The Wilds Counsel the Heart Conference
Based on The Wilds Summer Staff Counseling Training developed over the past fifty years, the Counsel the Heart Conference presents core biblical counseling material regarding the gospel, the process of biblical change, the basic categories of counseling, and specific tools for effectively getting to the heart of any problem. Designed with lay workers in mind, Counsel the Heart provides a helpful venue for local churches to further equip those who work with youth (mentors, youth leaders, school teachers, etc.) to learn how to provide biblical hope and help to young people facing issues of suffering and sin.
Upcoming Conferences
Open Bible Baptist Church
Williamstown, NJ
November 21-22, 2025
Potential Speakers
Each conference will feature three or four of the following speakers from The Wilds staff.
Matt Collier
President
Kelly Collier
Staff Training Specialist
Willie Partin
Director of Camp Relations
Chris Anastos
Director of Camper Experience
Andy Anglea
Director of Staff Experience
Noah Smith
Junior Boot Camp Director
Sample Schedule
Friday night
6:30 – 7:00 Registration
7:00 – 8:00 Session 1: What is Biblical Counseling / Sufficiency of Scripture
8:00 – 8:30 Coffee and Dessert Fellowship/Meet the Speakers
Saturday
9:00 – 9:30 Coffee and Donut Fellowship
9:45 – 10:45 Session 2: Put Off / Renew /Put On
10:45 – 11:00 Break
11:00 – 12:00 Session 3: The Tree Model for Counseling
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch: onsite or offsite
1:00 – 2:00 Session 4: Four Categories of Counseling
2:00 – 2:15 Break
2:15 – 3:00 Session 5: Breakout session: Using the tree model in specific counseling scenarios
- Assurance of Salvation
- Trials and Anxiety/Worry
- Pornography and Addictions
3:10 – 3:30 Wrap-up
Resources
Resources available to you at this event include:
- A counseling manual with session notes and resource lists.
- God’s Hope and Help for Change booklet, featuring the tree model used in a variety of different scenarios.
- Access to the LifeLine Mini-book series written to teens on a variety of topics.
Fellowship
Along with the valuable and instructive sessions, added time is built in for fellowship, prayer, and engagement with others who share in your burden to guide the hearts of young people.