Equipping Our Next Generations
We are excited to provide engaging, Bible-based programming for our children and youth! From infant childcare to high school students, we want each one to know and experience the love of Christ .
Please register each child 0-17 for the 2026 Okoboji Bible Conference!
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Nursery
Infants to 3 years (still in diapers)
Location: Chapel, south of Tabernacle -
Early Childhood
3 years (out of diapers) to Kindergarten
Location: Ella’s House, south of Tabernacle -
Elementary
Entering 1st grade to 5th grade
Location: Foundations (basement of Ella’s House) -
Youth
Entering 6th to 8th grade & 9th to 12th grade
Location: Founders Hall
Nursery
Location: Chapel, south of Tabernacle
(check in begins 30 minutes prior to session)
Schedule
Saturday, August 1
6:45pm - Check-in
7:15pm - Activities Begin
Sunday, August 2
10:00am & 6:45pm- Check-in
10:30am & 7:15pm - Activities Begin
Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 8
9:30am & 6:45pm- Check-in
10:00am & 7:15pm - Activities Begin
Nursery Co-Directors
Leslie Schaefer
Megan Tutje
Early Childhood
Location: Ella’s House
(check in begins 30 minutes prior to session).
Schedule
Sunday, August 2
10:00am & 6:45pm- Check-in
10:30am & 7:15pm - Activities Begin
Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 7
9:30am & 6:45pm- Check-in
10:00am & 7:15pm - Activities Begin
Theme:
Coming soon!
Leisl Lidiak, Early Childhood Director
Leisl is from Sheldon, Iowa, and has been teaching preschool for 18 years. She returns for her fifth year leading the nursery team.
"Every year I look forward to reuniting with families from previous years and meeting new families just starting to attend OBC. It excites me in knowing that my staff and I are making it possible for these parents to grow closer to God and strengthen their faith because their youngsters are in a safe and caring place, our nursery. Just as Jesus came to serve others, we are also serving."
Elementary
Location: Foundations (Basement of Ella’s House)
Schedule
Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 7
9:45am - Check-in
10:00am - Activities Begin
For each evening session, children begin in the Tabernacle with their parents. The children entering 1st-3rd grade will be dismissed at approximately 7:45 pm.
Theme:
Coming Soon!
Lori Rogers, Elementary Director
Lori Rogers is passionate about sharing the Gospel with children. She teaches third graders during the school year in Marion, IA
"It is my privilege to serve in the elementary program at OBC each year. Watching God work in my own children's lives through these very same ministries keeps me focused on our goal: growing children in their faith in Jesus. Thank you for entrusting your precious ones to us during conference week. We can't wait to lead them closer to Jesus during our time together!"
Melissa MacDonald, Elementary Minister
Melissa J. MacDonald is a seasoned veteran in the realm of ministry, boasting over two decades of dedicated service to the global community. She is a captivating speaker to audiences of all ages, an experienced coach, and a prolific author. She is profoundly committed to supporting ministry leaders and nurturing children's spiritual growth worldwide. Melissa has left her mark on organizations such as The Christian and Missionary Alliance, the International Network of Children’s Ministry, and the Global Children’s Forum. She loves kayaking, golfing, and really good food. Alongside her husband, Luis, they serve as foster and adoptive parents, making their home in Iowa where they are actively involved in their local community. She also boasts having the world’s cutest dog but admits she may be biased.
“Each year I see old friends and make new friends. The kids are always excited to be together and learn more about God. It's a joy to be a part of the Okoboji Conference!”
Youth
Location: Founders Hall
Schedule
Monday, August 3 - Friday, August 7
9:45am - Check-in
10:00am - Activities Begin
Evening activities are also planned-
schedule distributed at Conference.
Clayton Taylor, Student Ministry Director
Clayton Taylor has joyfully served in student ministry for over 15 years, most recently in the Twin Cities area at Wooddale Church. He graduated from Crown College and before coming to Wooddale, served 12 years as the associate student ministry pastor at Riverside Church. Clayton’s wife Angela and daughters (Millie and Mabel) love spending time together as a family and with friends.
"I love investing in students as they learn to own their faith by growing in their personal relationship with Jesus."
Ross Van Kley, Student Ministry Associate Director
Ross Van Kley has attended the Bible Conference every year since before he was born. He studied at Bethel University and recently earned a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. For the past five years, he has led youth and discipleship ministries at First Reformed Church in Hull, IA, and now also leads worship. Ross lives in Boyden, IA, with his wife Olivia and their two children, Joah and Shiloh, and is a candidate for ordination in the Reformed Church in America.