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 9-13, 2026
Week 2: May 16-20, 2026
Week 3: May 23-27, 2026

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 track should I choose?

In addition to our large group sessions with everyone at Basileia, students spend time in tracks with guided material to help engage with the Kingdom vision of Basileia. Not sure which track to choose? Check out these descriptions:

Leadership: Examples of power-hungry, destructive, narcissistic leadership abound. But Jesus leads differently, and calls us to lead like him. This track will help you cultivate the character, perspective, and skills to lead others in mission, Jesus' way. Because what happens in ministry is 100% God's work and 100% our work, this track emphasizes both utter dependence on God and wholehearted engagement in the work of leadership. This track is for exec-level  leaders, InterVarsity staff approval required.
Scripture: The Scripture track invites students to encounter God personally through Scripture, grow in confidence and skill in manuscript Bible study, and be inspired to develop a sustainable, year-round rhythm of engaging and loving God’s Word.
Lordship: Basileia means Kingdom, and Kingdom means Jesus is Lord. This track will help any student learn what it means to follow Jesus as Lord, and teach the practices needed to follow Jesus and be part of His Kingdom.

What does Basileia cost? What does that include?

Early Bird - $400 Oct 6th 12:00am to Feb 20th 11:59pm
Standard - $435 Feb 21st 12:00am to Apr 3rd 11:59pm
Late - $475 after Apr 4th 12:00am

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 8th 3pm - Wednesday May 13th 3pm
Work Crew Week 2 is Wednesday May 13th 3pm - Wednesday May 20th 3pm
Work Crew Week 3 is Wednesday May 20th 3pm - Wednesday May 27th 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.

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

What accessibility accommodations are in place?

We long to see students of all abilities to Encounter Jesus at our conferences. The camp has made all main buildings wheelchair accessible and you can request ADA housing on your registration form. There will be a nurse onsite each week of Basileia and you can note any special dietary needs on your registration that we will communicate with the kitchen staff ahead of camp. 

How do I request accommodations? Please note your requests on your registration. We will have large print manuscripts, lap desks, and sensory bags available upon request. 

I have further accessibility questions, who can I talk to? Please email us, we’d be happy to discuss options with you.

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!