GFI is a fun and transformative experience where teens from across Kentucky engage in a variety of activities designed to challenge, inspire, and develop their character. With a mix of high-energy games, thoughtful discussions, and meaningful reflection, students grow as leaders while forming lifelong friendships.

Below is a GFI Dictionary to help new students, parents/guardians, and advisors understand the unique traditions and activities that make GFI special:

• Big Room: The Big Room is the heart of GFI! This is where all major sessions take place, from opening and closing ceremonies to large group activities. Any time the whole group gathers, it happens here.
• Changing Programs: The GFI program changes every year, meaning no two conferences that you will experience are ever the same. Each year, a new program is thoughtfully designed by Y-Staff members to engage students in fresh, relevant ways. The program’s theme is woven throughout Family sessions, discussions, and activities—but students won’t find out the theme until they arrive at the conference!
• Family: At GFI, students are placed into small groups ranging anywhere from 8 - 15, led by 1 – 2 adult Facilitators. These Family Groups provide a supportive environment where students can openly share, reflect, and engage in the program, which is thoughtfully designed by KY YMCA staff.
• Family Game Night: A night of friendly and fun competition! All Family Groups come together in the Big Room to compete in exciting games and challenges. While the activities change each year, the fun and energy never do!
• The Banner: The Banner is the big reveal of that year's GFI program theme! It serves as a visual representation of the experience and is unveiled at the conference. At the end of the weekend, every student signs the banner, solidifying their place in GFI history and marking their journey as part of that year's program.
• Fire of Friendship: To celebrate students’ completion of GFI, we gather around the Fire of Friendship—a tradition where we reflect on the journey, friendships made, and personal growth. Whether held indoors or outdoors (depending on the weather), this fire symbolizes community, connection, and the lasting impact of GFI.
• Friendship Rock: GFI encourages students to step out of their comfort zones and form new friendships. The Friendship Rock is a special tradition where one student passes the rock to another as a symbol of a new friendship made during the conference.
• Morning Madness: Each morning kicks off with high-energy icebreakers and games to shake off sleepiness and get students excited for the day ahead.
• Morning Meditation: Students also take part in a guided quiet meditation to reflect on their goals, center themselves, and mentally prepare for the day’s activities.
• Expression Session: Expression Session is your time to share your talents, creativity, and voice in a welcoming and supportive space! Whether you want to sing, play an instrument, read a poem, tell a story, perform a skit, or even read a bedtime story, this is your chance to express yourself however you feel most comfortable. No pressure—just a time to celebrate creativity, individuality, and the unique talents of everyone at GFI!
• "Participate, Don’t Anticipate": This GFI mantra is frequently heard throughout the weekend. Staff and volunteers encourage students to stay present in the moment rather than worrying about what’s coming next.
• Y-Bags and Y-Notes: Right after check-in, students head to the Big Room to create their nametag and Y-Bag—a personalized bag that hangs on the wall throughout the program. Students can write Y-Notes to one another and drop them into each other’s bags. These notes are a way to share encouragement, appreciation, and connection throughout the program. Whether it’s a kind word, a thank-you, or a fun memory, Y-Notes remind everyone of the impact they have on others.
• Y-Pal: Within their Family Groups, each student is paired with a Y-Pal—a built-in friend they can rely on throughout the conference. This pairing helps create an immediate connection and ensures that every student has someone to support them.