Special Easter camp at IBG in Geneva : From darkness to light

18-21 April 2025

Every few years the IBG (Institut Biblique de Genève / Bible institute of Geneva proposes lares gatherings (close to 1000 people ) with invited guest speakers from around the world. The conferences are extremely popular with youth who camp onsite for the weekend.

Objectives

To convey a clear vision of God and His work to the new generation in the 21 st century.
To involve the new generation concretely in God’s work by demonstrating opportunities for service and training at IBG.
To promote training for youth group leaders by organizing annual sessions between conferences.
To encourage the creation of a prayer movement for mutual support.

Methods

Plenary sessions focused on the work of Jesus Christ and the mission of the Church.
Workshops on relevant contemporary issues for youth.
Information sessions on the vision and strategy of partner organizations.
Sponsored sports event for missionary projects in Senegal, Nepal, and Madagascar.

NOTE: this special camp/conference weekend is organized by the IBG in Geneva, please register directly on their website :

Frequently Asked Questions

I will be 15 years old in 2025 but after the conference. Can I still register?
Yes. If you were born in 2010, you are in your 15th year and can register for the conference. The birthdate cut-off for registration is December 31, 2010.

Is it possible to attend for just one day, an evening, or the concert?
The available packages (PASS A, B, or C) cover the entire conference. There is no option for day or event-specific attendance.

I have a specific diet (gluten-free, various allergies…). Can meals be adapted for me?
Meals are provided by a Geneva-based caterer and cannot be customized for specific diets.

Can products be purchased on-site?
There will be food stands offering snacks, waffles, hot and cold drinks, sweets, etc.
You will also find a bookstore with various specially selected books available at preferential rates for the event.

How do I get to the IBG from the train station or Geneva airport?
You can find this information in the “Access and Parking Info” section.

Is there a carpooling platform?
Yes, you can access it through the TOGETZER carpooling site link.

What is a Civil Protection shelter (PC shelter)?
A PC shelter is a concrete, windowless shelter built in every Swiss municipality for public refuge in case of conflict. These shelters have reinforced doors, and phone and Wi-Fi are not usable as signals do not pass through. This may not be an ideal place if you are claustrophobic! They consist of large dormitories with three-level bunk beds that can accommodate 50 to 200 people depending on the structure.

How will we get to the PC shelters?
Shuttles will be specifically dedicated to transporting those registered with pass A between the conference venue (Geneva Bible Institute) and the shelters, in the morning and evening.

Is there an alternative accommodation option other than the PC shelters?
If you prefer not to stay in the shelters, you can potentially book a hotel room or go to a campsite, but you must have transportation and be independent. In this case, you will need to select either pass B or pass C when registering. For your convenience, we have created a non-exhaustive list of hotels and campsites within a 5 to 40-minute travel time from the conference – PDF list. No transportation will be arranged by the conference for these accommodations!

I would like to register a youth group. How should I proceed?
There are two possible options:

Each member of your youth group registers individually.
Please send a list of names, first names, and birth dates of all members in your youth group to paques@institutbiblique.ch by March 15 to allow for group lodging arrangements (separating boys and girls). After March 15, we cannot guarantee that your request for group lodging will be fulfilled.

Or you can register each group member online. Simply add the desired number of passes A, B, and/or C to your cart for your group and fill in the requested information for each participant. After paying by credit card, you will receive the tickets for each participant.

BUT this does not complete registration!
A file is only considered complete and validated if – in addition to online registration and payment – we receive a duly completed parental authorization for each minor.

We are a young couple under 25 with a baby/young child. Can we register as a family?
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate couples with children or babies on the premises during the conference.

What if I need to cancel?
Each ticket is non-transferable and cannot be reassigned. If you wish to cancel, there are fees involved. Here are the cancellation conditions:

Cancellation before March 30: 75% of the amount paid will be refunded.
Cancellation between March 31 and May 10: 50% of the amount paid will be refunded.
Cancellation after May 11: no refund.

What if I want to change my pass?
If you wish to change your pass, a financial penalty will apply under the following conditions:

If you upgrade your pass (from C to B, from C to A, or from B to A), you will need to pay the difference in cost according to the current rate of the new pass, along with a €10 administrative fee.
If you downgrade your pass (from A to B, from A to C, or from B to C), a €10 administrative fee will be deducted from any refund, along with the price of the new pass at the current rate.

Video testimony from previous session (French)

Watch this video on YouTube

Thoughts for the day on the topic “From Darkness to light”:

Isaiah 9:2 – “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

This verse speaks to hope and transformation through God’s presence.

John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus emphasizes himself as the light, bringing guidance and life.

Ephesians 5:8 – “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

This verse encourages believers to live out their faith as children of light.

Psalm 18:28 – “You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.”

God is seen as a source of enduring light in challenging times.

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people…called out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

This passage highlights the transformation of believers into a life of purpose.