THE NEW SCHOLARS CONFERENCE
April 4–6, 2025 | Flagstaff, Arizona
In partnership with Cedarville University, Canyon Ministries is thrilled to cosponsor the inaugural New Scholars Conference, organized by the International Conference on Creationism (ICC).
This event, aimed at fostering the next generation of researchers in the biblical creation community, will take place at Flagstaff Bible Church (520 N Switzer Canyon Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001) on April 4–6, 2025.
The conference open to all, with a special focus designed to encourage students and early-career researchers to present their work in a supportive and scholarly environment. Both “new” and seasoned scholars are invited to participate, with a special focus on mentoring and collaboration.
While proposals from all creationist researchers are welcome, veteran scholars are encouraged to mentor younger colleagues or students in preparing submissions. This initiative aims to cultivate meaningful connections and provide invaluable experience to emerging researchers in the field.
Participants can present their research through 10-minute oral presentations or poster sessions. While no formal papers will be delivered, abstracts and digital copies of posters will be published on the ICC site, hosted by Cedarville University’s library.
Student Scholarships
A limited number of scholarships are available for students currently enrolled in degree-granting higher education programs. These scholarships, valued at up to $1,200 per recipient, will reimburse documented expenses, including registration, travel, lodging, and food.
- Awards will be determined after the abstract submission process concludes.
- Recipients will receive reimbursement after successfully presenting at the conference.
Abstract Submissions
Abstracts for oral and poster presentations will be peer-reviewed and can be submitted via the ICC’s digital commons site at Cedarville University: Submit Your Abstract.
- Submission Window: December 18, 2024 – February 28, 2025.
Registration & Venue Details
Registration for the conference is $60 for all attendees. The event begins on Friday afternoon, April 4, and continues all day Saturday, April 5.
Field Trips
Post-Conference Field Trips
Extend your conference experience with two unforgettable field trips! These events are designed to deepen your understanding of God’s creation while enjoying fellowship with fellow attendees.
Click each tour to open details and itinerary…
Sunday, April 6: Grand Canyon Field Trip (Free)
Experience the Grand Canyon like never before! Join us for a day filled with awe-inspiring views, engaging presentations, and a deeper understanding of the canyon’s formation, fossils, and the Flood from a biblical perspective.
Event Details
Cost: Free (you are responsible for your own park entry).
Transportation Options:
- Drive Yourself: Enjoy the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
- Carpooling Encouraged: Save on entry fees, fuel, and connect with other attendees.
- Limited Van Transportation: Canyon Ministries offers spots in our tour vans for only an $8 park entry fee (18 spots available).
No matter how you join us, this trip promises a perfect blend of stunning sights and meaningful insights.
Schedule
9:00 AM – Meet at Canyon Ministries Offices
Location: Moonshot Campus Accelerator Building Conference Room (2201 N Gemini Rd, Flagstaff, AZ)
- Presentation: Dr. John Whitmore – Coconino Sandstone
- Presentation: Nate Loper – Lake Spillover Reasearch Project Update
10:00 AM – Depart for Grand Canyon
11:30 AM – Arrive at Mather Point Amphitheater
- Presentation: Nate Loper – Introduction to the Grand Canyon
12:00 PM – Sack Lunch (bring your own)
1:00 PM – Grandview Point
- Presentation: Luke Wayne – Beauty from Wrath
2:00 PM – Moran Point
- Presentation: Zachary Klein – Nautiloids and the Flood
3:00 PM – Desert View
- Presentation: Dr. John Whitmore – Great Unconformity and Flood Initiation
4:00 PM – Depart Grand Canyon via East Entrance
4:45 PM – Cameron Trading Post (Souvenirs and snacks)
6:30 PM – Arrive back in Flagstaff
Important Notes
- All listed times are arrival times. If you are driving yourself and wish to participate, please arrive by the scheduled times or a few minutes earlier.
- The schedule is designed to keep the group moving, so we cannot delay for late arrivals.
- Those driving themselves are welcome to join or leave the field trip at any point or explore independently as desired.
Prepare for an unforgettable day of discovery, fellowship, and a renewed appreciation for God’s creation. We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, April 7: Volcanoes, Native Ruins, and Dinosaur Tracks Creation Tour ($45 per person)
Join us for an engaging and educational journey through some of northern Arizona’s most fascinating geological and historical landmarks. Together, we’ll uncover evidence of biblical events such as the Flood, the Tower of Babel, and the Ice Age, while marveling at God’s handiwork in creation.
Tour Itinerary
9:00 AM – Meet at Little America Hotel (Flagstaff)
Begin your day by meeting the group at Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. After introductions, we’ll head out on a journey through Arizona’s stunning landscapes and remarkable historical sites.
10:00 AM – Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument
Our first stop takes us to the dramatic volcanic landscape of Sunset Crater. As we explore the lava flows and towering cinder cones, we’ll discuss the post-Flood Ice Age and the mountain-building activity evident in Northern Arizona and around the world. This is a unique opportunity to reflect on how these formations align with the biblical account of Earth’s history.
12:00 PM – Wupatki Pueblo
Here, we’ll enjoy a sack lunch (not included) surrounded by the breathtaking desert vistas of Wupatki National Monument. Here, we’ll explore ancient stone pueblos built nearly 1,000 years ago. As we wander through the ruins, including the ball court and towering structures, we’ll talk about Genesis 10–11, the Tower of Babel, and how people groups migrated into the Americas.
2:00 PM – Moenave Dinosaur Tracks (Tuba City)
Next, we’ll venture into the Painted Desert to visit the incredible Moenave Dinosaur Tracks. Walk among hundreds of dinosaur footprints preserved in the desert floor, and learn how these tracks were formed, preserved, and rediscovered. We’ll explore these remarkable features together, connecting them to the biblical accounts of Creation and the Flood. Place your hands in the very footprints of these ancient creatures for a hands-on experience unlike any other!
4:00 PM – Cameron Trading Post
Our journey continues with a stop at the historic Cameron Trading Post. Take time to explore Native American crafts, art, and souvenirs, and reflect on the cultural heritage of the Southwest. This is a great opportunity to pick up unique mementos of the day.
6:00 PM – Arrive back in Flagstaff
We’ll return to Flagstaff at Little America Hotel, concluding a day filled with awe-inspiring sights, meaningful discussions, and new connections.
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sack lunch and snacks
- Refillable water bottle
- Hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
This full-day tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the beauty and history of northern Arizona through the lens of biblical creation.
Normally, the cost for a full-day tour like is $179, but scholarships are being provided by Canyon Ministries for all New Scholars Conference attendees, bringing the cost down to $45 per person. Sign up ASAP though, because spots are limited and sure to fill quickly!
Travel & Accommodations
Flagstaff is an ideal location for this unique event, with convenient access to both the conference venue and the Grand Canyon:
- Air Travel: Fly directly into Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (via American Airlines) or nearby hubs in Phoenix (~150 miles) or Las Vegas (~250 miles).
- Shuttle Service: Periodic commercial shuttles are available between Phoenix and Flagstaff.
- Lodging: Flagstaff offers a variety of accommodations, including hotels, motels, and Airbnb options.
Explore Flagstaff
Situated just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon and surrounded by many other great places like Meteor Crater, Lowell Observatory, and Sedona, Flagstaff provides a stunning backdrop for this event, blending natural beauty with opportunities for education and fellowship. Visit our Things To Do page for more ideas!
We look forward to seeing you at the New Scholars Conference and witnessing how God continues to inspire and equip researchers to glorify Him through their work!
