AYCO festival is about community, connection and celebrating youth circus and the ways it connects us. We want to be transparent that our event is focused on holistic community development, and less on each individual getting exactly what they want!  We do our absolute best to ensure that everyone gets into the workshops they desire, that workshop leaders who apply get to teach in their dream scenario, that youth get to perform in the showcase in their ideal capacity, but at the end of the day we can’t guarantee all of these things. We ask our participants to dive in and trust us in investing and committing to making this event happen! Earlybird sign up ends before workshops and showcase info are announced, we are aware of this and invite you to join us in committing to the event as a whole.

The AYCOfest 2026 team recommends that large groups and social circus organizations reach out directly for help with registration, as our online system has limitations that make it time consuming to register groups of people. As long as you get in touch at info@americanyouthcircus.org before the early bird deadline, we will hold the early bird rate for you and provide you with a simple form to fill out about your group so we can register your memberships and festival passes from our end of the system, saving you time and angst!

Yes! AYCOfest does not provide supervision for youth. All youth under 18 attending the festival must attend with an adult chaperone over the age of 18 that can either be their parent or guardian, or approved by their parent or guardian. For groups, one chaperone may look after up to five youth.

Early bird pricing lasts until May 31, 2026.

The workshop leader application cycle runs May 1- June 1, with decisions by June 15th. Accepted workshop leaders will pay a reduced rate of $485 to attend. If not accepted but you still wish to attend, AYCO will provide you with a discount code to get the early bird rate. Selected workshop leaders may have the opportunity to apply for additional financial aid.

The work study application cycle runs May 1- June 1, with decisions by June 15th. Accepted work study applicants will pay a reduced rate of $485 to attend. If not accepted but you still wish to attend, AYCO will provide you with a discount code to get the early bird rate.

The 2026 festival features a track for adult circus educators, program leaders, and supporters (such as parents, chaperones, etc) to connect, learn, and grow together with 1-3 workshop choices each slot (may be lecture, discussion or physical based). The all-inclusive nature of the camp and the fact that it’s in the middle of the beautiful but isolated Pocono Mountains means that we encourage adults who attend to fully participate, and the ticket price reflects that there is a track of activities for this demographic.

NOTE: Adults will not be permitted to join in on youth workshops to reserve slots for the youth participants in attendance. The 2026 AYCOfest is not designed for adults to participate without any connection to youth circus - all adults participating must be related to youth circus in some form (ie this is not an opportunity for adult circus learners to take workshops).  Youth circus program leaders and educators are welcome to attend without youth students and join in on the adult track.

For every five full youth passes purchased by one organization, school, or group -  one adult pass is available for a subsidized rate of $200 (by May 31) or $300 (June 1 and later). If you would like to take us up on this offer please contact us at info@americanyouthcircus.org and we will support you in getting your group signed up and providing you with the appropriate discount code.

Workshops will be announced by July 1, 2026. While workshops are a key component of the festival, they are just one part of the overall opportunity to connect and most of our participants sign up for the festival before knowing what the workshops are. If you want to wait until they are announced, you are welcome to, but you will miss the early-bird rate.

Sign-ups will be held during the first week of August, with pre-signup available for social circus and community organizations who support marginalized youth and need extra time to sign up.  If you feel that priority sign up would support your group, reach out to us at info@americanyouthcircus.org to see if you qualify.

Financial aid applications will go live May 1 through June 1 with decisions by June 15th. Additional funds may be available on a rolling basis as fundraising allows. Anyone who applies for financial aid but does not receive it will be granted the early bird rate regardless of timing.

AYCO festivals provide an opportunity for youth involved in circus arts to perform for their peers in a showcase - this is optional and by application. Showcase applications will open May 1 and close June 1, with decisions by June 15th. Although AYCO does its best to include everyone, showcase participation is not guaranteed. Selections are made to showcase the diversity of the youth circus community and presentation of polished acts, and are not based on technical skill level.  

Independent Lake Camp offers bunk-style shared housing. Housing assignments will be designated by our housing coordinator, and we will work with each registrant to ensure their comfort and safety. 

Participants are responsible for their own travel to Independent Lake Camp, which is about 45 minutes northeast of Scranton, PA or 45 minutes southeast of Binghamton, New York.  If travel to the camp is a concern, please contact info@americanyouthcircus.org and we will do what we can to creatively assist or connect you with others you might be able to collaborate with.

The Independent Lake Camp cafeteria is equipped to handle many dietary needs and allergies, however if you are concerned that your needs will not be met, please contact us at info@americanyouthcircus.org and we will provide personalized assistance.

All registrations for AYCOfest ‘26 are final. Extenuating circumstances may be considered.