Christian Youth in Action (CYIA)
WElcome to CYIA Tri-CITIES!
Welcome to Christian Youth in Action (CYIA)! If you’re 12-19 years old and 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, an exciting 4-day club where you can make a real impact in the lives of younger 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 and other daily situations.
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 the 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
- Explore Summer Good News Club leadership concepts
- Practice lessons, receive coaching
- Demonstrate ability in leading a Summer Good News Club
POST-CYIA (JUNE-AUGUST)
- Commit to teach at least four Summer Good News clubs
- Connect with your CEF chapter director
- Connect with your ministry teams
- Share the Gospel in your community or regionally
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 will enjoy a break from studying during afternoon breaks and large group games in the evening. Water games, nine square, pickleball and more! Our team of staff work hard to bring fun games to camp. The last day of camp, everyone will enjoy a surprise fun team building activity which will be revealed that week. We end the night with a bonfire, sharing testimonies and worshiping together.
What is the “camp experience” like at CYIA Tri-Cities?
Evening Routine at CYIA: Glamping Meets Church Lock-In!
Imagine the excitement of a week-long event where glamping meets a church lock-in! No bug bites or wet tents here—just the comfort of air conditioning and indoor bathrooms, especially for those late-night trips! Living Faith Fellowship boasts spacious facilities with bathrooms and sleeping rooms on both ends. Just like any good lock-in, students will be securely locked in every night. Safe and sound!
Rooming
Boys on the south end, girls on the north end where most restrooms are located.
Sleeping
Bring your favorite portable camping bed, be it an air mattress, camping bunk bed, cot, or cushions for the floor. Feel free to bring your personal mattress, but you’ll need to handle transportation logistics!
Commuter?
Not a fan of slumber parties? No problem! You can bunk at home and join us every morning for breakfast.
Showering?
All showers will be held at the YMCA each evening.
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 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.
Come pursue Him with us in 2026
CYIA TRi-CITIES 2026 (May 31-June 5, 2026)
CYIA TRAINING FOR 2026!
We’re excited to celebrate the third year of CYIA Tri-Cities training in Nebraska! This program, tailored to the unique needs of the Tri-Cities area, continues to thrive under the dedicated leadership of Mike & Autumn Pena. Traveling over 15,000 miles each summer and reaching thousands of children with the Gospel of Christ, their experience and passion for ministry make this training an incredible opportunity for spiritual growth and outreach. Join us in building on the momentum of this impactful ministry and making a difference in Nebraska!
CYIA TRI-CITIES INFORMATION
MAIN CONTACT: Michael Pena (michael@cefcentral.org)
LOCATION: Kearney E Free Church. 4010 7th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845
DATES: May 31-June 5, 2026
CYIA AREA: Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney
Who should apply for cyia tri-cities?
For CYIA Tri-Cities 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 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 TRI-CITIES COSTS
CYIA TRI-CITIES FEE: $250.00. 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 TRI-CITIES DISCOUNTS
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT: For those students who apply before April 1, 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 $250.00. The second (and following) students from the same family to apply will be charged $225.00.
These discounts (EARLY BIRD & SIBLING) can be added together. For multi-student families who register for CYIA before April 1, 2026, the first student will be $200.00 and following students will be $175.00.
GROUP DISCOUNT: $25.00 off for each student for groups of three or more from the same Church group. This cannot be combined with the sibling discount.
Check out the CYIA Tri-Cities 2026
handbook for more information.
NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CYIA TRi-CITIES 2026!
SIGN UP TODAY!
CYIA Support Track is designed for fifth and sixth grade students who are ready to take their first steps into real ministry leadership. This track helps students grow beyond simply attending Summer Good News Club by learning how to serve with purpose and confidence.
Running June 1–5 from 4pm-9pm each day at Kearney Evangelical Free Church (4010 7th Ave, Kearney, NE 68845), Support Track students will receive hands-on training in practical leadership skills. They learn how to be effective helpers, support CYIA leaders, assist with songs and games, and care for younger children in meaningful ways.
Support Track gives students a safe and encouraging environment to practice serving others, build confidence, and develop habits of leadership that strengthen Summer Good News Clubs and prepare them for future ministry involvement.
Cost: $75
HOW DO YOU APPLY FOR CYIA?
BEFORE FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION
First Year Students: you will need to gather information to contact four references: (1) Parent, (1) pastor, (1) non-relatives
Returning Students: You can start right away developing your prayer team. You’ll need (3) prayer partners this year.
ALL CYIA FEES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 18, 2026
Camp payment $200 (after $50 deposit)
CYIA APPLICATION AND PAYMENT DEADLINES:
Early Bird Registration: March 31, 2026 ($50.00 off!)
All CYIA Tri-Cities Fees due: May 22, 2026 ($25.00 late fee applies)
CYIA application may be cancelled if fees not received: May 29, 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 22, 2026.
Is there a deadline to get all cyia costs submitted?
Yes. All funds must be received by May 18, 2026. There may be a $25.00 late fee applied following Friday, May 22. If funds are not received by May 29, 2026, your CYIA registration may be cancelled.
Why is there an CYIA application and payment deadline?
In order to do evaluation group assignments, cabin 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 18, 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.
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 local chapter directors, Mike & Autumn Pena, with any questions.
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 Central
Send to address:
3311 I Avenue
Kearney, NE 68847
What ARE the Summer Good News Clubs like in the Tri-Cities Area?
WHAT DID CYIA 2025 LOOK LIKE?
CYIA Tri-Cities 2025 was an amazing time. The students were equipped and prepared for summer ministry this week of intense training! They did an awesome job. Really enjoyed the Christ-centered love through the week. Lives were definitely changed. Be praying for them as they head out to summer ministry.
See some video highlights below!
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 (link will become active when resources are posted later this Spring).