National Youth Conference, or “NYC,” is a Church of the Brethren tradition that dates back to 1954! Every four years, youth from across the United States (and sometimes beyond) travel to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado for an incredible weeklong youth conference. Youth who have completed 9th grade through one year of college (or age equivalent) are eligible to attend.
The week includes worship twice a day, small groups, workshops, service projects, recreation, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, and more! It is a full week with lots of exciting activities, but there is also plenty of time for recreation and reflection.
Scroll down for more detailed information on each component of NYC.
Activities
Worship
At NYC we worship together twice a day. Music, dynamic speakers, prayer, scripture, drama, videos, and more are part of our worship experience together.
Small Groups
Everyone is part of a small group at NYC. The typical group size is 12-15 youth. Small groups, which meet daily, are a chance to discuss the day’s events, the worship services, and think about what is going on during the week. It is also a chance to meet new people!
Photo by Chris Brumbaugh-Cayford
Photo by Chris Brumbaugh-Cayford
Workshops
Workshops are a time to dig deeper into different aspects of faith and practice, learn about different Brethren agencies and programs, or get to know a speaker in a smaller setting. Options will be printed in the conference booklet, and you’ll get to choose which workshop you want to go to every day once you get to NYC.
Service Projects
Service projects are an important way we live out our faith at NYC. Loving our neighbors through tangible acts of service completes our faith and puts it into practice.
Hiking
The YMCA of the Rockies is quite literally in the middle of the mountains, providing for miles of trails on the campus itself! As hiking is so accessible, we will not be assigning hiking groups. Instead, pick a trail yourself, find an adult advisor and friends to go with, and hike as much or as little as you would like during recreation time! The NYC staff will be organizing a few guided hikes during recreation, so if you would rather not organize your own, keep an eye out during the week of NYC for these! The Boone Family Mountain Center is a great resource for learning more about hiking, once you get to the Y.
Recreation
Each afternoon includes several hours for recreation. This is time to unwind through a game of ultimate frisbee, an impromptu drum circle or guitar jam, or using the many facilities on the Y’s campus! Play pickleball or a round of mini golf, go hiking, walk the prayer labyrinth, and so many more options! Learn more on all the offerings here.
Photo by Laura Brown
Late Evening Activities
After evening worship, choose from a variety of exciting activities! Learn how to line dance, solve your way out of an escape room, or go roller skating, among many other fun options!