Planning your next year of kids and youth ministry: A practical guide for leaders

The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one!  Thoughtful planning is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your kids and youth ministry. It not only sets the direction for the year, it strengthens your team, clarifies your purpose, and helps you […]

Joy in the life of the kids and youth leader

group of campers outside at Summer Camp 2023

At PY Encourage 2025, Dave Phillips, PYNSW General Manager, shared about joy in the life of the youth leader, to encourage those in attendance to consider intentionally how to cultivate it. This article is an adaptation of that seminar. Joy. It’s a word we toss around casually. “Find joy in the little things,” or “Joyful […]

How to go to KYCK: A practical guide for youth leaders

Every year, thousands of teenagers gather in the Blue Mountains for KYCK, four huge weekends of Bible teaching, worship, fun and discipleship. For many youth ministries, it’s one of the biggest moments of the year. Whether you’re taking a group for the first time or looking to refine your KYCK rhythm, here is a practical […]

Recruiting in a busy church context: A practical guide for kids and youth ministry leaders

The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one!  Recruiting leaders in children’s and youth ministry is never just about filling rosters. It’s about discipling people, helping them see the joy of serving the next generation, and doing it all with sensitivity, especially in small […]

“We’re not alone”: How regional camps are growing faith in country NSW

Across the state, PYNSW camps have become a vital way for young people to connect, grow, and stay grounded in their faith, even when their local church feels small or isolated.  While the iconic PY Summer Camp at Stanwell Tops reaches hundreds each year, many young people in regional areas face barriers such as distance, […]

Building connection, growing faith: The impact of Hunter PY Camp

When a group of youth and their leaders from the Hunter region gathered earlier this year for a weekend of Bible talks, games, and campfire chats, they weren’t just running another youth event, they were investing in the future of the church. Hunter PY Camp is one of several regional initiatives supported by PYNSW, designed […]