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2026 April Big Sandy Family Conference

April 20 – April 24, 2026

Conference  Overview

Fellowship Around the Word of God.

Family Conferences are weeklong, life-changing family events. Rich fellowship, inspiring messages, and engaging children’s programs make Family Conference something to look forward to by anyone who has experienced one. Whether making new friendships with other families or rekindling relationships from previous years, the conference is an annual highlight for many.

The conferences are structured to foster spiritual growth as young and old alike are challenged to honor God’s Word in every area of their lives.

Schedule

Conference Begins:
Monday, April 20, 2026
6:30pm

Ends:
Friday, April 24, 2026
5:00pm

Location

International ALERT Academy

1 Academy Blvd.
Big Sandy, TX 75755

View venue website »

speakers

Programs

Opportunities

Lodging & Meals

Registration

2026 Conference Speakers TBA

Continue to check back as we start to add our 2026 speakers, or sign up for our email updates!

Lodging Options

Where to Stay During the Conference

We have numerous dorm rooms, cabins, and campsites available onsite for our guests. For more information, please visit our Campus Lodging website.

Dorm Rooms (starting at $75 per night)

Our Guest Lodges are two-story, dormitory style buildings. Each wing of four rooms shares a kitchenette with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker. The lodges have a living room and recreation/meeting room on each floor. Linens and towels are provided.

Private Rooms have access to their own bathroom, while Semi-Private rooms share bathroom accommodations with the adjoining room (ideal for larger families or for sharing with friends). Both room types hold a double bed, bunk, and single—sleeping 5. “Dormitory Style” Semi-Private Rooms hold four twin beds. Rooms sleep 4–5 people; maximum occupancy: 7.

Please note that there are no elevators in these buildings. If you are unable to use stairs, you’re welcome to request a room on the first floor.

Cabins (from $40 per night)

Our cozy, air-conditioned cabins hold three (3) twin beds: one bunk and a single. You have access to the Pine Lodge for a common area, kitchenette (several refrigerators, microwave, coffee maker, sink) and bathrooms. Bedding, pillows, and towels are also provided for all cabins.

 

Campground
The Ponderosa Campground is located on the eastern portion of our campus, graced with tall shadowing pines. Bathhouses with restroom facilities are spread throughout the campground.
 

  • From $20 per night – Primitive Campsite
  • From $25 per night – Electric Campsite
  • From $30 per night – Electric & Water Campsite
  • From $40 per night – Full Hookup Campsite
  • From $50 per night – Premium Paved Campsite
RV and Golf Cart Rentals

Area vendors offer RV and Golf Cart Rentals during the Family Conferences. Please contact them directly to arrange rentals.

International ALERT Academy

1 Academy Blvd.

Big Sandy, TX 75755

International ALERT Academy

1 Academy Blvd.
Big Sandy, TX 75755

View venue website »

Meal Plans

Available Conference Meal Options

Delicious, made-from-scratch meals are available! Our continental breakfast is $7/adult and $5/child. Lunch and dinner meals are $9/adult (ages 12+) and $7/child (ages 4-11).

Meal Packages can be purchased here. Packages start with Monday Dinner and conclude with Friday Dinner. To purchase meals individually, please call 903-636-9201. (If you would like to purchase additional meals before or after the normal meal package you can do so online here.)

 

Meal Plans

$28.00 – Simple Breakfast Adult (4 breakfasts)
$20.00 – Simple Breakfast Child (4 breakfasts)

$36.00 – Lunch Adult (4 lunches)
$28.00 – Lunch Child (4 lunches)

$45.00 – Dinner Adult (5 dinners)
$35.00 – Dinner Child (5 dinners)

Please note: ALERT Cadet/Pre-EXCEL’s lunches are included in their program costs, except for Thursday lunch. On Thursday, ALERT Cadet and Pre-Excel students will be with their families for the morning. This meal can be purchased individually online. 

View the 2025 Menu »

Individual Meal Pricing

If you have other plans for food, and you just want to supplement with a couple of meals, feel free to purchase individually.

Breakfast:

Ages 4–11: $5 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $7 per meal

Lunch & Dinner:

Ages 4–11: $7 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $9 per meal

View the 2025 Menu »

2025 Pricing

Need financial assistance? Fill out a Financial Assistance Request!

Registration

Conference Pricing

Family Registration $350
Individual Registration $150

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Programs

Children’s Institute $70
ALERT Cadet $105
Pre-EXCEL $105
COMMIT $70
Photography Workshop $115

 

$50 cancellation fee for all cancellations.
No refunds for cancellations made on or after Monday, April 20.