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Q: (GENERAL) I have comments or questions. Who do I contact?
A: Please do not hesitate to contact the Registrar with any questions regarding registration, or the Zone Director for specific Zone questions. You can call us at 1-800-65YOUTH (1-800-659-6884) or contact us via e-mail.
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| Event Contacts |
|---|
| Name |
Phone Ext. |
Direct Phone # |
Email |
Miller, Jennifer
Event Ministry Director |
8362 |
(651) 287-9688 |
|
Young, Courtney
Event Ministry Director |
8455 |
(651) 287-8455 |
|
For more High School Zone information, click here.
|
