Christian Youth in Action

This Summer, Turn your world
upside down

Are you or someone you know ages 12-20 who is ready to grow deeper in their faith, learn to boldly share their faith in Christ, and influence children’s lives for eternity?

Christian Youth in Action ® (CYIA™) is a six-week summer leadership and discipleship program. It has been used by God to transform the lives of teens across the US and around the world. We aim 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.

CYIA 2026 Brochure

IMPORTANT DATES

April 17-19: Attend Pre-Training Weekend (required)
May 24-29: Attend CYIA Leadership Training Week (required)
June 1 – July 10: Serve at least 2 weeks of Summer Clubs
July 11: Attend CYIA Celebration (students and families)
August 22-30: Volunteer to Gospel face paint for two 3-hour shifts at the Appalachian Fair

For five consecutive days, 60-90 minutes each day, children gather in various places around the community to hear dynamic Bible lessons, sing songs, learn Scripture memory verses, listen to missionary stories, and hear the Gospel clearly presented. Clubs can be held in churches, parks, community centers, backyards, or other safe locations.Learn more about 5-Day Clubs HERE

There are three phases to the CYIA summer missionary experience

Pre-Training (local training) This training weekend helps you to begin developing relationships with others interested in CYIA. Together you will learn how to share the gospel, learning the basics of teaching children, and more! This groundwork helps you arrive at the week-long training confident, focused, and ready to serve.
April 17-19, 2026 at Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go in Watauga, TN
Training Camp (state-wide training) This week of training is a focused time where students learn essential skills for children’s ministry and summer outreach. learn how to share the Gospel using the Wordless Book, teach Bible lessons, memory verses, missionary stories, songs, and games. It is both meaningful AND fun! Throughout the week you will grow in confidence as you demonstrate and receive feedback on what you learned.
May 24-29, 206 at Carson Springs Conference Center in Newport, TN
Summer Ministry This is where students put into practice what they learned in the two training phases by working together to lead 5-Day Clubs and serve at festivals and fairs doing gospel face painting.
June 1-July 10 and August 22-30 at the Appalachian Fair

If you have a heart for ministry and want to team up with other young people to reach the children in your community, then the CYIA summer missions program is for you!

Requirements:

Be 12 years of age through early college.
Have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Have a desire to work with children.
Raise financial support to cover training expenses.
Complete the CYIA application.
Be approved by your local CEF office.
Complete local and state CYIA training.

We encourage CYIA summer missionaries to invite others to financially partner with them in ministry (we help you with this process) to cover costs of training, materials, and other costs related to the summer ministry.

Pre-training weekend $20
Training Camp $300

“CYIA is a great program that has helped my daughter in many areas. She has become more confident and learned a lot about leadership, speaking in front of a group and teaching precious children about our Lord and Savior.”

“I could not believe my eyes when I sat in a day care center watching the young men minister to children. Wow! They both knew their material and interacted with the children. The little part I played was such a blessing!”

“When I was seven, I was saved in a 5-Day Club. Now, as a CYIA missionary, I enjoy telling others about God’s love and leading children to salvation.”