Big Sandy Family Conference
April 8–12, 2024
Conference Overview
Fellowship Around the Word of God.
Family Conferences are weeklong, life-changing family events. Rich fellowship, inspiring messages, and engaging children’s programs make Family Conference something to look forward to by anyone who has experienced one. Whether making new friendships with other families or rekindling relationships from previous years, the conference is an annual highlight for many.
The conferences are structured to foster spiritual growth as young and old alike are challenged to honor God’s Word in every area of their lives.
Schedule
Pre-conference Eclipse Event:
Sunday, April 7, 2024
6:30pm
Conference Begins:
Monday, April 8, 2024
6:30pm
Ends:
Friday, April 12, 2024
5:00pm
speakers
Programs
Opportunities
Lodging & Meals
Registration
Speakers
Beholding the
Glory of God
We see God’s glory displayed in so many amazing ways! His glory declared in the heavens. Psalm 19:1 states: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Observing God’s creation is one aspect of the marvelous display of His glory.
However, the greatest revelation of the glory of God is in the face of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ! How often do we stop and take time to behold God’s glory? In the challenges and busyness of daily life and work, all too easily we can lose our focus on the eternal.
Our desire is that we would shift our focus from ourselves and our circumstances to the glory and majesty of our Lord Jesus Christ. We become what we behold; what we focus on we conform our lives to. When we behold the Lord and His glory through spending time with Him and seeking Him in His Word, we are changed into His image by His Spirit.
Optional Solar Eclipse Extension
Join us for a stunning solar eclipse!
A solar eclipse — where the moon completely blocks the sun during the day — is happening on Monday, April 8, just before our conference begins! Big Sandy, Texas lies in the path of totality and so local observers should be able to experience over 2 minutes of total eclipse.
The next solar eclipse visible in the contiguous United States will not take place until 2044! Don’t miss out on witnessing this incredible experience with your family. Join us the night before with this special pre-conference package so that you can enjoy this amazing display of God’s creation, hear impactful creation-themed messages and enjoy fellowship with other believers.
Special Speaker
Spike Psarris
After entering the U.S. military space program as an atheist and evolutionist, the evidence for creation caused him to become a creationist and later a Christian. He now speaks and writes on science and Biblical creation, with an emphasis on astronomy and cosmology. He is the author/producer of the exceptional video series What You Aren’t Being Told About Astronomy.
Pre-conference Schedule:
Sunday, April 7
6:30 PM — The James Webb Space Telescope and Creation
Monday, April 8
9:00 AM — Creation in the Solar System
10:30 AM — Brunch
12:15 PM — Watch the amazing eclipse!
3:30 PM — Johannes Kepler: Harmony in the Heavens
6:30 PM — Family Conference begins
Pre-conference Registration:
Family: $90
Individual: $30
Eclipse Photography Workshop: $55 (for ages 14+ only)
Note: Eclipse glasses will be included for each family who purchases the pre-conference package.
Interested in photographing this incredible Solar Eclipse? Join our Photography Workshop!
Conference Programs
Team Leader Opportunities
Lodging Options
Where to Stay During the Conference
We have numerous dorm rooms, cabins, and campsites available onsite for our guests. For more information, please visit our Campus Lodging website.
Dorm Rooms (starting at $75 per night)
Our Guest Lodges are two-story, dormitory style buildings. Each wing of four rooms shares a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The lodges have a living room and recreation/meeting room on each floor. Linens and towels are provided.
Private Rooms have access to their own bathroom, while Semi-Private rooms share bathroom accommodations with the adjoining room (ideal for larger families or for sharing with friends). Both room types hold a double bed, bunk, and single—sleeping 5. “Dormitory Style” Semi-Private Rooms hold four twin beds. Rooms sleep 4–5 people; maximum occupancy: 7.
Please note that there are no elevators in these buildings. If you are unable to use stairs, you’re welcome to request a room on the first floor.
Cabins (from $40 per night)
Our cozy, air-conditioned cabins hold three (3) twin beds: one bunk and a single. You have access to the Pine Lodge for a common area, kitchenette (several refrigerators, microwave, coffee maker, sink) and bathrooms. Bedding, pillows, and towels are also provided for all cabins.
Campground
- From $20 per night – Primitive Campsite
- From $25 per night – Electric Campsite
- From $30 per night – Electric & Water Campsite
- From $40 per night – Full Hookup Campsite
- From $50 per night – Premium Paved Campsite
RV and Golf Cart Rentals
Area vendors offer RV and Golf Cart Rentals during the Family Conferences. Please contact them directly to arrange rentals.
International ALERT Academy
1 Academy Blvd.
Big Sandy, TX 75755
Meal Plans
Available Conference Meal Options
Delicious, made-from-scratch meals are available! Our continental breakfast is $7/adult and $5/child. Lunch and dinner meals are $9/adult (ages 12+) and $7/child (ages 4-11).
Meal Packages can be purchased here. Packages start with Monday Dinner and conclude with Friday Dinner. To purchase meals individually, please call 903-636-9201.
Meal Plans
$28.00 – Simple Breakfast Adult (4 breakfasts)
$20.00 – Simple Breakfast Child (4 breakfasts)
$36.00 – Lunch Adult (4 lunches)
$28.00 – Lunch Child (4 lunches)
$45.00 – Dinner Adult (5 dinners)
$35.00 – Dinner Child (5 dinners)
Please note: ALERT Cadet/Pre-EXCEL’s lunches are included in their program costs, except for Thursday lunch. On Thursday, ALERT Cadet and Pre-Excel students will be with their families for the morning. This meal can be purchased individually online.
Individual Meal Pricing
If you have other plans for food, and you just want to supplement with a couple of meals, feel free to purchase individually.
Breakfast:
Ages 4–11: $5 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $7 per meal
Lunch & Dinner:
Ages 4–11: $7 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $9 per meal
Pricing
Need financial assistance? Fill out a Financial Assistance Request!
Registration |
|
| Family Registration | $350 |
| Individual Registration | $150 |
(Programs |
|
| Children’s Institute | $70 |
| ALERT Cadet | $105 |
| Pre-EXCEL | $105 |
| COMMIT | $70 |
| Photography Workshop | $115 |
$50 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
No refunds for cancellations made on or after Monday, April 8.
Refer a new family
Bring your friends, and get 50% off!
Invite a new family to join the Family Conference, and both of you will receive 50% off on your base conference registration.
That’s 50% off for your family, and 50% off for your friends — up to a $175 discount!
Simply register your family as usual, and you’ll be emailed a unique code to give to a new family. When they register using their code, we’ll issue a 50% refund on your base registration.
Host family must register before the family they are referring. This discount does not apply to meals, lodging, or student programs. Maximum discount value is $175. Offer expires April 1, 2024.