Articles Tagged: christian event for high schoolers

Over three weekends, more than 5,000 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone. Each year, delegates are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song, inspiring testimonies, and fun youth-appropriate activities.  

Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, teenagers travel far and wide for fellowship in Katoomba. We are so encouraged that in 2024, we had groups join us from the ACT, Northern Territory and Queensland!  

This year, guest speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, Sam Low, and Andy Stevenson opened Genesis to introduce youth to their Creator—a powerful and loving God who was there from the very beginning. Talk topics touched on the creation story, the supremacy of Jesus, humanity’s identity and purpose. Special guests Polly Butterworth and Patricia Weerakoon also joined the platform to share what it means for humanity to be created in the ‘Image of God’ and ‘Male and Female’.  

“I loved the relevance of the talks, the confidence of speakers, the unashamed focus on the beauty of the way God has made us, and the way we were encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus throughout it all. There are big parts of Genesis 1-3 that many conferences today would brush over, but I am so thankful to KYCK for addressing them head on with such conviction and compassion.”

– KYCK 2 Leader 

We praise God that from hearing His word preached, 68 teenagers became a Christian for the first time, 356 recommitted their lives to him, and 49 left the conference wanting to learn more.  

“KYCK made me recommit my life to God. Being around my brothers and sisters in Christ is so uplifting, it shows that no matter how alone in my faith I feel, I am not, and there’s so many people that share my beliefs.”

– KYCK 3 First Timer Youth 

“My favourite thing about KYCK 24, as always, is hearing the gospel preached and seeing young lives turning to him! 6 of ours responded! And seeing them move forward in their discipleship!

– KYCK 3 Leader 

For teenagers who are already following Jesus, KYCK gives them an opportunity to access speakers beyond their church network—to hear old truths with fresh perspectives. For many, it also serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone in their faith, and that their beliefs are shared by thousands across Australia. This encouragement is especially important for teenagers in smaller youth groups, isolated rural areas, or who face opposition for their faith at home or school. 

It was just amazing experience to be in a room with so many teen Christians and be able to worship together.

– KYCK 1 Youth

KYCK is such an encouragement to our young people and leaders. It’s great to see many of God’s people worshipping together.

– KYCK 1 Leader 

“KYCK is the youth’s pinnacle event of the year to fellowship around God’s Word, other youth and singing.”

– KYCK 3 Youth Leader 

Hosted as a hybrid event, youth groups can choose to experience KYCK in-person at StayKCC in the Blue Mountains, or KYCK Online; a high-quality livestream promising a ‘front row’ seat from the convenience of a living room or church hall. Delegates who joined KYCK in-person could take part in optional fellowship activities including the ‘KYCK On’ Soccer Cup where youth groups Christ Church Gladesville and Nowra Baptist Church took home the crown; and the Saturday Night BBQ where over $6,100 was raised to support Scripture teachers.  

Early Bird tickets are still available for KYCK this September!  

KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 27-29 September in Katoomba. KYCK 4 Early Bird tickets are still available until 30 June AEST from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/  

Across three weekends this April, high schoolers across NSW will gather for the KYCK youth conference. Guest speakers Alan Au, Brett Hookham, Sam Low, Andy Stevenson will teach from the book of Genesis about creation, humanity and the fall. Special guests Polly Butterworth and Patricia Weerakoon will also join to help teenagers think through the theme of ‘identity’ in today’s world.  
 
If you’re joining us this month, here are 10 ways to prepare your hearts and minds for KYCK:   

1. Get pumped for worship with the KYCK 24 playlist      

Whether you’re wanting a shout-out-loud worship session or some mellow praise for quiet study, this playlist is the perfect soundtrack to familiarise yourself with songs that we’ll be singing at KYCK 24! Listen here.  

2. Get your team ready for the KYCK On Cup!  

This year, we’re bringing back our Saturday afternoon soccer competition – KYCK ON! The winning team will be declared the champions and awarded the prestigious KYCK ON Cup!  We’ll also be giving prizes to the best supporters – think apparel, mascots, team flag and uniform. The match will be held the Saturday of each KYCK weekend, so if you plan on being there, make sure to get your teams and supporter costumes ready! 

3. Meditate on the book of Genesis  

Get the most out of KYCK with some pre-reading from the book of Genesis chapters 1-3 to prime your heart to hear and respond to God’s word.   

4. Bring your Genesis friendship bracelets to swap and share with others 

Here’s your chance to get creative with spreading the Word! Gather with your youth group to make friendship bracelets and trade them with others at KYCK! We suggest including bible references to our KYCK theme (Genesis 1-3), our memory verse (Colossians 1:15-16) or the name of your youth group. There might even be some prizes on offer! Have fun! 

5. Rep KYCK 24 with fresh merch  

Our range of KYCK 24 merch includes hoodies, tees, beanies, caps and NEW sunnies! Enter our merch giveaway competition on Facebook or Instagram to win a hoodie! You can also purchase merch onsite at KYCK each Saturday morning from 8am. All proceeds go towards keeping our ministry going. See pricing and size info here. 

6. Pray for God to work powerfully through KYCK    

Please join us in committing KYCK to God in prayer:    

• Pray that as the gospel is preached at KYCK, the Spirit will work powerfully in the hearts of youth.  
• Pray that God will protect our speakers Alan, Brett, Sam, Andy, Polly and Patricia ahead of KYCK, and that they will preach the gospel and its implications on our identity, clearly and faithfully. 
• Pray that KYCK will be an opportunity for teens who don’t know Jesus to meet Him for the first time.    
• Pray that teenagers will leave KYCK with a firm trust in Jesus, and that they will be bold and loving gospel witnesses in their schools, communities and homes. 

7. Stay up to date with KYCK on socials and the KCC One app   

Stay up to date with the latest KYCK news, and interact with our live segments by following us on Facebook or Instagram. Download the KCC One App to gain daily encouragement from KCC’s library of sermons, topical talks, testimonies, and devotionals in audio, text and video formats.  

8. RSVP for the Saturday Night BBQ  

Support high school scripture and teachers by purchasing the Saturday night BBQ at KYCK. Held each Saturday, 6.15pm-7pm in the Plaza, it’s $7 per person and includes 2 sausage sandwiches & a soft drink! RSVP here: https://www.kyck.org.au/saturday-bbq/  

9. Still haven’t registered? Join us online!  

If you can’t make it to Katoomba this April, you can still join us online! We’ll be live-streaming our KYCK 2 weekend (19-21 April) and you’ll have a front row seat to all the action. Click here to register today!