MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDWEST

This is more than a retreat. RYM Middle School Midwest is a week where middle school students will spend hours in God’s Word, build lasting friendships, and encounter the good news of the Gospel—while enjoying wide-open recreation and unforgettable fun in the heart of the Midwest.

General Info

Here are the essentials for planning your week in Illinois—dates, location, cost, and speaker.

Availability: OPEN - Space Available
Dates: August 1-5, 2026
Location: Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, IL
Cost: $525 per person
Speaker: Rev. Ethan Brown

Looking for more details? Scroll down to find the schedule, conference rules, elective class options, and a packing list.

Who needs to register?

Everyone attending RYM must complete the right registration form. Select the option below to get started.

Church Registration

Leaders, reserve space for your church at this conference. Submit this form to register your group as soon as possible.
Register your church

Adult Registration

If you’re attending with your church as a leader or chaperone, complete your individual registration between March 1 and May 1, 2026.
Register as an adult

Student Registration

Students, once your church has registered, sign up here to confirm your spot and share your details between March 1 and May 1, 2026.
Register as a student

Main Speaker

Rev. Ethan Brown

Ethan was born and raised in South Florida and attended the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Amanda, through the ministry of RUF. After a two-year internship with RUF at Duke University, Ethan attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, NC, to prepare for a lifetime of ministry. In 2021, the Browns moved to Champaign-Urbana to plant the ministry of RUF at the University of Illinois. When he's not hanging out with students, Ethan enjoys running, drinking craft coffee, reading, and spending time with Amanda and their three kids: Judah, Ellis, and Ezra.

Helpful Conference Info

Elective Classes

Packing List

Rules

Schedule

Activities & Recreation

Indoor Activities
  • 9 Square
  • Basketball
  • Billiards
  • Blacklight Mini Golf
  • Blacklight Sports
  • Board Games
  • Dodgeball
  • Table Tennis
  • Volleyball
  • Wallyball
Outdoor Activities
  • Archery
  • Basketball
  • Bocce Ball
  • Disc Golf
  • Gaga Ball
  • Human Foosball
  • Mini Golf
  • Obstacle Course
  • Sand Volleyball
  • Soccer
Eagle Crest Adventures
  • High Ropes Course*
  • Zipline*
  • Climbing Gym*
  • Axe Throwing*
  • Escape Rooms*

*Premium group activities that may require an additional payment.

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