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!
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
Because we will be staying in the middle of the Rockies, hiking will be organized a little differently this NYC than at previous events. Stay tuned for more information!
Recreation
Each afternoon includes several hours of recreation. This is a time to unwind through a game of ultimate frisbee, join an impromptu drum circle or guitar jam session, have a conversation with a new friend, take a walk, visit the craft room, or take some time for yourself. This is a time to just have fun!
Late Evening Activities
After evening worship, choose from a variety of activities. Maybe you’ll go to an open mic night, a concert, or play some board games! Stay tuned for this year’s late evening activities!