National Youth Conferences

Conference on National Affairs (CONA)

This program offers unusual opportunities for a young person to do research in the area of National and International concern; to organize this information into a documented proposal; to engage in intensive discussion and to debate these proposals with understanding young people from other states.

Young people who have participated in the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs are unanimous in their belief that this experience makes a vital contribution in helping young citizens to learn more about the democratic form of Government.

Every summer, Youth and Government programs from across the country come together to participate at the Conference on National Affairs (CONA). This weeklong conference is held the first week in July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. All selected delegates prepare proposals on issues of national importance to present and debate during the conference.

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Location: Blue Ridge Assembly

Cost: $1,000

Registration Dates:

Opens: January 2025
Closes: April 2025

Requirements to Attend

Must have attended a Youth in Government Conference
Must be at least and incoming Freshman
Must Complete an Interview with the State Director

If you are interested in attending CONA 2025 please fill out this Interest Form and the State Director will reach out to you regarding an interview.

National Judicial Competition

The YMCA National Judicial Competition (NJC) is an annual competition for high school student participants in the model judicial components – Appellate Court and Mock Trial – of the YMCA Youth and Government program.

Location: St. Paul, MN

Cost: $850