The Weekend 2025 | Centered

Sermons: About

THE WEEKEND

August 29 - September 1, 2025

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

August 29 - September 1, 2025

The Weekend is an annual gathering that unites people from various generations, locations, and walks of life, to learn from one another and experience the love of God through the person of Jesus. Our heart is to create a stress-free, joy-filled space where you can connect with others, unplug from the busy world, and experience true community. Join us for a weekend of fun, faith, and relationship as we gather in a beautiful setting with both new and old friends - to play, learn and grow together as a family with a taste of the Kingdom right here on earth.

Held at "The Canyon" at Young Life's Washington Family Ranch since 2014, this gathering has centered hearts and minds on Jesus for over 40 years.

QUESTIONS?
There is a comprehensive FAQ below. You can also reach out to us at connect@centered.org.

KINGDOM LIVING

Come and Be. Come and See.

SPEAKERS

Jeff Kemp - Main Speaker

Jeff Kemp is a former NFL quarterback and author of Facing the Blitz: Three Strategies for Turning Trials Into Triumphs (2015) and Receive: The Way of Jesus for Men (2023). He is the son of Joanne and Jack Kemp, a former NFL quarterback and Vice Presidential candidate. After graduating from Dartmouth College, Jeff played for the Rams, Niners, Seahawks & Eagles. He and his dad are the first of just six sets of father-son NFL quarterbacks. After 11 seasons, Jeff retired to focus on his passion for families and seeing men become better friends, husbands, and fathers. He led Stronger Families, a non-profit dedicated to helping families thrive. From 2012 to 2017, Jeff served as a V.P. at FamilyLife to support marriages, families, and churches. He and his wife Stacy married in 1983 and have four married sons and nine grandkids. Jeff speaks at conferences across the U.S. and does soul coaching with leaders. His passion is guiding men to live in the way of Jesus - as fully loved sons with deep friendships. Find his resources for Level 5 Friendship at MenHuddle.com.

Doug Burleigh - Devotionals

Doug Burleigh was on Young Life staff for 26 years, the last period as President. He was part of the Billy Graham Moscow Crusade 1992-93, and has been a Fellowship Associate for 30 years. Doug has traveled to Russia & Ukraine for 60 years. Married to Debbie 51 years, he has four grown kids and sixteen grandkids. Doug currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland.

Kevin Singleton - Music

Kevin Singleton is a Grammy Award winning songwriter, cross cultural musician, nonprofit youth development mentor and social entrepreneur. Some of Kevin’s songs have been sung by faith-based organizations globally. He has performed at conferences and assemblies for more than 3.5 million students and educators in 20 countries around the world. In 2009 Kevin founded Elevate New York, a New York City Department of Education accredited, in-school/after-school mentoring 501c3, located in the poorest congressional district in America. In 2022 Kevin joined the Elevate USA national team as a VP of Leadership and Development. He remains active with Elevate New York as a board member. In 2022, he co-founded the nonprofit, Trellis Inc., to support his work mentoring and training worship leaders and ongoing mentoring of inner-city youth. Kevin is one of the team that trains Musical Worship Leaders at Adoration House Seattle, a prayer house and coffee shop in the University District.

BASIC SCHEDULE

Friday,
August 29

Check-in begins at 4pm and dinner starts at 6pm.
Following dinner, we will gather for our first main session.

If you cannot arrive by 6pm – no worries!

We will be there to greet you when you arrive.

Saturday,
August 30

We believe in a well-rounded experience: Sharing meals, gathering together for good conversation, opportunities to spend time with old and new friends, silence and solitude for self-reflection... all in the presence of Jesus! We hope to create an environment where each is encouraged to lean into their own version of rest, whether spent in the prayer room or on the go-kart track.

Sunday,
August 31

Same format. Different day. Get ready to settle into deep joy again.

Consider dressing up for our evening meal, with a fun activity to follow!

Monday,
September 1

An earlier start to the day, clean-up is encouraged prior to breakfast. Wrapping up with a final meeting, there is time to reflect on experienced moments of gratitude. Goodbyes can be hard, but we trust you will continue both your old and new friendships from afar.

We anticipate everyone to be on the road home no later than 11am.

THE WEEKEND IN PHOTOS

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The scholarship fund helps to cover costs of those who wish to attend and seek assistance in fulfilling the financial obligation. If you would like to help contribute to this fund so that others can attend, please click the box below and under fund tab choose The Weekend - Scholarship option. Every dollar makes a difference!

If you would like to fill out a scholarship request form, please fill out the form linked below.

Scholarship Fund

Scholarship Request Form

What Can I Expect?

A multigenerational community experience with the opportunity to build lasting friendships Morning and evening sessions, aimed to create reflection on the teachings of Jesus and life in the Kingdom Small groups for teens and adults, Kids Club for kids ages 3+ Free time, whether spent in breakout sessions, the prayer room, or at camp activities Camp Activities: lake zip line, swimming pool, hiking, go-karts, soccer field, frisbee golf, and the sports center: skate park, rock climbing, gym, basketball courts, billiard tables, and more
Who is this for?

The Weekend is a diverse gathering of people who embrace and celebrate multigenerational friendship that is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. For people from all walks of life and backgrounds, The Weekend is not affiliated with a specific church or denomination; all faith backgrounds are welcome.
What is the lodging situation?

"The Canyon" at Washington Family Ranch is a Young Life camp designed for High-Schoolers, so most lodging is in bunk rooms that sleep 4 to 14 people. Many families want a private room - we do our best to accommodate this desire, but it is not guaranteed. For individuals, people are housed by either biological sex or by family. Larger rooms that sleep more than 4 people have either large or multiple bathrooms. During the registration process, roommates requests are accepted; 90+% of the time requests are accommodated. If your request cannot be met, we will contact you to discuss options. If you have questions about lodging, reach out to us at connect@centered.org.
What’s included in the cost?

The registration fee covers everything upon arrival at camp, except extra snacks or drinks you may purchase from the camp's snack shop (The Sarsaparilla) or items you may purchase from the gift shop. The following is covered: housing, meals, main sessions, Kids Club, and camp activities (lake zip line, giant swing, go-karts, etc.). Note: Some individuals are hungry in the evenings or outside of meals. If you think this could be you, consider bringing snacks to store in your room.
What activites are at the camp?

Camp activities include go-karts, the giant swing, a lake zip line, hiking, the swimming pool, paddle boarding, or activities in the sports complex, which includes a skate park, rock climbing, and a basketball court. Going for ice cream or coffee, enjoying conversations with friends, and participating in breakout sessions and the prayer room are other great ways to spend free time!
Will there be speakers?

Our 2025 speaker is Jeff Kemp, who will discuss our theme of Kingdom Living. Optional morning devotionals will be led by Doug Burleigh, discussing the principles of Jesus.
Who is leading worship?

Kevin Singleton will lead worship; Kevin is a Grammy Award winning songwriter, cross cultural musician, nonprofit youth development mentor and social entrepreneur.
Can I bring my entire family?

Yes, all are welcome - we are a group of friends who thrive on multigenerational friendships. For more information youth activities, see the FAQ section, “Is there childcare?”
Is there childcare?

We offer Kids Club for children who are fully potty-trained and are ages 3 through 8th grade. (Sorry, no exception for kids who are not yet 3 or who are not fully potty-trained.) Kids Club takes place for 2-3 hours in the mornings and evenings during main sessions and small groups so parents and/or caregivers can relax and enjoy. Children under the age of 3 remain in the care of their parents/caregivers at all times. Our all-volunteer team can only provide care on a 1:5 ratio, so if we do not have enough volunteers your child(ren) may be placed on a Kids Club waitlist. Registering before July 15th will help to make this possible.
What will my middle school or high school student do?

Middle and High school students will participate in all adult activities. They are placed in similar-age small groups and have a college age or older facilitator who will lead the group through important discussions relevant to their age. They have an opportunity to interact with the speakers and other adults who will engage with them in conversations rooted in what it means to follow Jesus in daily life. Top secret activities are another essential part of our student program.
What if I want to invite my community from home or bring a group?

We consider it a privilege for groups of friends to attend The Weekend together. Come one, come all! This gathering is not formally publicized; it’s truly about friends inviting friends who invite their friends. If you would like to room together, we will work with you to make it possible. When you register, simply indicate your roommate request(s).
I have not been to The Weekend before and would like to talk to someone. Who do I reach out to?

Reach out to us at connect@centered.org.
Does the camp provide linens?

Yes! Bed linens, a pillow, one towel, and one washcloth are provided. If you plan to swim, use the zip line, paddleboards, etc. plan to bring an extra towel or two (one for bathing, one for activities). The heating / cooling system is centrally controlled. Some people find the rooms to be cool at night, so consider bringing an extra blanket with you.
I have dietary restrictions. What is the food sitaution?

Vegetarian? Vegan? Gluten free? Dairy free? The Washington Family Ranch kitchen crew does an incredible job accommodating dietary restrictions. Please list any dietary restrictions during the registration process to ensure your needs are met. On occasion, the camp is not able to meet strict dietary needs; if this is the case, the camp will reach out to you.
I need to bring my own food because of strict dietary needs. Is there a refrigerator I can access?

Yes! To make arrangements, contact connect@centered.org.
The cost is more than I can afford. Is it possible to get a scholarship?

Yes, scholarships are available! Please fill out the scholarship request form linked on our page above.
Where is Washington Family Ranch located? What is the camp property like?

Washington Family Ranch is a Young Life property located 45 minutes outside the small town of Antelope, Oregon (population of 40). The property has two camps on it: Creekside and The Canyon. The Weekend takes place at The Canyon. Click here for more information about the camp.
I need to change my plans. Can I get a refund?

90% of your registration fee is refundable until July 31st, 2025. The remaining 10% covers administration fees such as credit card fees, registration platform fees, and other admin fees. After July 31st, all fees are non-refundable. To cancel your registration, email connect@centered.org.
Can I smoke cigarettes or cigars while at the camp?

Yes, smoking is allowed, but only in the designated area outside the Hotel Lobby. The camp is in a very remote location and fire danger is high in the summer months, so it is important to honor Young Life's request (we don't want to burn the camp down!). Upon arrival at the camp, ask someone at registration to show you the smoking area location.
Is alcohol permitted at the camp?

Please do not bring alcohol of any kind. Young Life has a strict no alcohol policy, and as property guests we are required to comply with their policies.
Can I bring my dog?

Dogs and other pets are not allowed, Washington Family Ranch has a strict no pet policy.
Can I bring my RV or trailer? What about a tent?

Unfortunately, no. The camp is not equipped to meet this request.

"The Weekend has evolved over the years from a meaningful gathering to a significant gathering. For many years the intergenerational aspect was what stood out – the age range went from newborn babes to grandparents, with a big sprinkling of college students. More recently, added to the intergenerational aspect is an interracial focus in every best sense of the word. The enthusiastic participation of families and individuals from the African American community who help plan and lead The Weekend has brought a new spirit to the gathering. Come this Labor Day weekend, and experience a piece of heaven on earth."

- Chi-Dooh "Skip" Li

Founding Partner at ELM Law