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Still have questions about the Empower U seminar?

On this page, we have answered the most common questions we receive from parents and students before they attend the Empower U event for the first time.

Who should attend Empower U?

Empower U is designed for teenagers and young adults aged 13 to 21 who want to develop stronger life skills and greater confidence in their future.

Occasionally we do accept 12-year-olds, but only if the young person genuinely wants to attend and is ready for the experience. Empower U is not a babysitting environment, and the program works best when participants choose to be involved and engaged.

Similarly, we sometimes have participants over 21 attend. In these cases we simply make sure they understand that the typical participant age sits around the mid-teen years. The education itself is not age-specific, but the program is delivered in a way that is most relevant for teenagers and young adults.

One of the things we are very mindful of is protecting the experience for the group. Empower U works best when participants feel comfortable with the people around them and can fully participate in the activities and conversations. For this reason we carefully manage the age range to ensure the environment feels appropriate for everyone involved.

Participants attend Empower U for many different reasons. Some young people come because they want greater confidence, direction or motivation. Others attend because they are already performing well and want to develop stronger leadership skills, clearer goals and a bigger vision for their future.

Over the past 25 years and more than 40,000 graduates, Empower U has supported young people from all backgrounds. From those looking for greater clarity and direction, to high achievers, athletes and school leaders who want to continue growing.

Ultimately, Empower U is for any young person who wants to better understand themselves, develop stronger life skills, and gain tools that can help them move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

What if my teenager doesn’t want to attend?

This is actually very common.

In fact, if Empower U relied on teenagers asking their parents to attend, the program probably wouldn’t have lasted very long. Many parents tell us their child was hesitant, unsure or even resistant before the event. Often this simply comes from not fully understanding what the experience will be like.

As parents, we sometimes need to lead our teenagers toward experiences that will help them grow, even if they are unsure at first. Much like encouraging them to try a new sport, attend a school camp, or take on a challenge that initially feels uncomfortable.

To help make the decision easier, we have created a Parent-Free page where teenagers can hear directly from past participants about their experiences. Many of these young people openly share that they didn’t want to attend at first, but ended up loving the weekend.

We can also arrange for your teenager to speak with one of our young volunteers who has previously attended Empower U. Sometimes hearing from someone closer to their own age helps them understand what the experience is really like.

And yes, occasionally teenagers still arrive feeling sceptical or resistant. But once they become involved in the activities and the environment, the vast majority finish the weekend extremely grateful they attended.

What if my teenager attends and doesn’t enjoy the program?

If your teenager attends the full two-day Empower U seminar and genuinely feels it wasn’t worthwhile, simply let us know and we will provide a 100% refund.

There are no loopholes, no complicated conditions, and no questions asked. We have offered this guarantee since the very first Empower U event because we believe parents should feel completely comfortable giving their teenager the opportunity to attend.

The only thing we ask is that participants complete the full two-day experience. Empower U is intentionally designed as a two-day program because the experience builds over time. Some young people connect with it immediately, while others take a little longer to warm up to the environment and activities.

It’s also not unusual for teenagers to message their parents during the first day saying things like “this is weird” or “I’m not sure about this.” This usually just reflects the fact that they are stepping outside their comfort zone.

By the second day, once relationships have formed and participants become more involved in the activities, the experience often feels very different. Many teenagers who were unsure at first end up finishing the weekend extremely grateful they attended.

However, if after completing the full seminar your teenager still feels the program wasn’t valuable, simply contact us and we will happily refund your ticket.

What if my teenager is shy or introverted?

Many participants who attend Empower U describe themselves as shy or introverted, so this is something we are very familiar with.

One of the principles we emphasise throughout the program is that everyone grows at their own pace. Success looks different for each person. For one participant it might mean volunteering on stage or speaking up in group discussions. For another, it might simply mean finding the courage to share their thoughts once during the weekend. Both are meaningful steps forward.

Our goal is to create a supportive and encouraging environment where young people feel safe to challenge themselves and gradually step outside their comfort zone. We often remind participants that growth happens when we stretch ourselves, but that stretch should always happen at a pace that feels manageable.

Participants are encouraged to get involved, but they are never forced to do anything they are uncomfortable with.

Because each event is supported by a large team, we are also able to give extra attention to participants who may need additional encouragement or support. It’s not uncommon for some students to take short breaks, have a conversation with a team member, or receive a little one-on-one guidance during the weekend.

Over the years we have seen many quiet or hesitant participants leave Empower U with noticeably greater confidence simply because they were given a safe environment to take small steps forward.

How many participants typically attend an Empower U event?

Empower U events can vary in size depending on the city and venue.

Over the years we have run seminars with groups as small as 15 participants and as large as 300, and the program is designed to work effectively at different scales.

Most Empower U weekends typically include between 70 and 150 participants.

Each event is supported by a trained team who help guide activities, support discussions and ensure participants feel included and engaged throughout the weekend. The size of the team is matched to the number of participants so that everyone receives the support they need during the experience.

How do you ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants?

The safety and wellbeing of every participant is extremely important to us.

Empower U has been running for more than 25 years, with over 40,000 young people attending across six countries. Over that time we have developed clear systems and standards to ensure a safe, supportive environment for every participant.

All team members working with participants hold the appropriate Working With Children checks, and a qualified First Aider is present at every event.

Each seminar is supported by a trained team who work alongside the presenters to guide activities, support group discussions and ensure participants feel comfortable and included. We maintain strong supervision ratios, typically around one team member for every four to six participants, so young people are well supported throughout the weekend.

Many of our team members are long-standing members of the Empower U community who have spent years involved in the program before stepping into volunteer roles. In addition, some parents from our community also assist at events, helping support the team and ensuring participants feel safe and looked after.

Before attending, parents complete a short questionnaire so we can understand anything important about their child ahead of time. This allows our team to be mindful of individual needs and ensure each participant is supported appropriately throughout the experience.

Ultimately, our goal is to create an environment where young people feel safe, supported and able to fully engage in the program.

What makes Empower U different from other youth programs?

Empower U has been running for more than 25 years and has welcomed over 40,000 young people across six countries. That depth of experience has allowed the program to evolve and refine its approach over decades.

Unlike many youth programs that run occasionally or rely on volunteers or charity funding, Empower U is a dedicated organisation focused entirely on helping young people develop practical life skills and confidence for the future.

Over the years we have built a structured program supported by a trained team who help facilitate the experience and guide participants throughout the weekend. This allows us to consistently deliver a high-quality environment where young people can learn, challenge themselves and grow.

Another difference is that Empower U also recognises the important role parents play in a young person’s development. In addition to the youth program, we provide opportunities for parents to learn about the concepts their teenagers are exploring so that those ideas can continue to be supported at home.

Ultimately, what sets Empower U apart is the combination of experience, scale and a long-standing community of graduates who continue to stay connected with the program long after their first event.

Is Empower U religious, political, or connected to any ideology?

No. Empower U is not connected to any religion, political group, or ideology.

For more than 25 years, the program has focused on helping young people develop practical life skills and greater confidence in their future.

Many of the ideas explored during the weekend draw on widely known personal development principles that have influenced millions of people around the world. Thinkers and teachers such as Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, Tony Robbins and Dr. John Demartini have helped popularise ideas around personal responsibility, goal setting, mindset and personal growth.

At Empower U we simply present these kinds of principles in a way that is engaging, interactive and relevant for teenagers and young adults.

Throughout the weekend participants explore topics such as setting goals, building confidence, improving communication skills, taking responsibility for their choices, developing gratitude and asking better questions about their future.

The focus is not academic or school-based learning. Instead, the program is designed to give young people practical tools and perspectives they can apply in everyday life, relationships and future career decisions.

Will my teenager be pressured to share personal or private information?

No. Participants are never forced or pressured to share personal or private information.

Empower U does create an environment where many young people feel comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts or experiences, because it can be very powerful to learn from one another. We often say that when one person shares, there is usually a lesson in it for everyone listening.

However, sharing is always completely voluntary. Some participants speak frequently throughout the weekend, while others choose to contribute only occasionally, or simply reflect and listen. Both approaches are perfectly acceptable.

During certain exercises, participants may be invited to privately reflect on challenges or things that may be holding them back. These reflections are not shared publicly, and if a participant chooses to discuss them at all it is usually in general terms with a team member who is there to support them.

Ultimately, every participant is encouraged to take part at their own comfort level. The goal is to create a supportive environment where young people can grow, reflect and challenge themselves without ever feeling pressured.

Should siblings attend together or separately?

In most cases, siblings attend the same Empower U event, and this often works extremely well.

Sharing the experience together can strengthen their bond and gives them a common reference point once the weekend is over. Many families find that siblings who attend together are more likely to support and encourage each other afterwards as they apply what they learned.

However, every family dynamic is different. If siblings tend to distract each other or bring out the more competitive side in one another, some parents choose to have them attend separate events so each teenager can focus fully on their own experience.

Both approaches can work well. The most important thing is that each participant attends with an open mind and a willingness to get involved.

If you’re unsure what might work best for your children, our team is always happy to help you decide.

Can parents attend or observe the seminar?

The Empower U seminar itself is designed specifically for teenagers and young adults, so parents do not attend the main program sessions.

We find that participants are often more open, authentic and willing to engage when they are learning alongside their peers without parents observing.

However, parents are invited to join us during the final part of the event on day two.

This begins with a session we call the Momentum Session, where one of the facilitators will walk parents through the key ideas and lessons covered during the weekend. We also share insights into what the participants have experienced and how parents can best support their teenager after the event.

Following this, parents join their teenagers in the room for the closing part of the seminar. During this time participants share highlights from the weekend, celebrate the experience together and walk their parents through some of the concepts they have learned.

This final session allows parents to understand the journey their teenager has been on and helps create a shared foundation for continuing the conversation and momentum at home.

What are the seminar hours each day?

Empower U is a two-day immersive seminar, with each day beginning in the morning and finishing in the evening.

The days are intentionally full because the program is highly interactive and designed to build momentum as the weekend progresses. Throughout the event participants take part in discussions, group activities, games and practical exercises that help reinforce the concepts being taught.

While the days are longer than a typical school schedule, the environment is very dynamic and engaging. Day two in particular includes a number of experiential activities that help bring the lessons together in a memorable way.

Most parents are surprised to find that even though participants are tired at the end of each day, they often leave feeling energised, motivated and excited about what they experienced.

Full event details, including exact start and finish times, are provided when you register.

Are mobile phones allowed during the seminar?

We maintain a strong no-phone policy during the seminar.

Participants are encouraged to stay fully present and engaged in the experience, which is difficult to do when phones are constantly being checked.

Ideally, teenagers should leave their phones at home or with their parents for the duration of the event. If they do bring a phone, it should remain switched off and not used during the seminar or breaks.

Taking a break from phones for the weekend helps participants stay focused, connect with the people around them, and get the most out of the experience.

Is food provided during the event?

Food is not provided during the Empower U seminar.

Participants should bring a packed lunch, a light dinner, and some snacks for the day. Because breaks are limited and many participants have different dietary requirements, it works best when everyone brings their own food.

We recommend bringing food that does not require heating, as it can be difficult to manage if many participants need to use the microwave at the same time.

A water station is available throughout the event, so participants are encouraged to bring a drink bottle to stay hydrated during the day.

Are accommodation or transport included?

Accommodation and transport are not included in the Empower U ticket.

Empower U is not an overnight or sleepover event. Participants attend the seminar during the day and return home each evening.

Parents or guardians are responsible for dropping off and picking up their teenager each day.

What should participants bring and wear?

Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing that allows them to move easily during activities.

Because the program includes a number of interactive exercises and games, we recommend wearing closed shoes rather than sandals or flip-flops.

Participants should also bring:

A packed lunch and light dinner
Snacks for breaks
A drink bottle for water

The focus of the weekend is participation and learning, so there’s no need to dress up — comfort is best.

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