Christian Youth in Action
CYIA | WORKSHOPS | TCE | CMC

☑ Be trained to lead Bible Clubs
☑ Be involved in sharing the gospel
☑ Build discipleship relationships
☑ Training for ages 13-19
What is CYIA?
Christian Youth in Action exists to develop LEADERS by challenging students to GROW in their relationship with Jesus and to TRAIN AND EQUIP them to share the GOSPEL with children in their community.
Registration for cyia of omaha 2026 is now open!

Leaders
CYIA trains young people to lead with humility, courage, and confidence, ready to serve wherever God calls.
Leader: someone who takes responsibility, guides others with integrity, and moves people toward what is right and worthwhile.
Leadership starts with following Christ. CYIA helps students see that real leadership means serving others with humility and faith. They learn to lead by example, showing the love of Jesus in how they act and speak.
Through practice and mentoring, they grow in confidence to guide others well. Their goal is not to be noticed but to point others to Christ, the perfect Leader.

Grow
CYIA helps students grow in their faith through challenge, community, and opportunities to rely on God in new ways.
Spiritual growth: becoming more like Christ through ongoing repentance, increasing trust, and obedient communion.
Growth happens when students trust God in new challenges. At CYIA, they learn to depend on His strength and see how He works through them. Each step forward deepens their faith and love for Him.
As they serve and teach, their faith becomes real and lasting. They leave training ready to keep growing long after the summer is over.

Train & Equip
CYIA equips students through training and mentorship to share the Gospel with confidence.
Equip: to prepare someone with skills, truth, and confidence for faithful service.
CYIA gives students tools to serve God well. They learn to teach Bible lessons, share the Gospel, and connect with children in fun and creative ways. Every session builds skill and confidence for ministry.
Through hands-on experience and encouragement, students grow ready to step into the work God has for them with courage and purpose.

Gospel
CYIA begins and ends with the Gospel, teaching students to share Christ’s love with others.
“You have one business on earth to save souls.” – John Wesley
The Gospel is at the center of everything at CYIA. Students learn that Jesus came to save and give new life to all who believe. They discover how to share this truth clearly and live it out every day.
As they teach and serve, they see how the Gospel changes lives. It becomes not just a message they tell, but a mission they live.
What does a CYIA Summer Look LIke?
Christian Youth in Action exists to develop LEADERS by challenging students to GROW in their relationship with Jesus and to TRAIN AND EQUIP them to share the GOSPEL with children in their community.
Pre CYIA is where the journey really starts as students get ready for summer ministry.
Prepare for CYIA
During this season students register for CYIA, pick up their study materials, and begin working through pre CYIA exercises and homework. They start learning the basics of teaching children, building daily habits of prayer and Bible reading, and getting their schedules ready for summer clubs. This groundwork helps them arrive at CYIA week confident, focused, and ready to serve.
CYIA training week is a focused time where students learn essential skills for children’s ministry and summer outreach.
Grow in Training and Confidence
Throughout the week students learn the Wordless Book, explore how Summer Good News Clubs work, and develop core leadership habits. They practice teaching lessons, receive personalized coaching, and work toward demonstrating readiness to lead a club. This concentrated training builds confidence and prepares them for real ministry with children.
Post CYIA is where students take what they learned in training and step into real ministry with children.
Serve in Summer Ministry
Students commit to teach at least four Summer Good News Clubs and stay connected with their CEF chapter director for guidance and support. They work alongside their ministry teams, plan club sessions, and share the Gospel in neighborhoods and communities. This season turns their training into meaningful outreach that impacts lives throughout the summer.
How does CYIA Help Me grow?
Every year is different with four unique tracks
Each aimed at different growth areas




What should I expect during CYIA?

Classes
Camp classes challenge students spiritually and teach Gospel-sharing methods, led by experienced, CEF-trained instructors.
Grow stronger in your faith.
Camp classes help students dive into Scripture and understand the Gospel in a deeper, clearer way. Instructors guide them through lessons that strengthen biblical knowledge and build confidence in sharing the Good News. Students learn practical skills they can use immediately, both at camp and back home in their churches.
These classes also create space for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Students are challenged to think, to wrestle, and to see how God’s Word speaks into real life. By the end, they carry a stronger foundation and a clearer sense of purpose in following Christ.

Coaching
CYIA helps students grow in their faith through challenge, community, and opportunities to rely on God in new ways.
You do not grow alone.
CYIA coaching gives students steady support from leaders who care about their growth. Coaches listen, encourage, and help students recognize where God is shaping them. Through honest conversations and real feedback, students begin to grow in character as well as skill.
The coaching relationship continues throughout the program as students learn, teach, and serve. Leaders model humility, teamwork, and dependence on Christ. As students watch and follow, they learn how to lead others with the same heart.

Friendships
CYIA equips students through training and mentorship to share the Gospel with confidence.
Real growth happens together.
Serving side by side creates friendships that run deeper than everyday connections. Students form bonds as they teach clubs, prepare lessons, and share the joys and challenges of ministry. These relationships offer encouragement, accountability, and support during the week.
Beyond the work, times of rest and conversation help friendships become even stronger. Students laugh, talk, and enjoy simply being together. Many leave CYIA with friends they stay connected to for years, long after camp has ended.

Fun Activities
CYIA begins and ends with the Gospel, teaching students to share Christ’s love with others.
Training should include joy.
CYIA includes plenty of fun moments that give students a chance to breathe, laugh, and enjoy the week. Games, challenges, and group activities help break up the intensity of training and keep the experience balanced. These times bring energy and excitement to each day.
Fun activities also help students connect with each other naturally. Shared experiences build trust and camaraderie, making the whole week feel like a team effort. By the end of the program, many students say the memories made during these moments are some of their favorites.
What do you Pursue?
CYIA 2026


The theme for CYIA 2026 is “Pursue,” from 1 Timothy 6:11: “Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.” Following Jesus isn’t something that just happens to you. It’s something you go after. It means choosing what matters to Him and letting that shape who you’re becoming.
CYIA invites you into that kind of pursuit. The training week is intense in the best way. You’ll sit in classes, practice teaching, study hard, and get pushed in ways that help you grow. Then summer hits, and you’ll step into real ministry—sharing the Gospel with kids, leading clubs, praying with families, and seeing God work through you. It takes effort and courage, and some days will stretch you. But it’s worth it. Pursuing Christ in this ministry doesn’t just change the kids you reach. It changes you.
If you’re ready to chase after what God has for you, come pursue Him with us in 2026.

CYIA Omaha Handbook

Support Track gives young students their first steps into real ministry leadership.
Support Track is designed for fifth and sixth grade students who are ready to grow beyond simply attending a Summer Good News Club. They begin learning how to serve with purpose, gaining the confidence to help the club run smoothly and care for younger children.
Students practice sharing the Gospel, assisting with songs and games, and relating to others as developing leaders. This early training helps them make the transition toward becoming full CYIA teachers in the future.

The Omaha Blitz brings the Gospel into the heart of our city, one neighborhood at a time.
The Omaha Blitz is a focused week of Summer Good News Clubs in high-need areas across urban Omaha. Students are dropped off after lunch and transported to multiple club locations, where they share truth, build relationships, and serve the community together.
Each day includes two clubs, shared meals, and time for the team to grow closer. The week ends with a Friday night block party hosted alongside the sponsoring church, celebrating what God has done and strengthening connections in the neighborhood.
CYIA 2026 Sign Up INFO
MAIN CONTACT: Esther Beasley & Brandon Shippy
LOCATION: Twin Lakes Bible Camp, Manson, IA
DATES: May 24 – May 30, 2025
REGISTRATION OPENS: January 1, 2026
WHERE IS CYIA OMAHA 2026?
CYIA Omaha is held at the beautiful Twin Lakes Bible Camp in Manson, Iowa. We work with teens & parents to set up carpools for those who need them.
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR CYIA OMAHA?
CYIA Omaha 2026 seeks young Christians, ages 13-19, eager to deepen their faith journey. We’re looking for students excited to live for Christ and ready to embrace challenges that strengthen their faith.
CYIA participants take on significant responsibilities in learning and sharing the Gospel during summer ministry. Applicants should demonstrate faithfulness, maturity, and commitment in their daily lives. We are excited to meet students passionate about their faith and eager to grow as leaders.
WHO LEADS CYIA OMAHA?
Esther Beasley & Brandon Shippy direct CYIA Omaha. Our volunteer CYIA staff who have come through the program are godly young men and women who love the Lord. Adult cooks and local pastors also serve at camp.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The cost to attend CYIA is $450. This includes a summer missions kit, summer T-shirt, and housing/food during the CYIA training.
CAN I GET FINANCIAL HELP?
Scholarships are available. However, before scholarships are considered, you are encouraged to sign up for the CYIA Support Initiative (see above). Your Church may also be willing to contribute towards the camp expenses, considering it’s an investment in teacher training. Our primary aim is to ensure that financial issues do not hinder anyone from participating in this valuable training.
NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about CYIA. We will be glad to visit with you!
CYIA 2026 DISCOUNTS
We believe every student should have the opportunity to attend CYIA, regardless of financial circumstances. To make this possible, we offer discounts for families with multiple attendees and scholarships for those in need. Our goal is to ensure that no one misses out on this valuable training due to cost.
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT
For those students who apply before March 30, 2026, a $50.00 discount will be applied.
SIBLING DISCOUNT
The second and following students who apply from the same family will receive a discount of $25.00. For example, the first student from a family to apply for CYIA will be charged $450.00. The second (and following) students from the same family to apply will be charged $425.00.
CAN THESE DISCOUNTS BE COMBINED?
These discounts (EARLY BIRD & SIBLING) can be added together. For multi-student families who register for CYIA before March 30, 2025, the first student will be $400.00 and following students from the same family will be $375.00.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE?
While scholarships may be available upon request, we first recommend purusing the CYIA Support Initiative (see details below). Our desire is to ensure that no one misses the opportunity to attend due to financial concerns.
CYIA SUPPORT INITIATIVE
The CYIA Support Initiative is available to all students attending CYIA Omaha 2026. This 100.00 initiative (minimum) is designed to do two things:
- FIRST, others in your life will know about your summer ministry activities and be led to pray for your ministry work.
- SECOND, it will give them a way to contribute to your CYIA training and ongoing ministry costs.
You will find many people in your life want to actively give and participate in your ministry in these ways. This support initiative will let them know how.
Taking part in the CYIA Support Initiative is easy. See the steps below:
STEP 1: APPLY
The sign up form is simple and quick. Participation in the CYIA Support Initiative is already approved for those who would like to enroll.
STEP 2: DOWNLOAD
Download the support letter template. Download this template HERE. Also download the response card template HERE. (CEF Omaha is happy to print letters for you upon request.)
If you need a Spanish version of the CYIA support letter, download that HERE.
STEP 3: ATTEND
You will send out your support letters to your CYIA support team, at least 10 individuals who you believe may be interested in supporting your CYIA training and Summer Good News Club Gospel outreach. These letters must be sent by April 20, 2026 to participate in the program.
STEP 4: SEND
We will be having a Support Initiative letter writing party at the CEF of Omaha training center this year. More details to come soon!
STEP 5: THANK
Send thank you notes to your support team. Once support is received from your support team, we would ask for you to send thank you notes to them following your CYIA experience. You can tell them what their support accomplished in your life through the CYIA training opportunity and the Summer Kids Clubs you were able to participate in. A thank-you template letter will be made available once you report (see step 4 above) your Support Team members.
MORE INFO?
If you have more questions about the CYIA Support Initiative, please contact Esther Beasley or Brandon Shippy, the CYIA Omaha directors.
We’ve had a number of questions asked about the CYIA Support Initiative. Below are some of the frequently asked questions to help you better understand the program.
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT DUE DATES?
April 2026: Attend the letter writing party at the CEF training center!
May 11, 2026: the date any financial support letters received will be credited to your account.
May 15, 2026: All payments for CYIA must be received by this time.
Note: Funds for CYIA will not be accepted at registration to allow the teaching staff to focus fully on students throughout the week.
WHAT IS MY CYIA SUPPORT TEAM?
Your support team consists of 10 individuals who may support your summer training experience and Summer Good News Clubs.
These individuals: (1) Read your information. (2) Pray about supporting you financially. (3) Send their support before the CYIA payment deadline (May 11, 2026).
WILL I RAISE ENOUGH?
Your account will automatically receive $100.00 for participating in this initiative.
It is the program’s prayer that the Lord will provide the necessary funds for each student through this process.
WHAT IF I RAISE MORE?
If a student raises more than the full cost of CYIA through their letters, the surplus funds will be used to: Offset costs for housing and food for volunteer CYIA staff. Cover other associated costs.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?
No, there is no age limit. This simplified support initiative is open to all students accepted into CYIA, as it does not require interaction with the state.
MORE THAN ONE STUDENT FROM THE SAME FAMILY?
Yes, multiple students from the same family can participate.
Guidance: It is encouraged not to send letters to the same individuals for each student. For example, if two students are attending CYIA, send letters to 20 different individuals rather than sending two letters to the same 10 individuals.
How do you apply?
1. CYIA Registration formS
Whether first year or 5th year, this is the starting point to register for CYIA.
Whether first year or 5th year, this is the starting point to register for CYIA.
2. CYIA Timeline
Application Forms Open: Jan. 1, 2026
Early Bird: March 30, 2026 ($50.00 off!)
Support Letters sent by: April 2026
Support Funds received: May 11, 2026
CYIA Registration Closes: May 11, 2026
All CYIA Omaha Fees due: May 15, 2026 ($25.00 late fee may apply)
CYIA application may be cancelled if fees not received: May 15, 2026
Camp payment $400 (after $50 deposit)
How do you pay for CYIA?
Funds received for CYIA and associated costs are not tax-deductible.

OPTION #1 – VIA ONLINE PORTAL

OPTION #2 – VIA CHECK
Check payable to:
CEF Omaha
Send to address:
5426 S 99th Street
Omaha, NE 68127
