Overall Theme: “...all that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.” (Joshua 1:16)

To access the Bible Bowl and PEARLS tests, blank answer sheets and instruction sheets, group leaders need to log in to the registration system and click the “Tests” button on the main registration page. This will take you to a new page that will have links to download the tests, blank answer sheets and instruction sheets for Bible Bowl and PEARLS. The mailing addresses for the coordinators will be on the instruction sheets. In order to access the tests, answer sheets and instructions, you will need the latest version of the free Adobe Reader software on your computer because the files are in PDF format. If you need to update your Adobe Reader software, go to www.adobe.com for the free download. We will send an email to all group leaders who have students registered for either event to remind them that the tests are available. The tests will not be available until the first testing date of February 11, 2009.

Bible Bowl: Joshua
The 2009 Bible Bowl study questions, test questions and final round questions will be worded from the New Kings James Version ONLY. 

PEARLS: Facing Today's Giants, various authors.  The Prevent Disaster study series began as a workbook on health issues that potentially affected our youth such as drugs, alcohol and smoking.  It’s purpose was to prevent youth from doing harmful things to their bodies.  Most recently, the study series has been related to the Bible Bowl book and/or the overall theme for the year.  The name of the study series has been changed to more appropriately reflect the purpose of the study.  There will still be a test on the material as in the past.

Debate: Resolution to be determined.

Hotel Reservation Information: Please note that we will use all available rooms for at least some of the nights at all convention locations again this year.  There have been changes made to the registration system to have the system better manage the nights available.  If rooms are not available on a night that you request, the system will not save the reservation request.  You must re-enter the request to include only nights for which rooms are available.  The hotel reservations section of the registration system will be open until 5:00 PM (Central) on March 9.  If rooms are not available for a night(s) that you need, you will be able to log in at any time and check to see if rooms are available before the deadline.  Groups will be dropping rooms as they revise their registration, so rooms will become available at various times before March 9.  It will be in your best interest to check often if you need additional nights.  There will be no waiting lists for rooms.  For Memphis, Nashville and Orlando groups, please note that if you plan to use your tax exemption, you MUST send your exemption letter to the hotel before the hotel registration deadline of March 9.  This must be done even if you used it last year.  They have to have it new each year. 
For information on getting your exemption in Tennessee, click here http://www.lads-to-leaders.org/nashville/nashville_tax.html. 
For information on getting your exemption in Florida, click here http://www.lads-to-leaders.org/orlando/neworlando_tax.html. 

Please do not overbook rooms.  Overbooking and canceling just before the hotel reservation deadline or close to convention causes others to unnecessarily have to stay offsite.  Please be considerate of others and only request the rooms that you will use.  Late cancellations cause many problems.  Because all rooms are guaranteed by Lads to Leaders rather than individual credit cards, rooms that are “no-shows” are charged to our master account.  Please make sure to use all rooms that you request or cancel them at least a week before the scheduled arrival.

Puppet Theater: 
For Nashville groups that need to request a specific time for one or more of your puppet teams, please email Portia Johnson at portia@centurytel.net. Please provide your group name, the grade(s) and letter(s) of the team(s) needing special requests. Please provide the reason for the request. All requests need to be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than the registration deadline date of January 23, 2009.

Recognition for the following events takes place at the Annual Conventions:
  ( * - indicates events that are held at the annual convention):
    Click here for specific event details!