Features in 2023

Quiet Room Provides Escape

Need to escape from the noise and clutter of Governor's Hall sometimes but don't want to miss the business of the conference? The Michigan Ballroom will be available for anyone needing a quieter space. A live stream will keep you connected to what's happening and to let you know when you need to get back to vote. Don't let the loudness overwhelm you. Escape to the Michigan Ballroom for a little quiet when you can.

Nursing Mothers' Room Available

The lounge for nursing mothers' is available onsite in a private room in the Tower pre-function area. Comfortable chairs, refrigerator, ice water and a monitor to a live-feed of Governors' Hall will keep you connected to what's happening on the conference floor.

Youth Permission Form

Youth attending Annual Conference need to sign a covenant of participation, and have a parent signature to attend.  Please download the form below, complete it, and return it to Rev. Christy Miller White.  Instructions on the form.

Child Care

Child care will be available for children of members of the Annual Conference in attendance.  Care will be given by Safe Gatherings certified providers aged 18+, following guidelines in the Michigan Conference Protection Policy.

Child care will be held at Williamsburg UMC (5750 Williamsburg Rd, Williamsburg, MI 49690) – 4.6 miles from Grand Traverse Resort.  Parents are responsible for transportation to/from Williamsburg UMC. A parking spot at Grand Traverse Resort will be reserved for each family registered for child care. 

According to the Michigan Conference Plan of Organization 5.6.6., Parents shall be responsible for bringing necessary items (toys, lunches, snacks) for their children. 

Care is available for children ages newborn – pre-Kindergarten.  School-aged children in Kindergarten – 5^th grade (entering 6th) will have activities at the same location, run by UM Camping. 

UM Camping  will provide a faith-based day camp offered by summer mission intern staff.  Camp activities will include Bible stories, arts and crafts, games, snacks and worship time.  Campers must be left for the entire session - morning, afternoon or both - on any given day.  The cost will be $45 per segment. Capacity will be determined by availability of staff, classroom space and first-come-first serve basis for those registering.

Children ages 12 – 18 can be considered for a position as an Annual Conference Youth Representative and would register separately for Annual Conference, with registration meals and lodging expense covered.  Contact Rev. Christy Miller-White ([email protected]) for details no later than April 15. 

Offsite Child Care  and Day Camp Days and Hours:

• Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

  • Child Care only available for this segment, provided for Clergy Session only. This option is available at no-cost for children of Clergy, Clergy Candidates, and Lay Members of the Board of Ordained Ministry required to be in attendance.  Clergy Session is expected to run 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

• Friday, June 2, 2023

  • 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm

• Saturday, June 3, 2023

  • 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm is optional child care only for Ordination Service.

• Sunday, June 4, 2023

  • 8:00 am – 1:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Registration:

Child Care registration will be available March 1 – April 15, linked to Annual Conference registration.  Note, child care registration ends before registration for Annual Conference.  Sign-up each child by segment above, at $45 per segment (no charge for Thursday’s Clergy Session; Saturday evening segment is $30). Child care to be paid in full by deadline of April 15, 2023.  No refunds for cancellation after May 1.

Members of the Annual Conference are eligible for a $40 reimbursement per day, as recommended by the Protection Policy committee following proposed legislation at the 2018 Annual Conference.  Submit a copy of your child’s check-in record and voucher (available at the registration desk) for reimbursement, refunded by check.

The Michigan Conference reserves the right to amend this option based on guidelines from the State of Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services with regard to COVID-19 outbreaks, RSV, or other communicable diseases affecting vulnerable children and adult care providers.