For over 50 years, students from across the country have been convening in the mountains of North Carolina each summer to debate national and international issues and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
The YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA) is a five-day conference that allows students who participated in Youth in Government to experience a new level of debate and a sense of camaraderie and statehood.
Approximately 35 delegates are selected each year to represent Minnesota and Wisconsin at this premiere leadership conference. If selected, students are expected to attend several delegation meetings and a weekend retreat at YMCA Camp Ihduhapi before the group’s departure.
CONA Highlights
- Research an issue of interest to you, propose a solution, and discuss and debate your proposal with 600 students from other states
- Gain new perspectives on important national and international issues
- Travel with a group of students from Minnesota and Wisconsin to spend five days in scenic North Carolina
2025 Trip Details
When: Friday, June 27 – Friday, July 4, 2025
Where: Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina
Travel: Students will travel to and from North Carolina as a group via Sun Country Airlines
Cost
$1,499 per student which includes:
- Transportation
- Conference fee
- Conference room and board
- Conference meals
Payment plans and scholarships are available on an individual basis. Please reach out to discuss financial assistance opportunities.
Complete the 2025 YMCA CONA Minnesota and Wisconsin Delegation Application to be considered for this year's conference. Information about the application process and additional trip details are available on the application.
Payment plan and pre-trip meeting information will be shared via email when applicants are accepted.
Please reach out to Minnesota and Wisconsin CONA Trip Director, Brittany Wilson, at brittany.wilson@ymcamn.org with any questions.
