Big Sandy Family Conference
April 8–12, 2024
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
Begins:
Monday, April 8, 2024
6:30pm
Ends:
Friday, April 12, 2024
5:00pm
speakers
Programs
Opportunities
Lodging & Meals
Registration
Speakers
Our speakers for 2024 will be announced soon! Check back later, or sign up for our email updates!
2023 Family Conference Theme
In Every Thing By Prayer
Our theme comes from Paul's letter to the Philippians: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6). In this command, the Greek word careful means “anxious.” In a world plagued by daily anxiety, worry, and cares, how is being “careful for nothing” possible? The second part of the verse gives the answer: We overcome anxiety by taking everything to the Lord in prayer with thanksgiving.
Instead of wasting time and energy by worrying and being anxious, let's focus that same effort toward petitioning the only One Who can do all things. It has been said that worry is like a rocking chair — it keeps you moving but does not get you anywhere. As believers, it is time for us to get out of our “rocking chairs” of anxiety and onto our knees to pray!

Conference Programs
Team Leader Opportunities
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)
These 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
- 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
Meal Plans
Available Conference Meal Options
Delicious lunch & dinner meals are available for $9/adult (ages 12+) and $7/child (ages 4-11). A continental breakfast is available for $7/adult and $6/child.
Meal Packages can be purchased at events.alertacademy.com. Packages start with Monday Dinner and conclude with Friday Dinner. To purchase meals individually, please call 903-636-9201.
Cancellation: $50 non-refundable for meal cancellations received on or before Monday, April 10. (Meals are non-refundable after Monday, April 24.)
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.
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: $4 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $6 per meal
Lunch & Dinner:
Ages 4–11: $6 per meal
Ages 12 and older: $8 per meal