Christian Youth in Action (CYIA)
WElcome to CYIA Lincoln!
Welcome to Christian Youth in Action (CYIA)! If you’re a middle school or high school student passionate about sharing faith, fun, and friendship, CYIA is the perfect opportunity for you. Our week-long training program is designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to lead Summer Good News Clubs (formerly 5-Day Clubs), an exciting Bible club where you can make a real impact in the lives of children. You’ll learn how to engage kids with dynamic Bible stories, creative activities, and meaningful interactions, all while growing in your own faith journey. Join us for a week of learning, laughter, and leadership development – your adventure in making a positive difference starts here!
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.
LEADERS
CYIA is an intense training program. It’s designed for those who want to be developed into Christian leaders. The leadership skills developed at CYIA can be used in all of life.
Grow
Spiritual growth comes as a result of being challenged in your faith. CYIA students are stretched in a safe environment. They are able to explore their faith in a powerful way.
Train & Equip
The CYIA training is full of classes, coaching, small group discussions, practicing and passing practicums. By the end of the week, they will be equipped to share the Gospel in the context of a Summer Good News Club (formerly 5DC).
GOSPEL
CYIA begins and ends with the Gospel. Starting with the first day of classes, each track explores the Gospel in a different way. Every student will be involved in sharing the Gospel during their summer.
What does a CYIA Summer look like?
PRE-CYIA (JAN-MAY)
- Register for CYIA
- Pick up study materials
- Complete pre-CYIA exercises and homework
- Watch/study the pre-CYIA curriculum study videos
CYIA (WEEK OF TRAINING)
- Learn the Wordless book
- Learn how to teach a Summer Good News Club
- Practice lessons and receive coaching
- Grow in leadership and ministry skills
- Prepare to share the Gospel with children
POST-CYIA (JUNE-AUGUST)
- Commit to teach at least four Summer GNCs
- Serve at least 4 hours at the Lancaster County Fair
- Connect and serve with your Summer GNC ministry teams
- Connect with your Summer GNC ministry teams
- Share the Gospel with children in nearby communities
- Celebrate the summer together!
How does CYIA Help me grow?
Every CYIA year brings a fresh growth challenge, ensuring CYIA is more than just a one-time experience. With four unique tracks available, students can build their leadership skills, boost their confidence for leading Summer Good News Clubs, and deepen their spiritual growth. The training each year is designed to foster not only their personal development but also their spiritual maturity, guiding them to be effective leaders in their communities and faithful stewards of the Gospel.
Support Track (11-12 yrs) is designed to introduce Gospel concepts. You’re also able to experience a Summer Good News Club during the training!
The Assistant Track, for ages 13+, is a full-week CYIA training. Explore the Gospel through discussion oriented classes. You’ll assist and even lead parts of a Summer Good News Club.
In Teacher Track, combine previous training with Bible teaching skills, presenting the Gospel through biblical narrative. Master leading all aspects of Summer Good News Clubs.
Advanced Track shifts focus to leading Summer Good News Clubs: organizing clubs, connecting with hosts, and coaching your team. Learn essential leadership skills.
What should I expect during CYIA?
CLASSES
Classes at camp challenge students spiritually and teach proven methods on how to share the Gospel with children. Instructors are past students who have had experience working with kids in a variety of settings. Most of our instructors have had extensive training within CEF.
COACHING
Coaching is another form of discipleship available at CYIA. Staff, who have been through CYIA themselves, work with students to develop their skills and gifts as they teach. Coaches have a group of 2-4 students that they meet with during study time and work alongside them to help students mature their teaching skills.
FRIENDSHIPS
Friendships developed at CYIA last a lifetime! God works through the experiences at camp to bring students together. Students come to camp as strangers but leave with a bond that far outlasts the six days of training.
FUN ACTIVITIES
Fun activities are a highlight at CYIA. Students thoroughly enjoy a break from studying during afternoon breaks and large group games in the evening. Water kickball, nine square, water slides and more! Our team of staff work hard to bring fun games to camp. The last night of camp, everyone comes together for a huge for a themed game. We end the night with a bonfire, sharing testimonies and worshiping together.
CYIA 2026 FOCUS THEME: PURSUE
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 engage in classes, practice teaching, study hard, and be challenged in ways that help you grow. When 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.
LET YOUR LIFE OVERFLOW WITH THE TRUTH AND LOVE OF cHRIST.
CYIA Lincoln 2026 (May 24-30, 2026)
Jonathan Musgrave
CEF Nebraska
State Director
Guillermo Gonzalez
CEF Lincoln
Area Coordinator
CYIA TRAINING FOR 2026
This is the third year for our CYIA training program designed specifically for the Lincoln area. It continues to have a unique day-training format that allows students to return home each night, offering convenience without compromising the comprehensive nature of the training. Despite its localized focus and distinctive schedule, this program includes all the essential elements found in any CYIA training. Under the seasoned leadership of Jonathan Musgrave, the CEF State Director, and Guillermo Gonzalez, the CEF Lincoln Area Coordinator, who together bring over 22 years of experience, this training promises to be enriching and impactful.
CYIA Lincoln INFORMATION
MAIN CONTACTS: Celeste Hellbusch (celeste@ceflincoln.org), Reese Thomas (reese@ceflincoln.org)
LOCATION: Temple Baptist
DATES: May 24-30, 2026
REGISTRATION CLOSES: May 11, 2026
Who should apply for cyia Lincoln?
For CYIA Lincoln 2026, we are looking for young Christians, ages 12-19, who are eager to deepen their journey with Christ. These students, from middle school through early college, should have a genuine excitement about living a life in Christ. These students should be ready to embrace challenges that will strengthen their faith.
At CYIA, participants will engage in learning and sharing the Gospel, taking on roles that require a high level of responsibility during summer ministry. So, CYIA applicants should be consistently living out their faith, exemplifying faithfulness and responsibility in their everyday lives. They should be prepared to handle the significant responsibility that comes with being a part of CYIA, displaying maturity and commitment in their actions and decisions.
We are excited to meet students who are not only passionate about their faith but also willing to grow and take on the responsibilities that come with being a leader.
CYIA LINCOLN COSTS
CYIA LINCOLN FEE: $225. This fee covers the rental of the training facility, food for the week, summer curriculum kits, CYIA t-shirt, and all printing costs. See below for payment information.
CYIA Lincoln DISCOUNTS
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: For those students who apply before April 13, 2026, a $25.00 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 $225.00. The second (and following) students from the same family to apply will be charged $200.00.
These discounts (EARLY BIRD & SIBLING) can be added together. For multi-student families who register for CYIA before April 13, 2026, the first student will be $200.00 and following students will be $175.00
Check out the CYIA Lincoln 2026
handbook for more information.
CYIA Support TRACK OPPORTUNITY
CYIA LINCOLN SUPPORT TRACK 2026
Date: May 25-29
@ Location: Temple Baptist Church
Time: 12:00 – 8:30 pm
Fee: $50.00
We are excited about CYIA Lincoln Support Track (formerly CYIA Lincoln Summer Experience). This is a program specially created for our younger students ages 11-12. This is a heartfelt response to the enthusiasm and readiness we’ve seen in these students to engage in summer ministry but are not yet old enough for the full CYIA training. During this transformative week, they will embark on a spiritual adventure, learning how to share the Gospel effectively and lend their support to a Summer Good News Club.
Awaiting these young learners in the CYIA Support Track is more than just preparation; it’s a journey of faith-stretching and heart growth. As they delve into the teachings of Christ and the joy of sharing His love, they not only ready themselves for the Summer Good News Club but also lay a solid foundation for their future in the CYIA Assistant track. This experience promises to be a time of significant spiritual growth, nurturing a deeper understanding and commitment to their faith, preparing them to step into their roles as young ambassadors for Christ.
Find the application for CYIA Support Track, available to students aged 11-12, by clicking on the link (Goes live Jan. 20!).
CYIA Support Initiative
CYIA SUPPORT INITIATIVE Information
The CYIA Support Initiative is available to all students attending CYIA Lincoln 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.
STEPS:
(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.
(2) DOWNLOAD: Download the support letter template. Download this template HERE. Also download the response card template HERE. (CEF Lincoln is happy to print letters for you upon request.)
(3) SEND: 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 17, 2026 to participate in the program.
(4) REPORT: You will need to send a list of the individuals on your CYIA support team. Though giving instructions and a response form will be included in your support letters, sometimes these instructions are not followed. If funds are received from these individuals, it will be easier to identify the student they are supporting if we have this list available. You must use THIS LINK to report your Support Team.
Once your parents affirm these letters have been sent, you will receive a $100.00 credit against the cost of CYIA. If more support than $100.00 is received from your letters, this will also be applied to your account, up to the entire cost of CYIA (minus the deposit). These funds must be received by May 11, 2024. Any outstanding balance will need to be fully paid by May 11, 2024.
(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 GNCs 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.
Is the Paid Student Missionary Program still available?
Yes! The paid student missionary program is still available. This program requires 25 letters to be sent, increases the number of Summer Good News Clubs (formerly 5-Day Clubs) you will need to do from SIX, and requires tax forms and time sheets to be completed. It is also only available for students 14 years or older. You cannot be registered for both the CYIA Support Initiative (see above) and this program at the same time.
If you would like more information about this program, find the full details on the CYIA Resources page.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have more questions about the CYIA Support Initiative, please contact Jonathan Musgrave the CEF State Director.
CYIA Support Initiative FAQs
What are the April 17 and May 17, 2026 due dates?
April 17, 2026: the date by which support letters must be sent. May 11, 2026: the date any financial support letters received will be credited to your account. May 11, 2026: All payments for CYIA must be received by this time.
Just a reminder: we will not be accepting funds for CYIA at registration this year so that our CYIA teaching staff can be fully engaged with the students all week long.
What is my CYIA support team?
Your support team are 10 individuals you know who may wish to support your summer training experience and the Summer Kids Clubs you will be leading.
These individuals will need to read your information, pray about supporting you financially, and send their support before the CYIA payment deadline, which is May 11, 2026.
All funds received before May 11, 2026 will be credited to your account, up to the full cost of CYIA (minus deposit).
WHAT IF I do not raise $100.00 in support for CYIA through my support letters?
Your account will receive $100.00 for participating in this program, regardless of what is received through your support team. It is our prayer the Lord will provide these funds for each student through this process, though.
CAN I BE PART OF BOTH THE PAID STUDENT MINISTRY PROGRAM AND THE CYIA SUPPORT INITIATVE AT THE SAME TIME?
The CYIA Paid Summer Missionary program and CYIA Support Initiative are both ways of helping to defray basic costs for CYIA and the costs of summer ministry. Because of this, we are limiting enrollment to one program or the other.
What happens to support raised that exceeds the amount for CYIA?
If an individual student raises more than the actual cost of CYIA through their letters, these funds will be contributed to CYIA helping to defray the costs of housing and food for the volunteer CYIA staff.
IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT TO PARICIPATION IN THIS PROGRAM?
Because this is a simplified support initiative, and requires no interaction with the state, all students accepted into CYIA are eligible for this program.
CAN MORE THAN ONE STUDENT FROM THE SAME HOME PARTICIPATE?
Yes! Who you send the letters to is up to you. We would ask, if possible, that you not send letters to the same individuals for each student. For example, if you have two students attending CYIA, send letters to 20 individuals rather than two letters to 10 individuals.
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR CYIA?
CYIA 2026 EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSES:
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
INFO TO GET BEFORE STARTING THE CYIA APPLICATION:
First Year Students: you will need to gather information to contact four references: (1) Parent, (1) pastor, (2) non-relatives
Returning Students: You can start right away developing your prayer team. You’ll need (5) prayer partners this year.
ALL CYIA FEES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 11, 2026
Camp payment $175 (after $50 deposit)
CYIA APPLICATION AND PAYMENT DEADLINES:
Early Bird Registration: April 13, 2026 ($25.00 off!)
All CYIA Lincoln Fees due: May 11, 2026 ($25.00 late fee applies)
CYIA application may be cancelled if fees not received: May 15, 2026
CYIA Registration FAQs
What should I expect this process to look like?
Once you apply through the online CYIA student application, you will need to submit your $50.00 non-refundable deposit.
You should receive a confirmation email indicating your application has been received.
You can make payments to cover the remaining costs or submit a full payment at any time prior to May 11, 2026.
Is there a deadline to get all cyia costs submitted?
Yes. All funds must be received by May 11, 2026. There will be a $25.00 late fee applied following Friday, May 11. All student applications must be received by Friday, May 11. If funds are not received by May 15, 2026, your CYIA registration may be removed.
Why is there an CYIA application and payment deadline?
In order to do evaluation group assignments and order food and other curriculum supplies for CYIA we need to have an accurate number of students who are planning on attending the training. We also need to order CYIA t-shirts, print notebooks and arrange for activities. It is important for us to have the funds to purchase needed supplies for CYIA. The May 11, 2026 deadline for all student applications and CYIA fees to be submitted will help the CYIA leadership to accurately assess our needs for the training and be prepared for the students when they arrive.
Can I get help to cover the cost of CYIA?
YES! CYIA is different than most summer experiences in that it is a missionary training program. It is a training experience and outreach program many Christians want to support as it furthers the Gospel witness in their own area.
CYIA SUPPORT INITIATIVE (see above): You are able to send out support letters to family, friends and your Church to help raise support for CYIA! We have a customizable template available for those who would like to send these out. Many Churches are excited to provide these funds to equip those in their body to share the Gospel and to receive the teacher training CYIA provides.
Our desire is for every student who has a heart to share the Gospel and is willing to be trained at CYIA, to be able to come. Please reach out to your CYIA directors, Jonathan Musgrave or Guillermo Gonzalez, for more information.
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
Send check payable to:
CEF Lincoln
Send to address:
6400 Cornhusker Hwy., Suite 400
Lincoln, NE 68507
CYIA 2026 Resources Page
If you’re looking for more information about the documents you’ll need for CYIA registration, financial programs to offset the cost of CYIA, or information about additional opportunities around the state where you can be involved, click HERE for the CYIA resources page.