Reclaiming Youth Seminars

Welcome to the 2026 Reclaiming Youth Seminars!

Check back for Conference Schedule!

"It was truly inspiring to witness the collective passion and dedication to youth empowerment."

Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern, authors of Reclaiming Youth at Risk, and Mark Freado, a leader in the reclaiming youth movement, invite you to attend the Annual Reclaiming Youth Seminars! The 2026 seminars will be held July 13-18, at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and will run from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily.

Network with colleagues from all over the world to share ideas, learn new skills, inform, inspire, and re-energize. Grounded in resilience research showing that inner strengths and external supports are essential for positive youth development, the Reclaiming Youth Seminars offer practical skills for success with our most challenging children and youth.

Coming soon!

Conference Schedule

Schedule of Events

All events run from  8:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily
Pre-Conference Options:

The Art of Kid Whispering, 2-day Training
July 13-14, 2026
Trainer: Mark Freado, MA
Cost: $295 USD
The Art of Kid Whispering prepares adults to decode the offensive and defensive language of adult-wary youth and discover meaning in their non-verbal communication in order to develop a trusting partnership and a strong platform from which they can grow.

Cultures of Respect: Re-Righting History, 1-day Workshop
July 15, 2026 
Trainer: Dr. Larry Brendtro
Cost: $195 USD
Humans have biologically evolved to thrive in Cultures of Respect that meet the needs of both individuals and the group. In contrast, Cultures of Domination are marked by conflict and aggression. This one-day training is based on a new book by Martin Brokenleg and Larry Brendtro that blends Indigenous wisdom with Western science to explore how respectful cultures can be intentionally cultivated.

Main Conference:

Reclaiming Youth Conference
July 16-18, 2026
Featuring multiple presenters
Cost: $395 USD
Network with colleagues from all over the world to share ideas, learn new skills, inform, inspire, and re-energize. Grounded in resilience research showing that inner strengths and external supports are essential for positive youth development, the Reclaiming Youth Seminars offer practical skills for success with our most challenging children and youth.

"I left the conference feeling armed with new perspectives and tools to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people."

Engaging and Practical Sessions

Each session at the Reclaiming Youth Seminars is crafted to provide practical insights and encouragement for those working with challenging youth. Expect to engage in thought-provoking discussions and hands-on workshops that address key topics such as:
  • Building Respectful School Climates
  • Strength-Based Treatment with Children and Families
  • Positive Climates in Residential Care and Juvenile Justice
  • Reclaiming Wisdom of Indigenous Cultures
  • Trauma, Resilience, and Thriving

32nd Annual Reclaiming Youth Conference

More info coming soon!

Inspirational Atmosphere and Direct Interaction with Experts

What sets the Reclaiming Youth Seminars apart is our commitment to innovative thinking and a deeply inspirational atmosphere. Attendees often leave feeling rejuvenated and equipped with new tools to make a real difference. One of the unique aspects of the Reclaiming Youth Seminars is the opportunity to interact directly with experts in the field. These aren't just speakers on a stage; they are accessible and eager to connect with attendees in a real and meaningful way. This personal interaction enriches the learning experience and fosters lasting professional relationships.

"Eye-opening and rejuvenating"

Conference Information

Conference Info Sheet
Printable Registration Form
2026 Conference Schedule

Coming soon!

Cancellation Policy

Conference Schedule

Coming soon!

Seminars Location

Pre-conference sessions will be held at the Madsen Center.

The main conference will be held at the Froiland Science Complex (Lower Level Auditorium).

Augustana University
33rd Street & Summit Ave.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Accommodations

The event will be held at Augustana University, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

All participants are responsible for their own lodging which is not included in the conference registration fee. 

More info coming soon!

Travel Arrangements

All participants are responsible for their own transportation.

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is served by several major airlines. Traveling by auto, the city connects to Interstate Highways 90 and 29. Sioux Falls offers Uber, Lyft, taxi, and public bus transportation within the city.

Join us in July 2026!

We look forward to seeing you!
Mission Statement

The mission of Reclaiming Youth at Risk is to provide research, training, and consultation to build strengths in children, families, schools, and communities.  For thousands of years, American Indian cultures nourished respectful and courageous children without employing punitive discipline. Drawing from these little-understood resources, we provide a holistic approach to reclaiming youth at risk. Courage for the discouraged — for youth and for professionals as well!

Our Core Values

Our core values are grounded in the Circle of Courage philosophy, emphasizing belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity as essential to holistic development.

Our Philosophy

At Reclaiming Youth at Risk, we believe that every child has the innate capacity for positive growth. Our philosophy is rooted in the principles of the Circle of Courage, which asserts that the fulfillment of universal growth needs — belonging, mastery, independence, and generosity — is crucial for the development of all young people. By integrating these values with the latest in psychological research and practical application, we strive to create environments that promote resilience and thriving, not just for youth but for the communities that support them.

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