FAQs

What are students saying about Basileia?

“This experience has changed my life! I now have a sense of purpose.” - NYC student, Basileia ‘22

“I feel refreshed!  During COVID, I was in a very spiritually dead state. I had a lot going on, and I was just sinking lower and lower. Coming here has revitalized my spirit, and I want to take this with me.” - North NJ student, Basileia ‘22

“So many things changed in my life… I want to continue giving God what I have, and I know He can do a lot with it.” - Central NY student, Basileia ‘22

"It's been over 25 years, and the stuff I learned at Basileia has continued to shape my life, my parenting, my marriage, how I do my work." - Basileia 1997 alum

When is Basileia? What week do I choose?

Week 1: May 11-15, 2024
Week 2: May 18-22, 2024
Week 3: May 25-29, 2024

Basileia is repeated three consecutive weeks in May. It is designed to be experienced in community with other students from your campus. Most groups attend the conference closest to the last day of their school; you can check with your InterVarsity staff minister to confirm which week is best. Don't have a campus fellowship and/or InterVarsity campus minister? Email us for help deciding which week is best for you and your friends!

What does the week look like?

Stay tuned for a sneak peek at the schedule for Basileia.

Why tracks?

From the Greek word “kingdom,” Basileia is about learning the ways of King Jesus, growing in friendship with Him, being shaped in His character, and following Him in mission.

Every afternoon at Basileia, you’ll have opportunity to gain perspective, experience, and practical tools that will help you grow in one of three areas or "tracks": community, witness, and leadership.  Based on which track you choose, you will delve deeper into one of these topics alongside other college students in NY/NJ: 

Community: In a world where there is a deficit of hope, how do we cultivate HOPE-full and JOY-full communities? This track will inspire and equip you to lead or be part of a joyful, hope-filled community on campus, transformed by Jesus.

Witness: What story is your life telling?  Everyone bears witness to something. This track will help you notice Jesus' activity in your life and in the world, and share what you see with others.

Leadership*: Examples of power-hungry, destructive, narcissistic leadership abound.  This track will help you learn to cultivate the character, perspective and skills to lead others into mission, Jesus' way. This track is for exec level / core team leaders. 

*Staff approval is required to register for this track.

What does Basileia cost? What does that include?

Early Bird - $359 (register by 11:59pm on February 23rd, 2024)
Standard - $409 (register by 11:59pm on April 5th, 2024)
Late - $459 (register after 11:59pm on April 5th, 2024)

Pricing includes meals and lodging for 5 days & 4 nights at beautiful Saranac Village, a premier resort-quality retreat center in the Adirondacks, Upstate NY. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at registration.

Are there scholarships available?

We never want finances to prevent anyone from experiencing Jesus!

Work Crew Scholarship - Earn a FULL scholarship by signing up to serve with work crew during a week you are not attending Basileia with your chapter / campus group. This scholarship automatically removes the amount due at registration.
Campus Scholarships - Ask your InterVarsity campus minister, executive leadership team, or email us for more information.

Work crew? What’s that?

Each week we’re at Basileia, there’s a team of 10 or more people who play an important role in making Basileia happen. This team of 10+ volunteers help with the practical work behind the scenes: food prep, food service, set up and clean up after meals, and various necessary tasks to serve the Basileia community. In addition to serving others together, Work Crew teams spend time in prayer and guided reflection on vocation, work, and life with God. Work Crew is a great opportunity for groups of students or volunteers to serve practically, receive some discipleship around work, and earn Basileia scholarships for themselves or their friends. (see scholarship question above). Spots are limited, so make sure you sign up early to secure a work crew slot at registration!
Work Crew Week 1 is Friday May 10th 4pm - Wednesday May 15th 3pm
Work Crew Week 2 is Wednesday May 15th 3pm - Wednesday May 22nd 3pm
Work Crew Week 3 is Wednesday May 22nd 3pm - Wednesday May 29th 3pm
If you are no longer able to serve during the work crew week you registered for, you will owe back the scholarship to your total conference cost. Please email us if you are no longer able to serve.

What should I bring with me?

The weather in Saranac, NY can vary widely in May, from snow flurries to sunny 70's. Be sure to check the weather to pack clothing accordingly. In addition to clothing and toiletries, here are some other things you may wish to bring: If you have a bible, a favorite notebook, and pens, you can bring those to help you engage with the conference material. You may want to bring some money for the Basileia bookstore, IFES offering (taken the last day) and snacks, too!

How do I get to camp?

Young Life - Saranac Village is located at 4014 NY-30, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Participants are responsible for arranging their transportation to and from camp. We recommend carpooling with other students from your campus.

Additionally, we are offering select charter buses each week of camp. Please see our bus registration page to learn which routes are provided.

If you have questions about how to get to camp, you can reach out to your InterVarsity campus minister or email us.

What COVID protocols are in place?

We are following local CDC guidelines- masks are welcome, but not required at Basileia. We will continue to monitor COVID cases and will communicate any necessary changes to COVID protocol prior to the conference.

For the safety of all participants, please do not come to camp if, within 7 days prior to camp, you test positive for COVID or have cold/flu-like symptoms. If you have had a confirmed COVID exposure, we will be requiring you to take a provided COVID test onsite with our camp nurse to confirm you are not positive. For COVID-related questions or if you need to cancel your registration due to COVID, please email us. 

Can I invite my friends?

Yes! We are confident that God will be at work in mighty ways during Basileia. Basileia is a space to encounter God and be equipped to reach the campus with the gospel. If you know a college student who would love Basileia, invite them sign up today!

How do I get back to my registration?

You can log back into your registration if you need to edit information or make payments by clicking here. You may need to set up an account, info to do so is found on your initial confirmation email.

I registered for Basileia but now I can't come, what do I do?

We are so sorry you can't join us. Talk to your InterVarsity campus minister or email us for next steps.

My question wasn't answered, what do I do?

Sorry we weren't able to answer your question here. Email us and we can help! We would love to connect with you to answer any questions you may have. You can email us so we can help!