Reclaiming Youth Seminars

The 2025 Seminars Begin In...

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Reclaiming Youth Seminars to be held on the campus of Augustana University, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, July 14-19, 2025.

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"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 31st Annual Reclaiming Youth Seminars! The 2025 seminars will be held July 14-19, 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.

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From the Black Hills to Sioux Falls

The Reclaiming Youth Seminars have evolved from their roots in the Black Hills of South Dakota, growing into a significant event that draws participants from around the world. Many international youth workers have attended over the years, enriching the seminars with diverse perspectives and experiences. Our tradition of hospitality and meaningful connection ensures that every attendee feels welcomed and valued.

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Experience, Learn, and Connect...

Immerse yourself in an extraordinary event designed to recharge and inspire those who work with at-risk youth. The 31st Annual Reclaiming Youth Seminars will be held from July 14-19, 2024, at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This conference promises to be a transformative experience, offering practical skills and innovative strategies for educators, youth workers, and professionals dedicated to positive youth development.

"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:
  • Trauma, Resilience, and Thriving
  • Social and Emotional Learning in Classrooms and Schools
  • Strength-Based Treatment with Children and Families
  • Positive Climates in Residential Care and Juvenile Justice
  • Reclaiming Wisdom of Indigenous Cultures

More info to come!

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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"

Froiland Science Complex
(Lower Level Auditorium)

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

Reclaiming Youth Seminars
July 14-19, 2025
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Daily

More info to come!

Check back soon!

Conference Information

Conference Info Sheet coming soon!
Registration Form coming soon!
Cancellation Policy
Check back for the 2025 schedule

Site and Accommodations

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

The main conference lodging is at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre located at 100 W 8th Street, a ten-minute drive from the Augustana campus. All participants are responsible for their own lodging which is not included in the conference registration fee.

Holiday Inn Room Rate:
TBD

Group:
Reclaiming Youth at Risk Room Block 

Phone:
605.339.2000; 1-800-HOLIDAY

Block Rate Dates: TBD

More hotel info coming soon!

The Holiday Inn is conveniently located in downtown Sioux Falls and has an indoor pool, whirlpool, exercise room, lounge, and restaurant. If you have any issues booking a room at the Holiday Inn City Center, please contact Wendy Beukelman (RY Training Coordinator); 605-906-4694; wendy@reclaimingyouthatrisk.org.

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. The Holiday Inn offers a free airport shuttle.

Join us in July 2025!

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.