2023 Annual Sessions

Adult   Children   All    V (Virtual Option)

Groups for worship sharing will gather 1:30-2:15 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Queries that will be used during those groups will be available at sessions.

There will be programs and activities for children during the worship sharing time.

Signing up for a worship sharing group can be done in the check-in/registration area.

Workshops will be held 2:30-3:45 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Sign up to attend workshops in the check-in/registration area.

Some workshops are designated as intergenerational. There will be programs and activities for children during the workshop time.

Unless otherwise indicated, workshops are suitable for all interested Friends, and you are welcome to join in a workshop starting on any date. “Continuing” workshops will not repeat from the previous day, while “repeat” workshops will start afresh. To help things go smoothly, please sign up to attend workshops ahead of time.

North Star Vision for Healing Justice, Mary Zerkel (AFSC). The AFSC Board recently endorsed the Healing Justice North Star vision document for a world without prisons and policing. In this workshop you will learn about AFSC’s long term vision of a just world and how faithful presence can contribute to concrete work in Illinois right now. This will be an interactive workshop with opportunities for conversation, learning, and ways to get involved (Thursday).

Creating Faithful Action in the Face of Settler Colonialism, ILYM Racial Equity and Education Committee. Participants will watch the documentary “Dakota 38” during the first day of the workshop. On the second day, participants will look at the conditions that created the circumstances shown in the film. Day three will address our role as Quakers in repairing the ongoing harms perpetuated against Indigenous people here and around the world. (Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Continues; People are welcome to join on day two or three of the workshop only if they have watched the film in advance, view at https://www.smoothfeather.com/dakota38; Attenders must be high school age and older.).

Friends in Unlikely Places, Engaging with Those Who Don't Agree with You, Bobby Trice (FCNL) Does talking to friends, family, and lawmakers who do not agree with you feel like an exercise in futility? In this workshop, we will make the case for engaging legislators and other people with differing views and discuss how to have those conversations faithfully and effectively. Drawing on theoretical, strategic, and spiritual frameworks from Quaker tradition, this workshop will equip attenders with new skills for communicating across political divides, practicing seeing that of God in people we disagree with, and building relationships to make change in and beyond Congress. It may serve you to come to the session thinking of a particular disagreement or a person you regularly disagree with you would like to approach more constructively. Thinking of a concrete example from your own life will help you apply the ideas from the workshop. (Thursday).

A Visit from John Woolman, Rex Nyquist (Evanston Monthly Meeting). This workshop will commence with a 35-45 minute one-man interpretaion of John Woolman, based on The Journal of John Woolman and writngs about his life. The second part of the workshop will be a discussion of Woolman's life and ministry, with a focus on reflection questions relating to the theme of this year's yearly meeting. (Friday and Saturday; Repeats; From high school age and up; limit of 25 participants per session).

Observing and Drawing Nature, Nancy Halliday (Evanston Friends Meeting). We will gather at the wildflower garden and respectfully observe the forms of plants—the shapes and arrangements of different kinds of leaves, the colors and attachments of flower parts and even the occasional insect crawling on our subject, then carefully depict what our observations have revealed. This is intended as a meditative, relaxing experience, a chance to be reminded of the spiritual support always offered by nature if we take the time to seek it. Toward the close of the workshop, we can take some moments to share our observations, experiences, and any insights with the group if we wish. In case of inclement weather or excessive heat, we could gather plant material, such as tree leaves, acorns, etc., and meet on the porch or in the shade under the trees. Materials to bring: drawing paper, pencils, erasers, a stiff backing/clipboard for drawing paper, ruler, and hand lens/pocket magnifier, if you have one, (Friday and Saturday; Repeats)

30 x 30 Good News for Humans and Nature, Adrian Fisher (Oak Park Friends Meeting). Many Friends have embraced a testimony of environmental stewardship, expanding their circles of care and community to include non-human species. We will worshipfully consider the ways in which we depend upon greater-than-human nature. We will then discuss how conserving 30% of earth’s lands and waters by 2030 can help mitigate climate change while safeguarding biodiverse ecosystems. 30x30 is an initiative that everyone can get involved in, one way or another, no matter where they live, and even if they do not own any property. (Saturday)

Annual Sessions is a gathering of Friends that is supportive of families with children. Children’s Sessions provide the opportunity for children to experience various aspects of Quaker faith and life. There is no registration fee for children and youth ages 18 and under. A separate Children's Sessions Registration Form should be filled out for each child.

Wee Friends through Middle School

Morning Program: Small age-appropriate groups with two teachers, developed to be meaningful while giving children an opportunity to connect with other Friends of their age. During this time parents can attend Meeting for Business.

Afternoon Program: A variety of activities on different days include a craft and art tent, swimming, recreation on the lawn, and all-ages workshops. During this time adults can participate in workshops and/or worship sharing.

Evening Programs: Programs include games and campfires with s’mores and songs. During this time parents can attend the evening plenary programs. Friday evening is all-ages folk dancing on the lawn.

Sunday Morning Program: All children participate in the Epistles Reading. Middle Schoolers attend the Plummer Lecture and Sunday Meeting for Worship. After the Epistles Reading, 5th grade and under will be supervised by the babysitters/childcare and join everyone for the last minutes of worship.

Babysitting and Childcare
Babysitting and childcare will be available for children too young to attend Children’s Sessions programs. Additionally, babysitting and supervised play area time will be available during morning Meeting for Worship (8:00-9:00 am) and worship sharing and workshop time (1:15-4:00 pm). Please consult the schedule at the check-in/registration table for a full listing of times and programs.

Expectations for Young Friends & Families

In an effort to make Annual Sessions a joyful spiritual experience for all Friends, the following guidelines are intended to clarify expectations during our time together.

Parents/sponsors are responsible for supervision of their child/children during all times, except for Children’s Sessions. Parents/sponsors supervision includes meals, all-ages programs, and overnight. Families are encouraged to share in the care of their children—taking turns supervising children will allow the children to play and the adults to have their own time.

• The Children’s Sessions programs are planned assuming all registered young Friends will participate.
• Parents/sponsors should notify the Children’s Sessions staff if their child will not attend any of the sessions indicated on the submitted registration form.
• If children choose not to attend or participate in any of the Children’s Sessions programs, their parents/sponsors are responsible for them while the Children’s Sessions program is held.
• Parents/sponsors should accompany children to Children’s Sessions programs, sign them in, and return to sign them out when the program is over.
• Parents/sponsors are expected to be on the ILYM campus at all times their child/children are in a program unless specific arrangements are made.
• If any young Friend has special needs (allergies, dietary, physical, emotional, behavioral, etc.) that may require special attention, please advise the Children’s Sessions staff and teachers responsible for that age group.
• A healthy simple snack will be provided during the morning and evening sessions.
• It is important for adult Friends to start and finish programs promptly; as otherwise parents/sponsors may have to leave the adult program before it is over.
• It is important to remember that Children’s Sessions are an integral program of Annual Sessions and not merely a service to accommodate adults while they attend programs.
• Medical Release Forms must be filled out for all children under 18 .Please use on-line form or fill out a printed form and mail with the registration form or bring with you.

High School Program

The Youth Oversight Committee and High School Friends (entering grade 9 through recent high school graduates) plan the program. Consult the Youth Coordinator for program specifics.

Adult Young Friends

The Adult Young Friends of ILYM are a group of 18 to 35 year old Friends led to maintain a sense of community. While a subgroup of adult Friends, AYFs participate as active adult members of ILYM. They welcome new members with open arms.

ILYM Annual Sessions is a gathering of approximately 200 people at the beautiful Illinois Yearly Meeting campus which is surrounded, to the horizon, by corn and soybean fields. On the south side of “Quaker Lane” is the meetinghouse, parking areas, several large tents, a farmhouse, and several outbuildings. The tents are used for the children’s programs, workshops, and outdoor dining. On the north side of the road is a campground which includes a parking area, a showerhouse, space for tents, 6 small cabins, and buildings used for High School and Middle School Friends.

Annual Sessions is primarily planned and managed by volunteers, so we ask everyone to pitch in. All Friends over age 10 are asked to sign up for at least two volunteer jobs during Annual Sessions, which might include helping during a meal, cleaning a bathroom, or helping with childcare or the children’s programs. Volunteer sign-up sheets are located near the registration table.

Please do not bring pets. Do not smoke in the buildings or on the grounds (including campground). Keep noisy activities away from Friends who need quiet. Respect the surrounding farm crops and property.

DIRECTIONS: The meetinghouse address is: 14365 N. 350th Ave., McNabb, IL 61335.

• From Champaign-Urbana: Take I-74 west to Bloomington-Normal, then I-39 north to Rt. 18 west. Near Magnolia, take Rt. 89 north. After Edgewood Park Golf Club on the left, turn right at the “Friends Meetinghouse” sign (Co. Rd. 350N). After about ½ mile, the meetinghouse is the large white building on your right.
• From St. Louis: Take I-55 north to Bloomington/Normal, then I-39 north. From here, same as from Champaign-Urbana.
• From Chicago: Take I-80 west past Ottawa, then I-39 south to Rt. 71 west, then Rt. 89 south. Go past McNabb about 1½ miles, and look for the “Friends Meetinghouse” sign at the first cross-street (Co. Rd. 350N) and turn left. After about ½ mile, the meetinghouse is the large white building on your right.
• By Amtrak: Transportion between the Princeton, IL, station and the ILYM campus can be arranged via the registration form.

ACCESSIBILITY: The meetinghouse has a ramped entrance and wheelchair accessible restrooms. The showerhouse in the camping area is also accessible, but you must go through a grassy area to get to it. The dining room is in the basement and is not wheelchair accessible, but meals can be served in the dining tent. First floor of Clear Creek House is wheelchair accessible.

PARKING: There is parking for campers on the north side of the road at the front of the camping area. Vehicles should not be driven into the camping area. There is parking on the south side of the road for non-campers between the meetinghouse and Clear Creek House. This includes a marked parking area for Friends with disabilities.

PHONE: The meetinghouse & Clear Creek House number is 815-882-2214. Non-local calls must be collect only. The ILYM mobile number is 773-288-3066.

EMERGENCIES: Dial 911 for emergencies. OSF Emergency Center is in Streator: 815-673-2311. Streator is south on Rt. 89, then east on Rt. 18. Additional information is at the registration desk.

FEES AND SUPPORTING THE COST OF SESSIONS: Realizing that attenders represent a diverse community of people, ILYM has adopted a pay as led approach to covering the costs of Annual Sessions and to allow it to be affordable to a greater number of people. A daily fee has been calculated related to the cost of holding sessions and an estimated number of adults attending sessions, additionally a daily fee has been calculated for those only attending sessions virtually. Attenders, whether on-site or virtual are asked to reflect on the cost ILYM incurs for their attendance at sessions and pay as led in relation to this cost and their ability to afford this cost.

REDUCE DIRTY DISHES: Bring your own coffee cup or drink bottle.

COVID CONCERNS: Guidance of Federal and Illinois health authorities will be followed. Dining seating maybe relaxed and expanded to additional places. Lodging capacity in cabins and Clear Creek House may be reduced.

WHAT TO BRING: Musical instruments, recreational equipment, clothes for active wear, sun-screen, mosquito repellent, flashlight, rain gear, and linens (if staying in cabins or Clear Creek House). Showers are available for bathing. Coin-op laundry is available in Spring Valley.

VARIETY SHOW is on Saturday afternoon. This is a supportive group that is easily entertained.

NEW ATTENDERS MEETINGS: New attenders will be given an overview when checking-in. If you need information at any other time, check with the check-in/registration table.

TECHNOLOGY: There are no duplicating/printing facilities. Please bring what you will need. There is wireless internet available. The password will be displayed near the registration table.

TIPS FOR FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN: You can bring your smaller children to the dining room 5 minutes before scheduled mealtimes to eat or you may go to the head of the line. It is hard for small children to wait in line when they are hungry. We suggest that you bring drinks and non-perishable snacks for times your children may be hungry or thirsty and perhaps breakfast food if your children find it hard to get up in time for breakfast in the dining room.

Come early and find out what fun it can be to work towards a common cause with a great bunch of people. Be a part of transforming 12 acres of land into a most useful site for hundreds of people.

Site Prep takes place on the days before the beginning of Annual Sessions. All ILYM Friends are cordially invited to help get the campus ready before the main event begins. Meals and housing during Site Prep are free. So come, there is work as worship to be had plus good fun, fellowship, and delicious food.

Site Prep begins Saturday, June 17, and concludes after lunch on Wednesday, June 21 (you can arrive in the evening of Friday, June 16).

If you plan to attend, please out following Site Prep Attendance form.

Site Clean-up: On Sunday, June 25, after the conclusion of the sessions, please plan to stay an hour or two after lunch and help with clean up.

Please fill out the following form

if you plan to attend site prep

Link to online site prep registration form in its own window.

Camping: There is a campground on the north side of the road that has a showerhouse. There is additional “primitive” camping south of Clear Creek House. The primitive camping area has one port-a-potty. Campers will need to use the showerhouse in the other campground for all other needs. Children should not camp in the primitive camping area because of safety hazards in area outbuildings. If you want to camp and need electricity, please indicate on the registration form. Cords should not be run from buildings to tents.

Cabins: There are 6 cabins with room for 8 people each in bunkbeds. Cabins have no electricity. They may be filled to capacity depending on demand. Individuals with specific needs (e.g., mobility issues, small children, cannot camp, other special reasons) will be given preference for cabins. If you have a special reason for needing a cabin, include it on the registration form. Linens, blankets, and pillows should be brought.

Clear Creek House: There are 7 lodging spaces in the Clear Creek House for up to 16 people. Rooms may be shared. Individuals with specific needs (e.g., health and mobility issues) will be given preference. If you have a special reason for needing to stay in Clear Creek House, include it on the registration form. Linens should be brought.

High School Bunkhouse: There is a large bunkhouse which can hold up to 40 high school Friends and chaperons.

Cabin and Clear Creek House occupancy levels: Due to concerns about COVID, occupancy levels stated above may be reduced in 2023.

Motels

Off-Site Housing Information as of March 22. You may be able to find better rates and additional places. Rates listed are for 2 persons for one weekend night. Prices are subject to change and do not include tax. Some people have success calling them when a web booking indicated they are fully booked.

Stay informed about what is happening in ILYM. Get updates and further details on Annual Sessions programming Subscribe to the once-a-month e-newsletter.

Send a request via the Contact Us form. Please include your name and meeting along with your e-mail address.

On-line registration closes June 16. You will be able to register for in-person attendance at the registration desk during sessions.

ILYM uses a pay as led approach to cover the costs of sessions. A per day adult fee of $55 reflects a representative amount if received by each adult attender that would be needed to cover the cost of Annual Sessions. There is an alternative representative fee of $15 per day adult fee for virtual-only attendees. ILYM does not assess a fee for children and high school attenders. Considered costs include expenses for meals, on-site housing, programs, and infrastructure for on-site and virtual components.

Link to on-line registration

Link to download PDF registration form

Link to download additional Medical Release and Children's Sessions forms (update)

During on-campus Annual Sessions there is a series of folders on the entry table. These folders contain additional documents for use during Annual Sessions. Links to the content of these folders follow below. Links will be active when content is available.

• Minutes of business sessions

• State of Society Reports
• Memorial Minutes
• Minutes from Fall Continuing Committee and Spring Continuing Committee

• Epistles from other yearly meetings

• Files for “Help Think about Next Year's Annual Sessions go to ilym.org/planning.
  • Site Overall Coordinator Form (Chicago North)
  • Program Overall Coordinator Form (Chicago South)
  • Food Overall Coordinator Form (BRQ)

• Instructions and Pointers for Joining On-line Sessions (Note: from 2020, so might be slightly different than current Zoom version).