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ACCYM 2025-2026 Executive Committee

CHAIR: Sadie Ledbetter, Asbury UMC Little Rock
VICE-CHAIR: Evie Jones, Beebe FUMC
SECRETARY: TBA
CHAPLAIN: Riley Pearson, Paragould FUMC
AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE: Lucy Haynes, Pulaski Heights UMC
YSF CHAIR: Courtney Laird, Benton FUMC

ACCYM 2026-2027 Executive Committee

CHAIR: Riley Pearson, FUMC Paragould
VICE-CHAIR: Ada Buchannan, Pulaski Heights UMC
SECRETARY: TBA
CHAPLAIN: Quaid Harriston, FUMC North Little Rock
AT-LARGE EXECUTIVE: Carter Hogan, FUMC Russellville
YSF CHAIR: Isaiah Smittle, FUMC Conway

Refuge

Earlybird Registration Deadline: Oct. 5

Register

Nov. 6-8
Shepherd of the Ozarks in Harriet, AR

What Is Refuge?

Refuge is an opportunity for Jr. High/Middle School youth to be introduced to the connectional events of the Arkansas Conference Council on Youth Ministries of the United Methodist Church. They enjoy a weekend in the beautiful outdoors, focusing on Christ, developing friendships, and having fun while getting away from the busyness of life.

This event will be held at Shepherd of the Ozarks, a great setting filled with large, comfortable log cabins surrounded by bluffs and a creek.

Cost and Deadlines

$185 Sept. 1 – Oct. 5 (includes t-shirt)

$195 Oct. 6-20 (no t-shirt) 

Registration closes Oct. 20, or earlier if we reach capacity.

When & Where Is Assembly Being Held?

One weekend is offered this year. Join us Nov. 6-8, 2026, at Shepherd of the Ozarks in Harriet, AR.

A cabin in an evergreen forest with the sun shining above the trees.

Who Can Attend Refuge?

Refuge is for youth currently in grades 6-9.

What Else Should I Know About Refuge?

  • No substitutions or registrations will be accepted after Oct. 20. Substitutions may not be available before Oct. 20, depending on registration totals.
  • All money and forms for all those registered must be turned in no later than Oct. 20. If you do not have money and/or forms in by this date, you will not be considered registered for the event and therefore forfeit your spot and any money paid.
  • One adult should register your entire group (including adult chaperones, ACCYM and task force members) for Refuge. Please do not allow youth to register individually.
  • All attendees must complete an ACCYM Medical Consent and Liability Release form and upload completed forms using the link below.
  • All attendees must also complete a SOTO Release form. Link for these forms will be sent out 2 weeks before event. These forms are digital and must be filled out prior to the event.
  • According to the new Arkansas Conference Safe Gatherings policy passed at Annual Conference 2022, all adults attending a district or conference event after Oct. 1, 2022 (such as Refuge) must be Safe Gatherings Certified. This is a fully online system for background checks and risk management training. This is to be handled through your local church. Please contact your local youth director or pastor for details. 
  • A detailed event schedule will be posted on the ACCYM website and social media very soon and emailed to registered participants two weeks before the event begins.

There are no refunds if the event is canceled or the schedule must be altered in any way due to inclement weather or any other major safety/health concerns.

How to Register

  1. Click the Register button below
  2. Choose the number of tickets you need for each type.
  3. When you have all the tickets for your group, click Next.
  4. Fill out the information for each ticket.
  5. After all tickets are completed, click Next.
  6. Enter your contact information so you can receive a confirmation email, then click Next.
  7. Enter your payment details and click Process Payment.
    • If you are paying by check, use the promo code paybycheck.
Register

All youth AND adults attending Refuge must complete and upload these forms.

Print Medical Consent and Liability Rekease Form
Upload Medical and Liability Release Forms

ALL CCYM FORMS SHOULD BE UPLOADED.

DO NOT MAIL ANY FORMS TO THE CONFERENCE OFFICE.

ALL ADULTS ATTENDING ACCYM EVENTS MUST BE SAFE GATHERINGS CERTIFIED

According to the new Arkansas Conference Safe Gatherings policy passed at Annual Conference 2022, all adults attending a district or conference event must be Safe Gatherings Certified. This is a fully online system for background checks and risk management training and the certification is good for 3 years. You can read more about this new policy and system here.

NOTE: While everything can be completed in a day or two, it’s important to note that once you complete all the necessary components it will take anywhere from 3 to 14 days to receive an email stating that you are Safe Gatherings certified.

Many people’s certifications are up for renewal this year. Since the renewal process includes a background check and completion of the online training, please give adequate time to complete it. Finishing the online requirements 1 to 2 weeks before the conference event is recommended.

If you have technical support questions about your Safe Gatherings account or certification process contact Safe Gatherings directly a contact@safegatherings.com or 888-241-8258.

If you have questions about the ARUMC Safe Gatherings Policy please contact Amy Shores at amy.shores@arumc.org.

Safe Gatherings Information