Speak out presents

YOUTH LEADERS CONFERENCE:

BECOMING A SAFE PLACE

FEBRUARY 7, 2026 | 9:30-4PM

Reserve your Spot 
Dear Youth Leaders,
Walking with students through their everyday lives is both a joy and a challenge, and we know that leading young people in today’s world requires wisdom, patience, and a whole lot of heart. You see firsthand the pressures teens face, and you also know how deeply they need adults who are steady, informed, and compassionate. As a team of psychologists, parents, therapists, and pastors, we understand these dynamics and want to come alongside you with support and practical tools.
That’s why we’re excited to invite you to “Becoming a Safe Place,” a conference designed to equip and encourage youth leaders as you help students navigate the complexities of mental and emotional health.
In “Becoming a Safe Place,” we’ll focus specifically on our roles as youth leaders and mentors in a world where mental health struggles are impacting an estimated 1 in 3 students, where suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people, and where crisis intervention is becoming an increasingly common reality in our ministries. These aren’t just statistics—they’re the lived experiences of the students we care for. Together, we’ll explore how to show up with wisdom, compassion, and steady leadership in the midst of these challenges.
Our time together will also include a discussion on Camp Mental Health First Aid, a vital resource that every leader bringing students to camp should take. This training helps us understand what to do when crisis moments arise at camp—when students open up about the heaviest burdens they’re carrying, when they share fears or struggles they’ve been hiding, and when we find ourselves in conversations where they’re looking to us for help, safety, and guidance. We want you to feel equipped, not overwhelmed, and ready to respond with clarity and care.
Inspired by Jesus’ compassionate approach, “Becoming a Safe Place” offers a holistic, faith-rooted perspective on caring for the mental health of the young people you serve. We believe in the power of empathy, presence, and understanding. Just as Jesus welcomed and listened, we encourage leaders to cultivate environments where students feel safe to share openly about how they’re doing—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.
Through conversations, shared experiences, and interactive exercises, you’ll connect with other leaders who understand both the weight and the beauty of this work. Together, we’ll explore tools for active listening, validation, and non-judgmental support. We’ll also discuss sustainable ministry rhythms, healthy boundaries, and self-care—because caring well for yourself is essential to caring well for your students.
“Becoming a Safe Place” is meant to be a space of encouragement and hope. Following Jesus’ example, we want to empower you to build resilient, meaningful relationships with the young people you serve—relationships grounded in love, empathy, and understanding. We look forward to spending the weekend growing with you.
With gratitude,
The Speak Out Team

YLC SPEAKERS

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    LAUREN WILSON

    FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    Lauren is a certified mental health coach specializing in working with teens and families. Her personal journey through spiritual warfare, suicidal ideation, and mental health challenges has given her a unique understanding of the complexities involved. Through Speak Out, she provides resources, workshops, and a supportive community for those navigating similar experiences. Lauren's holistic approach integrates mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She also offers personalized 1:1 coaching, tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Lauren is committed to empowering teens and families to find strength, resilience, and a path towards healing.

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    ADAM BURWELL

    THERAPIST, BOISE IDAHO

    Adam Burwell is a dedicated therapist based in Boise, Idaho, with a rich background that spans teaching, youth ministry, and psychology. With extensive experience working with students and young people, Adam has spent years guiding and supervising other therapists across various practices, ensuring high standards of care and professional development.

    In recent years, he has played a key role in leading the Boise Teen Underdogs Club, supporting teens in building confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Known for his consistency, grace, and patience, Adam approaches therapy with a focus not just on teaching tools, but on helping individuals deeply understand the personal power and purpose behind them. His goal is for every client to not only learn but truly internalize strategies that foster lasting growth and well-being.

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    TYLER HANNS

    PASTORAL BOARD MEMBER

    Tyler Hanns offers a fresh and challenging perspective on navigating the digital landscape and its impact on our mental health, particularly within the Christian community. Holding double master's degrees in applied Biblical leadership and biblical studies, Tyler brings a rich theological understanding to these complex issues. As a father of three and a staff member on the Vineyard national team, he's deeply involved in the practical realities of raising children in a media-saturated world. His experience as a ghostwriter for "Practicing the Way" curriculums further demonstrates his ability to articulate complex ideas with clarity and impact. Tyler's voice is essential in the conversation about technology, mental health, and faith.

MAIN SESSIONS

SESSION ONE: PSYCHO-EDUCATION & SCOPE OF PRACTICE FOR YOUTH LEADERS

In this session, we’ll explore the mental health landscape facing today’s youth, including the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and crisis situations such as suicidal ideation. Participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, understand typical developmental challenges, and respond appropriately while staying within their role as a youth leader or mentor. This session provides essential guidance for creating safe, supportive environments and knowing when—and how—to connect students with professional help.

SESSION TWO: CAMP MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

Camp is a unique ministry setting where students often open up about their heaviest burdens. This session introduces Camp Mental Health First Aid, a practical resource designed for leaders bringing students to camp. You’ll gain tools to recognize signs of crisis, respond with confidence, and provide immediate support when students share deep struggles. We’ll cover strategies for guiding conversations, keeping students safe, and knowing when to involve trained professionals—ensuring that both students and leaders feel equipped for these critical moments.

SESSION THREE: SELF-CARE & HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

Caring for students requires energy, empathy, and emotional resilience. In this session, we’ll explore strategies for maintaining personal well-being while leading others effectively. Topics include setting healthy boundaries, avoiding burnout, and practicing self-care in ways that sustain your ministry over the long term. By modeling balance and emotional health, you not only protect yourself but also demonstrate to students what a healthy, resilient adult looks like in practice.

BONUS SESSIONS

BONUS ACTIVITY: BUILD YOUR OWN CAMP MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID KIT

In this hands-on bonus session, leaders will have the opportunity to create a personalized Camp Mental Health First Aid Kit with your specific students’ needs in mind, making each kit as customizable as possible. Each kit will include sensory tools, activities, and somatic practices that can help support students in moments of stress, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm. This interactive activity is designed to give you practical, portable resources to bring into your camp ministry. Each kit will be available for an additional charge, and participants will leave with a tangible set of tools ready to use immediately with their students.

SPEAK OUT MUSIC & MINDFULNESS: SLOW DOWN, LISTEN & FIND REST

Between each main session, our Speak Out Music team will lead us through a time of music and prayerful mindfulness. This session integrates music, breath work, and guided mindfulness exercises, allowing you to engage both your mind and body while creating mental “safe spaces” that support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and encounters with Jesus. 
By practicing these tools, you will begin to build the foundation for an unhurried approach to mentorship. Without intentionally grounding ourselves, it is easy to feel rushed, anxious, or distracted as we step into ministry. These exercises provide strategies to slow down, center yourself, and approach each interaction with students from a place of calm, focused presence.
All exercises will be recorded and provided to participants, giving you a portable, spiritually and psychologically informed resource that you can revisit anytime in your ongoing ministry and personal formation.