"We unleash the leadership potential of Illinois youth."
Q: What will we be doing this weekend?
A: The program includes motivational speakers, leadership activities, group discussions, and a special Closing Ceremony to which your parents are invited. During your seminar experience, a broad spectrum of leaders will address various aspects of leadership in our changing world and the challenges future leaders will confront. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the panel speakers and participate in small group discussions throughout the seminar. This is a dynamic weekend, and we will conclude Friday evening with a dance and Saturday evening with a leader showcase.
The program is not designed to teach students what to think, or even how to think, but rather to emphasize the importance of critical thinking skills in leadership roles.
Q: Where will the seminar be held?
A: The seminar will take place at North Park University, 3225 West Foster Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. A map of North Park University can be found at http://www.northpark.edu/About/Locations/North-Park-Campus-Map.aspx. The campus is accessible from I-90, I-94, and several forms of public transportation.
Q: Where should I go when I arrive at NPU?
A: When you arrive, please park in the free visitor parking lot on the southeast corner of Kedzie and Foster Avenues. Cross Kedzie Avenue and Illinois Leadership Seminar volunteers will meet you at the front steps of Hamming Hall and direct you to check-in. Please bring everything that you will need for the weekend with you. Once checked-in, you can drop off your luggage at your dorm room then meet up with your small group, where you (and your parents) can meet your counselor for the weekend.
Q: When will the seminar be held and when do I arrive/depart?
A: The 2010 Illinois Leadership Seminar will be held from Friday, June 11th 2010 until Sunday, June 13th 2010. Seminar check-in runs from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM on Friday morning. Our program then begins at 7:45 AM. Your parents are invited to attend Closing Ceremonies, which will begin promptly at 10:30 AM on Sunday, and end at approximately 12:00 PM, with check-out to follow. You are free to leave after you and your parents have completed the check-out process.
Q: What are the accommodations like?
A: Lodging will be in dorm rooms on the North Park University campus. There will be two Leaders of the same sex in each room on floors exclusively reserved for the seminar. The university will provide a pillow, pillowcase, blanket, sheets, 1 towel, and 1 hand towel.
Q: What meals will be provided?
A: All meals beginning with lunch on Friday and ending with breakfast on Sunday will be provided. Please eat breakfast before you arrive on Friday! If you have any dietary concerns, please mark your Medical History Form clearly.
Q: If necessary, how may I be contacted during the seminar?
A: Illinois Leadership Seminar requests that all cell phones and other electronic devices should be kept in the dorm rooms throughout the weekend. An emergency contact number will be provided to parents at check-in. Also, each student is encouraged to call home from their group leader’s cell phone at least once during the weekend.
Q: Who pays for the seminar?
A: Sponsors throughout Illinois have paid all costs except travel expenses. You are only responsible for your travel to and from the seminar. You may bring extra money if you wish to purchase ILS items that will be on sale during the closing ceremony. Please refrain from bringing too much extra money or any valuable items. ILS cannot be responsible for any items lost or stolen during the seminar weekend.
Q: What should I bring for the seminar?
A: We recommend you also bring the following:
§ Your own pillow/towel, if preferred.
§ Any and all toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.).
§ Any needed medications (prescription or over-the-counter). ILS cannot provide medications of any sort.
§ Rooms are NOT air-conditioned. You may bring a fan if you choose or an extra blanket depending on the weather that weekend.
§ Any item you might need if you sign up for the leader talent showcase (sheet music, tuba, artwork, bagpipes, glow sticks, shutter shades, etc.)
§ YOUR CONSENT FORM, SIGNED BY YOUR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.
Please do not bring any valuables of any kind. ILS is not responsible for any lost items.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Dress is casual and active on Friday and Saturday, this means sensible shoes. Jeans, t-shirts, and shorts are most acceptable. The last day of Seminar is less casual. Please bring a nice outfit for Sunday. Closing Ceremonies are a little more formal.
Q: What about religious services?
A: Illinois Leadership Seminars is not affiliated with any one faith or religious identity. We understand that regular religious services are a part of many students’ lives; however, we do not allow students to leave campus during the weekend for any reason. To meet the spiritual needs of our students and staff, we have time set aside on Sunday morning for optional quiet reflection, prayer, or meditation in North Park’s chapel. This will be a silent space for those who wish to stay for 10-15 minutes of prayer. There will be no organized religious service taking place in the chapel so our participants of differing faiths and denominations may all silently worship as they see fit. Those who do not wish to participate are not required to do so.
Q: What about transportation?
A: Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from the seminar. If you marked “yes” for the carpool during registration, we will e-mail you the contact information for all other students who also indicated that they would be interested in carpooling. Beyond that, we cannot arrange any kind of transportation. Chicago has an abundance of practical transportation tools. Also, there is a CTA Brown Line stop within 2 blocks of North Park University.
Q: What if I am unable to attend the seminar?
A: If circumstances arise that prevent you from attending the seminar, even after you complete registration, we would like to give another student from your school the opportunity to attend. E-mail us at ils.registry@gmail.com and let us know that you are unable to attend. Please encourage your school counselor to nominate a second student to attend ILS as an alternate. It is important to us that your school is represented at this year’s seminar.
Q: Whom may I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Please e-mail them to ils.registry@gmail.com