CYIA Frequently Asked Questions
Is CYIA Just Being a Camp Counselor?
Not necessarily. When you join CYIA, you go to a required training week, and you are expected to come help with many of the 5-Day Clubs and other events. Being a camp counselor is a part of CYIA, however. The full CYIA program also provides great training opportunities to help lead kids around at camp. If you are an adult and want to help with camp and volunteer in another position, please contact us.
What Does CYIA Do at Camp Good News?
Later in the summer, CYIA teens are required to attend Camp Good News as camp counselors. Camp Good News is a church camp on Casper Mountain meant for children ages 7-12. As CYIA teens, we will be required to host a cabin of around ten to twelve kids. We will lead these kids around to their activities, supervise them in the cabins, lead them in devotions, sit with them at mealtimes, and play games with them. CYIAers will also need to attend a nightly meeting with the other leaders and staff members. Although it can be stressful, it is truly a great experience.
What Is Training All About?
CYIA Training is a mandatory week-long event for CYIA teens. We will stay overnight for the whole week on the campus of Frontier School of the Bible in La Grange, Wyoming; transportation will be provided. Students will foremost learn how to evangelize with the wordless book, teach missions stories and Bible lessons, and conduct a 5-Day Club. We will also get to meet new friends, play games, and worship God. CYIA teens will stay in dorm rooms at Frontier School of the Bible and eat fresh meals in the campus dining hall. It will be similar to a church camp experience with extra emphasis on learning about evangelism.
How Can I Afford Training?
Our CYIA leaders offer many opportunities for fundraisers and support to pay your way to training. This year, we conducted a Pizza Ranch fundraiser, car wash fundraisers, and raffle ticket fundraisers. You can also get support letters and cards to send to friends and relatives to support you. You are also allowed to pay part or all of the $335 out of your own pocket. If you still cannot afford this fee, contact us to learn more about CYIA fundraisers.
What Are the Requirements for CYIA?
CYIA is for students in high school and college; you can start when you turn 13. There may be exceptions made if you turn 13 partway through the summer; contact us with questions. You also must have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and you must agree with our statement of faith to participate in CYIA.
What Is Needed for Transportation?
Usually, CYIAers are responsible for getting to Restoration Chuch to meet up with the team before most events and should be picked up there as well. There will be parking, so CYIAers can drive themselves if they are allowed to drive. From this church, the team will ride in vans to a 5-Day Club or other event. For the weeks of training and camp, we will again meet at Wellsprings church, and the CYIA leaders will drive us where we need to go.
What Does a Typical Day in CYIA Look Like?
During regular weeks when we are running 5-Day Clubs, our schedule might look something like this:
7:30 – Bible Study with CYIAers
8:30 – Leave for Club
9:00 AM – Start Club (Teach Memory Verse, Bible Lesson, Songs, Prayer, Missions Story, etc.)
11:00 AM – Club Ends
Can I Go On a Vacation?
Yes, you are definitely allowed to take time off of CYIA for family time, vacations, or other outside events. Just let one of your leaders know with as much notice as possible. However, CYIA students are required to attend training week, Camp Good News, and at least two other weeks of ministry.
Can I Have a Summer Job and Do CYIA?
While CYIA does take up much of your time, it may be possible to get a summer job. You are required to spend a week (day and night) at each training and Camp Good News; however, you can take time off from other events to go to a job sometimes. Most weeks we are done with all ministry before noon, so an afternoon job could usually be incorporated. If you still need to work but cannot get a job and do CYIA simultaneously, we still might be able to figure something out. Contact us for more details. Ultimately, you should pray about what decision to make.
