LTC is a transformative, high-energy experience where teens from across Kentucky come together to develop as servant leaders. This character development conference blends fun, personal growth, and leadership skills through activities, discussions, and team-building experiences. At LTC, students gain clarity about their values and abilities while forming lifelong connections.

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

• Big Room: The Big Room is the central hub of LTC! It's where all major sessions, including opening and closing ceremonies, take place. Whenever the entire group gathers, it happens here.
• Changing Programs: The LTC program evolves each year, meaning no two conferences are ever the same. Every year, a fresh program is thoughtfully crafted by Y-Staff members to engage students in exciting and relevant ways. The theme of the conference is kept a surprise and is revealed to participants during the event, but it’s woven through discussions, Family sessions, and activities.
• Family: At LTC, students are placed into small groups called Families. Each group, consisting of 8-15 students, is led by 1-2 adult Facilitators. Families provide a supportive environment where students can reflect, share, and engage with the program. Each Family session is thoughtfully designed to deepen the conference experience.
• Family Game Night: A night filled with friendly competition! All Families come together in the Big Room to participate in exciting games and challenges. While the activities vary each year, the energy and fun are always high!
• The Banner: The Banner represents the year’s LTC program theme. It’s unveiled during the conference and acts as a visual symbol of the experience. At the end of LTC, every student signs the Banner, marking their journey and connection to that year’s program.
• Fire of Friendship: To celebrate the completion of LTC, we gather around the Fire of Friendship—a tradition that honors the journey, the friendships formed, and the personal growth achieved. Whether indoors or outdoors (weather permitting), the Fire of Friendship symbolizes community, connection, and the lasting impact of LTC.
• Friendship Rock: LTC encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and build new friendships. The Friendship Rock tradition involves one student passing the rock to another as a symbol of the new connections made throughout the weekend.
• Morning Madness: Every morning starts with high-energy icebreakers and games to wake up, shake off any sleepiness, and get everyone excited for the day ahead.
• Morning Meditation: Alongside the morning energy, students will participate in a quiet meditation session to reflect on their personal goals, center themselves, and mentally prepare for the day’s activities.
• Expression Session: Expression Session is a chance for students to share their talents, creativity, and voices in a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you want to sing, play an instrument, tell a story, perform a skit, or even read a bedtime story, this is your moment to express yourself. There’s no pressure—just a time to celebrate creativity and individuality.
• "Participate, Don’t Anticipate": This LTC mantra reminds participants to stay present and engaged in the moment instead of worrying about what comes next. Staff and volunteers encourage students to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
• Y-Bags and Y-Notes: After check-in, students create their nametag and a Y-Bag, a personalized bag that will hang on the wall throughout LTC. Students can write Y-Notes—encouraging and thoughtful messages—and drop them into each other’s bags. These notes are a way to share appreciation, encouragement, and connection throughout the weekend.
• Y-Pal: Within their Family Groups, each student is paired with a Y-Pal—a built-in friend they can count on throughout the conference. This partnership helps create immediate connections, ensuring every student has someone by their side throughout LTC.
• Y-Chella (previously Bluegrass Blowout): A fun outdoor event for all students to come together, enjoy the summer sun, and participate in team-building activities. It's all about having fun, being active, and enjoying the community spirit of LTC.