LIFE is Good Conference

Where is the schedule of events?

Please click here for the full conference schedule.

How do I register?

Registration is easy! Just click on the Register Now button that you’ll find on the upper right hand side of every page. Follow the steps to submit your information and payment.

Is there a fee for parking at the Hilton?

There is covered self-parking available at no charge to LIFE is Good attendees staying at the hotel. There is a fee of $13 per day to use the Hilton parking garage if you are not staying at the Hilton. Parking is also available nearby at various locations in and around the downtown area.

Are there refrigerators and microwaves in the rooms at the Hilton?

No, the Hilton guest rooms do not have fridges and microwaves. They do have a limited number available to rent on a first come, first served basis.

Is there wi-fi at the hotel?

Complimentary wi-fi is available in all hotel rooms and the hotel lobby. The conference will provide wi-fi in the computer gaming room for the gamers.

How does the Computer Room work? Should I bring my own computer?

The computer room will be open throughout the conference for Minecraft, World of Warcraft and general internet gaming access.  We can’t provide the computers, but tables and chairs and free Wi-Fi will be provided. Bring your own laptop, iPad or PC and join the fun!

What are the food options?

A partial listing of food places/options is viewable on the LIFE is Good Conference Yahoo Group. You can find it here under the files section listed on the left side of the page. The up-updated version is at the bottom of the files list.

Food options are numerous. Some families bring snack type foods with them or buy them from the local markets once they arrive. If necessary, food can be kept cool in an ice chest brought from home. A bulletin board will be centrally located for posting things; this is an ideal place to post a note offering or looking for a ride to the grocery store.

There is a farmers market in Esther Short Park (right across the street from the hotel) on Saturday and Sunday. You can look it up on the web here.

The link to the hotel dining options is here. We have made arrangements to have Esther’s Coffee Bar (located in the hotel lobby) stocked with affordable, family-friendly breakfast and lunch items in addition to Starbuck’s coffee drinks.

Is there a pool? How old do my kids have to be to use the pool?

There is an indoor pool as well as a jacuzzi.

Rules of the pool are that children under 12 MUST be accompanied by a responsible adult. That doesn’t mean we can’t watch each others’ kids. But it does mean that our under 12s need to have an adult who is present and responsible for them in case they need help. Make sure your child knows who is there with them. Remember, use of these facilities is at your own risk. It’s important to be aware of what is happening when there are people in the water. There are no lifeguards. You are responsible for you and your family.

Can my teen attend without me?

While LIFE is Good is primarily a family event, as unschoolers we definitely encourage and celebrate independence!  Unschooling teens under age 18 who wish to attend without a parent or guardian may do so as long as you understand that they will be responsible for food and lodging during the weekend and believe that they are mature enough to handle themselves under these circumstances. A parent or legal guardian must complete a Release of Claim form when submitting the Independent Youth registration.

Are scholarships available?

Full and partial scholarships are available to cover the cost of the conference registration. It does not cover hotel or food costs. Applications must be submitted by March 15. No scholarships will be given after March 15. A $50 refundable fee will be charged when registering. If you are willing to help support the scholarship program, please go to the Scholarship Donation section of our Conference Store and select the amount you would like to contribute! Thank you for your generosity! Scholarships are supported by donations and by the Raffle & Silent Auction.

How does the Raffle & Silent Auction work and how can I donate an item?

The Raffle & Silent Auction are a fun way that we raise funds for Scholarships. At the conference, raffle items will be displayed, each with a bag for tickets. You can buy tickets and place them in as many bags as you like. At the end of the conference we’ll draw names from each bag and you may take any items you’ve won with you.

We’d love to get a wide variety of items donated. Popular items include toys, games, books, knitted or crafted items, baskets, goodies, music – really, anything unschoolers will enjoy.

Our Silent Auction Basket theme is LIFE is Good! – Things that make life good! If your family would like to donate a basket, just put together some things that you think make life good. You can use any kind of container – it doesn’t have to be a “basket”. Use your imagination and have a great time with this!

To donate an item or basket, contact us or just bring it along to the conference with you. We’ll take it from there.

What is the Instant Gratification table?

This is a chance for the younger members of our community to participate in the raffle without any waiting or disappointment. They get to exchange one ticket for any item on the table. The table has small toys, temporary tattoos, bubbles, stickers and other similar items. We need donations for the table, so start collecting!

Can I get recordings of the Speaker Presentations from past conferences?

Yes! Recordings from the 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 conferences are now available in mp3 format on CD.  All are available for purchase in our Conference Store.

What’s the weather like in Vancouver, WA?

What does the conference fee cover?

The fee covers all presentations, funshops, conference bags and scheduled events from Thursday through Sunday at 5:00 p.m. It does not cover t-shirts, hotel or food.

Is this thing good for kids?

It’s really, really cool for kids. Children of all ages are welcome everywhere at the conference, including the Main Presentations. We don’t provide child-care, but we do have a playroom with toys set up to help parents entertain their littlest unschoolers. And if you do want someone to help with your kids, there are usually teens available who would love to make a couple of dollars to babysit during a session. Most of our funshops are geared towards children, plus there will be a music room for singing and dancing, a video/computer game room for our gamers, and a room with board games, DDR and fort-building. LIFE is Good is first and foremost a family event. 

What time should I arrive?

At past conferences, attendees often began arriving at the hotel up to one or two days before the actual conference. You’re free to do this. Otherwise, registration will begin on Thursday at noon. The first activities will begin at 3:00 p.m.

 

Is there a Yahoo Group for this conference?

But of course! Click here to join. There is also a group just for kids and teens who are going to the conference. Posting on the kids’ list happens only sporadically, but feel free to start a new conversation! Click here to check it out.

Is there a Facebook Group for this conference?

We’ve got that too! Click here to join.

How can I help?

You can be a LIFE is Good volunteer! Just go here and fill out our volunteer form. We can use help before, during and after the conference. Just let us know you’re ready, willing and able to help out! We’ll find a way to put your talents to good use. Remember, getting involved and volunteering is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll feel like a part of the community.

Can I register for just one day?

You can come for just one day, but, alas, you must pay the full fee.

We’d like to stay in our RV. Are there accommodations nearby?

Yes. There is an RV park just across the river.

Jantzen Beach RV Park
1503 N Hayden Island Dr.
Portland, OR 97217-8211
(503) 289-7626

Will there be conference t-shirts?

Of course! The shirts are 100% cotton, with details about color and design available in our conference store.

Conference T-shirts MUST be pre-ordered by April 15

Who runs this shindig and how can I contact you?

The LIFE is Good Conference was created by unschooling mom, Mary Gold, in 2007. She oversees most conference details, so if you’ve got a question about the conference that hasn’t been answered somewhere on the website, she’s probably the one to ask. You can use the contact form found here, or send comments, questions or fan mail to:

Mary Gold, Conference Diva
LIFE is Good Conference
PO Box 2536
Corvallis, OR 97339-2536

Are you associated with the Life is good® t-shirt company?

No we’re not, but we think they’re awesome and own many of their products. The “LIFE” in our conference name stands for “Learning In Freedom Everyday.”

Haven’t I seen this daisy somewhere before?

We certainly hope so! The daisy is a colorful reworking of the one used by the Conference Diva’s very favorite band, James. Its use here is an homage of sorts. Haven’t heard of them? Do yourself a favor and go have a listen.