FAQs

WHAT'S NEW THIS YEAR?

As of the 2027 conference season, Higher Things will no longer offer day passes (Higher Things for a Day)
Registration now closes June 1, 2027. No additional registrations will be allowed after this date.
All adults (ages 21 and older) will complete a background check regardless of whether they stay on campus during the conference.
Two room suites sharing a bathroom MAY NOT have adults on one side and youth on the other, unless it is only one family on each side. Youth MAY NOT share a suited bathroom with Young Adults or Adults. Young Adults and Adults may share a suited bathroom. Age group definitions are provided in the Events Policies.
Background checks, additional nights, private rooms, roommate requests, and t-shirt sizes are all due May 1, 2027, for existing registrations.
- New registrants (after May 1) have until June 1 to complete all necessary documentation.
Higher Things Adventures are now offered on Monday-Tuesday at all conference locations.
Off Campus Housing will be available at Concordia University Wisconsin.

WHY DOES HIGHER THINGS HOST CONFERENCES?

The mission of Higher Things is to make the Gifts of Christ Jesus known to youth and young adults. Since 2000, Higher Things has held a total of 61 Lutheran youth conferences! In 2027, we are excited to add three more to that list.

We host these events because youth need solid teaching and experiences that will nurture a lasting Christian faith. Higher Things believes in challenging youth to learn the pure doctrine of the Christian faith. By teaching them the same message that they already hear at home and at church, youth grow in the fullness of the Christian faith as they come to appreciate historic liturgical practice and its unique focus on God’s Gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation for us delivered in Word and Sacrament.

WHAT DOES THE 2027 CONFERENCE THEME, "TORAH," MEAN?

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)

The Ten Commandments. Two tablets of stone carved with “thou shalt nots”. Torn down from courthouses by a culture that calls them outdated. Wielded by the pious to knock down their enemies. And held at arm’s length by sinners afraid of what they’d see in the mirror. In all of it, the Ten Commandments feel like a weapon. The law kills, after all.

Torah means more than just the first five books of the Bible. It means more than just the Law. Torah literally means the teachings of God. It’s revelation. Because the law teaches us more about God than it does about ourselves. The Law only really teaches you one thing about yourself. You’re a sinner. You aren’t the one who created this law, but it teaches us a lot about the one who first spoke it. You have a God who insists He be God to you. Have no others. He insists He be the one to care for you, to save you. Each commandment paints a picture of God caring for creation. If you want to know what the law really looks like, look to Jesus, not you. The law paints a picture of Jesus, who fulfills it for you, even when you could not. The gospel paints a picture of you. Only here does the law look like a lamp to our feet. A light to our path. It won’t save you. It doesn’t have to. But it teaches. Each commandment is a good Gift from God, guarding something important to Him. You.

Join us in 2027 for Torah.

We should fear and love God in a way that looks like something. Don’t do those things of death. Do these things of life. And we have sinned. And so there is death all around us. All of us. But the law exists to do more than show us our sin. It shows us how things are supposed to be.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT A HIGHER THINGS CONFERENCE?

You should expect to spend four days immersed in the Gospel, hearing about the salvific work of Christ Jesus for you. You’ll learn about the Christian faith, not just what we believe but why we believe it and why it’s essential. You’ll participate in worship services during which we join our voices with those of the historic Christian Church through liturgy and hymns and hear the Gospel preached in its purity.

You will get to know hundreds of other youth just like you throughout the worship services, the breakaways, and especially during the free time activities each evening. Higher Things conferences are held every summer, so you will have an opportunity to build life-long friendships as you worship, learn, and have fun together year after year!

WHO MAY ATTEND?

Higher Things conferences are intended for high school-aged youth (ages 13-17) and their adult leaders. Our teaching is geared toward those already confirmed, but we gladly welcome middle school aged youth (ages 11-13) and college aged adults (ages 18-22) at our conferences. Higher Things does not permit adults to attend on their own without accompanying youth. Refer to our Events Policies for further details.

CAN A NON-LUTHERAN ATTEND?

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?

WHAT HAPPENS IN A TYPICAL CONFERENCE WEEK?

WHEN SHOULD WE PLAN TO ARRIVE AND DEPART?

The opening Divine Service begins at 2:00 pm on Tuesday of the conference week (registration check-in will run from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm), and the conference will finish around lunch on Friday.

Groups may also stay on campus for one extra night before and/or after the conference for an additional fee of $50 per person per night (additional meals not included). Check-in on the day before the conference will be between 5:00 and 10:00 pm, and those staying an extra day after the conference should plan to check out by 10:00 am the day after the conference closes.

REGISTRATION TIMELINE

November 1

Early-bird discounted registration opens.
CCV application process opens.
Scholarship applications open.

February 1

Registration rate increases to the regular registration rate.

March 1

CCV application process closes.
Scholarship applications are due.

March 15

CCVs notified regarding acceptance.

April 30

Final balances due (including day before/after and private rooms).
All cancellations must be made by this date, or groups will be responsible for the full registration fee.
Last day to receive a refund for a canceled registration.

May 1

Registrations made or paid on or after this date are considered late and will be charged an additional late fee. ($50.00/person)
All substitutions made on or after this date will incur a change fee ($50.00)
No refunds given on or after this date.
Deadline to request roommates.
All t-shirt sizes must be up to date.
Deadline to register to stay the night before or the night after the conference.
Deadline to request a private room.

June 1

Registration for all conference sites CLOSES.
Waitlist procedure changes (if applicable).

WHEN DOES REGISTRATION OPEN?

WHERE DO I REGISTER?

WHAT ARE THE REGISTRATION COSTS?

Registration rates are determined by the date on which the group is paid in full. Refer to the chart below for the timeline for each site, noting registration fees may vary from conference site to conference site.

*If an additional attendee is added after the rest of the group is paid in full, only the new attendee will owe the higher rate, depending on when they register and pay.

Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, WI | June 22-25, 2027

Early Bird Rate | Nov. 1, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027: $625

Regular Rate | Feb. 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027: $650

Late Rate | May 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027: $700

Concordia University Wisconsin OFF CAMPUS HOUSING
Mequon, WI | June 22-25, 2027

Early Bird Rate | Nov. 1, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027: $500

Regular Rate | Feb. 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027: $525

Late Rate | May 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027: $575

Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO | June 29-July 2, 2027

Early Bird Rate | Nov. 1, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027: $625

Regular Rate | Feb. 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027: $650

Late Rate | May 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027: $700

Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, IL | July 20-23, 2027

Early Bird Rate | Nov. 1, 2026 - Jan 31, 2027: $600

Regular Rate | Feb. 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027: $625

Late Rate | May 1, 2027 - June 1, 2027: $675

Pricing is also available on our conference page!

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSITS

A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required to secure every attendee’s registration at their desired conference, especially if the site reaches capacity and the waitlist policy is implemented. Payment of the non-refundable deposit does not lock in a group's registration rate. Non-refundable deposit policies do not apply to infant, toddler, and child registrations.

Deposits will only be refunded for a cancellation if there is a waitlist for that conference at the time of the cancellation, and someone from the waitlist can fill the spot forfeited by the cancellation. A deposit may not be transferred out of the space that it saves. In other words, it MAY NOT be transferred toward a group’s remaining balance if a cancellation occurs and there is no substitution to fill the space.

DO I GET A REFUND FOR A CANCELLATION?

WHAT DOES THE REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDE?

Your registration fee covers:

Conference programming

- Planning and preparations
- Teaching (4 plenary sessions; 5 breakaway sessions; panel; fireside chats)
- Worship (2 Divine Services, 10 Prayer Offices)
- Entertainment activities

Three nights of on-campus housing, typically including linens
Nine meals (Tuesday dinner through Friday lunch)
Printed conference handbook
Printed worship book
Conference T-shirt
Access to weekly High School Bible Studies for the following academic year

DO I HAVE TO ATTEND WITH A CHURCH GROUP?

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?

Yes, Higher Things has limited funding available for full or partial individual or group scholarships. Please contact Patrick Sturdivant, the Executive Director of Relations, for more information on applying for conference scholarships. You can also find the application on the conference website, beginning on November 1st, 2026. Scholarship Applications are accepted no later than April 1, 2027.

ARE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE A CONFERENCE WAITLIST?

HOW MANY CHAPERONES ARE ALLOWED PER YOUTH?

Higher Things requires that each group must provide at least one male adult for every seven male youth (11-17 years of age at the time of the conference) and/or at least one female adult for every seven female youth (11-17 years of age at the time of the conference) in the group. The ratio of adults to youth in each group may not exceed 1:1. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old at the time of the conference and approved by the group’s pastor for their role. All chaperones and any other adults attending the conference must also complete the registration and any required background check process. See Event Policies for additional information about chaperones and other adult registrants.

WHAT IF I CAN'T FIND ENOUGH CHAPERONES FROM MY CHURCH?

If your group does not have the necessary number of adult chaperones to attend the conference, contact the registrar for assistance. If you are aware of other churches in your area coming to the conference, please work with that group for shared chaperones and let the Conference Registrar know so they can ensure the two groups are housed together. If no other groups can be found, the registrar can provide you with contact information for other groups attending your conference who may be interested in assisting you.

HOW DO WE GET TO THE CONFERENCE?

HOW DO I GET TO AREA ATTRACTIONS DURING THE CONFERENCE?

IS PARKING AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS?

HOW MUCH WALKING IS INVOLVED?

Because of the nature of college campuses, you will walk a lot! If someone attending with your group cannot walk long distances or will need assistance getting around at the conference, please note this as a special need with their registration and contact the conference registrar (registrar@higherthings.org). We are happy to accommodate anyone with special needs to the best of our ability, but we need your help to plan. Additional fees may be assessed.

WHAT KIND OF HOUSING CAN WE EXPECT?

Since Higher Things conferences are held on college campuses, all registrants will stay in residence halls. Sometimes this means a suite of two double-capacity rooms with a shared bathroom between the rooms. Or some residence halls will have standard double rooms with common (single-sex) lavatories with private toilets and shower stalls. Not all residence halls on campuses have air conditioning. If you are assigned to buildings without air conditioning, we will do our best to notify you in advance so you may bring small fans. You can follow up with us close to the conference date to check on your group’s dorm air conditioning status.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ASSIGNED PER ROOM?

Groups should plan for two occupants per room. You may request roommates from within your own group but we cannot guarantee all requests will be honored. Private rooms are available by request for an additional fee of $50 per room per night ($150 total for three nights). If your group does not fully occupy the available rooms or suites, roommates and/or suite-mates (of the same sex and age category) may be assigned from another group. Please see the Events Policies for details about roommate assignments.

WILL GROUPS BE HOUSED TOGETHER?

ARE LINENS PROVIDED?

DO WE HAVE TO STAY ON CAMPUS?

Higher Things does not require groups to stay on campus nor does it require attendees to eat the meals provided with a conference registration. However, we will not reimburse or discount your registration fee if you choose to stay off campus or eat elsewhere. Higher Things believes staying in dorms is a great part of the conference experience, allowing youth a glimpse of college life and an opportunity to meet other youth at the conference, forming lasting friendships.

IS OFF-CAMPUS HOUSING AVAILABLE?

Yes, this year, a limited number of off campus housing registrations are available at the Concordia University Wisconsin conference.

Occasionally, due to facility limitations at specific sites, Higher Things will open a limited number of off-site housing registrations. For a discounted price, registrants will receive access to all conference programming, meals, and conference materials, but will be responsible for arranging their own lodging for the duration of the conference. Typically, Higher Things has strict housing policies regarding gender and age in relation to housing. These housing policies do not apply to those registered to stay off campus. If a group chooses the off campus, the group will be responsible for establishing room assignments and chaperoning accordingly (the 1:7 ratio still applies while your group is on campus during the day).

CAN WE STAY ON CAMPUS BEFORE AND/OR AFTER THE EVENT?

Yes! You may spend one additional night on campus before and/or after the conference—in the same room(s) you’ll use for the rest of the week—for just $50/person/night. Meals are not provided for these extra days. Groups must notify the registrar that they will need an extra night no later than May 1. Those arriving early may check in on campus between 5:00 and 10:00 pm the evening before the conference begins and must check out by 10:00 am the day following the conference.

HOW MANY WORSHIP SERVICES ARE HELD EACH DAY?

There will be three to four church services held throughout each day of the conference. We will start the day together with Matins, followed by Vespers in the mid-afternoon, and end the day together with Evening Prayer. Time for Individual Confession and Absolution is also offered following Evening Prayer. Groups are encouraged to gather for Compline before lights-out. There are also two Divine Services held on the opening and closing day of each conference for all attendees to gather together and receive the blessed Sacrament of the Altar, along with all the other gifts of God we receive all week.

We understand many of these services may be unfamiliar to some, but we encourage you to participate in each service, asking questions as you have them and learning from your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Each year many youth report that worship is the best part of the conference week and that they miss it once they return home. You may also use our Teaching Service videos for an introduction!

WHICH WORSHIP SETTINGS ARE USED?

IS THERE A CONFERENCE HYMN EACH YEAR?

CAN PEOPLE NOT ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE COME TO WORSHIP?

Individuals or small groups local to the conference site but not attending the conference are welcome to come to either the opening or closing Divine Services. We especially encourage groups newer to Higher Things to invite interested parties to get a glimpse of Higher Things. If you are interested in a visitor’s worship pass (free of charge for those only attending worship), you must coordinate with the registrar prior to your arrival.

CHOIR

INSTRUMENTALISTS

The instrumentalist process involves an audition. The number of spaces available depends on the number of volunteers and the space available for an orchestra. If you’d like to volunteer to play during the conference, notify your group leader to indicate so on your registration and/or contact the conference registrar and email Rachel if you have any questions about the audition or selection process.

Anyone interested in playing the organ for a hymn during the conference should follow the same instructions as the other instrumentalists.

PLENARY SESSIONS

BREAKAWAYS

HOW ARE BREAKAWAY SPEAKERS SELECTED?

Breakaway speakers are chosen from the pastors and lay members of LCMS congregations in good standing. The application to teach is open starting in February and ending on April 15. All speakers must also be comfortable communicating with youth, and they should try to prepare their sessions in such a way that will help them live out their faith in love and service to others. Interested in teaching? Watch the website for more information!

HOW MUCH FREE TIME WILL THERE BE?

WHAT WILL WE BE DOING FOR FUN?

WHICH CONFERENCE SITES WILL HAVE HT ADVENTURE ADD-ONS AVAILABLE?

All three conference sites will have the HT Adventure add-on available. For an additional fee of $150 per person, groups can partake in a few local excursions to increase the fun prior to the conference itself. These experiences run Monday-Tuesday afternoon before the conference begins. Housing, admission to activities, and some meals are included. Attendees will be notified in advance which meals are their responsibility. Spots are limited so group members should sign up as soon as possible.

WHAT ARE COLLEGE CAMPUS VOLUNTEERS?

College Campus Volunteers (CCVs) play an integral role in the conference staff. They are energetic young people who volunteer to help manage the conferences on the ground. They work hard and play even harder. They are often seasoned Higher Things conference-goers, but some newbies get their first HT experience as a CCV.

What kinds of things do CCVs do at the conferences?

Registration: Directing groups through the registration check-in, helping to prepare and distribute materials, directing people to dorms and parking areas, helping to break down the information table after the end of the conference, etc.
Speaker Care: CCVs are assigned to a breakaway speaker to hand out materials in the breakaways, make sure speakers have any needed food and/or beverages, run AV, remind attendees to text in evaluations, etc.
Entertainment:
Worship: Help set up and break down the conference chapel, assist with crowd control, and perform altar guild duties.
Merchandise: Help set up and break down as needed.
General: Help supervise activities, give directions, run errands, answer questions, put up signs, etc.
Photography: Take pictures of everyone having a great time.
AV: Assist our media staff with audio/video recording.

HOW MUCH IS MY REGISTRATION IS I AM SELECTED AS A CCV?

HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO BE A CCV?

HOW AND WHEN DO I APPLY TO BE A CCV?

SHOULD I STILL REGISTER EVEN THOUGH I AM APPLYING?

Yes. Whether your church is sending a group to the conference or not, you should register as an individual or with your group AND complete the CCV application so that you are sure to get into the conference, should it fill. If you are selected as a CCV, your registration will then be processed separately from your group, and Higher Things will reimburse any balance paid. You will also be assigned housing in a separate staff area.

HOW ELSE CAN I SUPPORT THE CONFERENCES?

Pray for Higher Things! Our staff, volunteers, and board members welcome your prayers above all things.
Give! Regular gifts to Higher Things: The organization’s yearly operations are supported by general individual, church donations, and sponsorships of other non-profit organizations.
CCV scholarships! Our college volunteer registrations are paid as a conference expense so that these volunteers don’t have to pay registration fees.
Registrant scholarships! Full and partial conference registration scholarships are now available to registrants and groups with financial needs.
Sponsorships! Contact exhibitors@higherthings.org for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
For more information about further opportunities to collaborate or contribute, contact our development executive, Patrick Sturdivant at patrick@higherthings.org.

CONFERENCE FAQs