Christian Youth Action -- C'YA! -- in Lincoln
Our Mission
The goal of the C'YA Workcamp is to provide an opportunity for youth and young adults to gain a better understanding of the importance of Christian service in a person's spiritual well being. Participants will challenge themselves through new experiences, group interaction, and service assignments.
Our Program
The C'YA Workcamp will focus on building group unity and educating participants to get the most out of their experiences through Service Assignments, Group Discussion, Personal Reflection, and Recreational Activities.
Service Assignments are the key ingredient in the program. Each day, the group will assist at different community outreach sites. Volunteer activities could include: serving meals at a soup kitchen; helping at a summer program for low-income school-age kids, visiting a homeless shelter, working at a food bank, or building with Habitat for Humanity.
The purpose of Group Discussion is to educate the group about the services they will be asked to do, allow members to discuss their experiences, and, in the process, grow stronger as a group. Time will be scheduled at the beginning of each day to talk about the day's activities and to put focus on the real reason we are here -- to serve God. In the evening, discussion topics may vary.
Individuals will be encouraged to set aside time for Personal Reflection on their experiences during the week. Devotional booklets will be provided.
Recreational Activities may include visiting the Strategic Air and Space Museum, Mahoney State Park, the Henry Doorly Zoo, a Saltdogs baseball game, Laser Tag, or Champions Fun Center. There is a gym, pool table, and TV/VCR available for group use.
Our program is flexible and we would like to accommodate your group in any way we can. Please let us know your needs and interests and we will try to make arrangements.
It is our hope that participants who will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the future may find First Prebyterian Church a familiar and comfortable place of worship.
What We Provide
A shower is available at the church and there is plenty of floor space to sleep on. Bring your own bedding! Groups are expected to provide their own meals. A kitchen is available for group use. Program leaders at the church will arrange all volunteer activities, introduce your group at the worksites, and facilitate group discussions.
What We Expect
There is a charge of $75 per youth participant in the C'YA Workcamp. Group sizes can range from 6 to 12 youth participants and those participants must have completed the eighth grade. In addition one adult sponsor for every four youth participants is required. If there are both male and female participants, the group must have both male and female sponsors. You will be expected to provide transportation for the week's activities.
So, What Do I Do?
If you are interested in participating please contact C'YA by March 15. The normal work week will be from Sunday evening to Friday noon, but shorter time slots may be available. Groups may start arriving the first week of June ; the final week of the C'YA Workcamp begins mid-August. A deposit of $100 is required for a reservation. The deposit will be deducted from the total cost of your group's fees. The deposit is non-refundable and due six weeks prior to your group's date of arrival.
Once you contact C'YA, an informational packet will be sent to you. Please feel free to write or call if you have any additional questions.
Contact Information
Please contact Christian Youth Action in Lincoln.
By Mail:
First Presbyterian Church
ATTN: C'YA
840 S. 17th St.
Lincoln, NE 68508
By Phone:
Call the church, 402-477-6037, and leave a message.
Updated: February 2, 2010