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.
"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