Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™)

How have you been spending your summer? As relaxing as it may be to chill at the pool or hang out with friends, what if you chose to make an eternal impact in the lives of kids right where you live? Middle school, high school, and college age students from around New Jersey are coming together to reach the boys and girls of your community – and YOU can be a part of this adventurous team!

CEF’s Christian Youth In Action® (CYIA™) program is designed to train you and a team of other young people in effective and engaging ways to teach children about God. You will attend a weeklong training school where you will learn to present the Gospel clearly on a child’s level, counsel a child for salvation and lead a dynamic club ministry for kids. Components of this club include teaching a Bible lesson, a real-life missionary story, and a Bible verse, as well as leading songs, games, and a fun review time.

After this training, you will return to your local community and teach clubs at various locations with a team of other young people. These clubs take place out in the community with mostly unsaved kids who don’t regularly attend church.

During your application and interview process, you will be asked to commit to the weeks you will serve. Your club schedule will be based on your availability and that of your teammates.

2023 Training School will be held July 3-8. CYIA training is residential. Students are expected to attend all class sessions and activities. Applications and non-refundable $50 deposit (which will be applied to the school fee).

Pricing for 2023 is $350, including classes, activities, meals and dormitory-style housing. Scholarships are available; contact your local director for details.

Training at the school will center around CEF’s 2023 Summer Ministry Kit, featuring the Jesus: My Savior and Friend Bible lesson series. Your ministry kit will include all materials needed to teach 5-Day Club in a practical tote bag. This kit is available from the local CEF chapter.

The daily routine at Training School will consist of group devotions, prayer time, instructional and practice time as well as children’s ministry. We’ll have free time and planned recreational activities. The days are full, but you’ll have time for building relationships, recreation, and enjoying the beautiful Jersey shore.

CYIA Training School will be held at Harvey Cedars Bible Conference on Long Beach Island, generally the first week of July. These dates coincide with Family Week at the conference center. Each evening the CEF team will minister to the children attending the conference through a 5-Day Club. Housing is dormitory-style; upgrades to hotel-style housing are available for adults and families; contact your local chapter for details and pricing. Students will be able to enjoy many of the center’s amenities during recreation time.

After training school, you will have the opportunity to serve in 5-Day Clubs in your local area. You will be able to share the one way of salvation with children in parks, backyards, apartment complexes, daycare centers, schools, and other community locations. During your application process, you will be asked about your schedule and desire to serve in these clubs. Most CYIA serve as volunteers. Students age 14 or older may apply to serve as paid summer staff. Your local director can provide more details.