… it is the opportunity to interact, learn, and share ideas and experiences with a group of friendly and inquiring people. For others, it is the chance to be removed from the world, retiring for a week from daily routines to a small, beautiful island, to reconnect with family and friends, relax on the porch with a good book, and watch the sunrise or sunset.

…with a polar bear swim in the chilly Atlantic Ocean, morning stretch, and a cup of coffee on the porch, or music in the chapel. Settle into a rocking chair to watch the day emerge, or sit in a chair on the lawn while children play before breakfast. Later in the morning, gather in the chapel at the top of the hill for a thoughtful morning sermon from the minister of the week.

… led by recognized experts take place late morning. Gather to listen, learn, and be inspired, then enjoy conversations on the porch, Social Hour, and the dinner table.

…  choose from many activities, including art, writing, yoga, and choir. Other activities include softball, swimming, visits to the Marine Lab, kite-flying, taking a rowboat or kayak around the harbor, trip to the snack bar, walks on the rocks, or time in the rocking chairs on the front porch. Evening activities include a bonfire, intergenerational dance, island staff talent show, lay-led chapel services, and more.

… the Youth Program is a time to experience the freedom of island life and to gain a deep appreciation of the natural environment in the midst of caring, attentive adults. Activities related to the conference theme together with community building activities, games, crafts, and time to explore the island round out the week. The program offers children the experience of wonder and friendships of long duration, the kind that cause them to start counting down the days until the next year’s IA conference even as they depart on the boat at the end of the week.

… and spirit of the island, together with the intellectually stimulating theme talks, the spiritually uplifting sermons, the myriad of daily activities, the strong sense of community among the conferees, and the vibrant Youth Program make the International Affairs conference a truly unique and memorable vacation.