Thanks to Lorraine Threlfall for these ideas. Lorraine has coordinated six NCYC tour groups from North East Victoria.

1.  Start promoting NCYC early and getting youth to come along. This will help to overcome anxious feelings for first time attendees.

2.  Make sure groups have information on the theme and Bible readings to help them spiritually prepare before NCYC.

3.  Meet as a whole group a minimum of one month out from NCYC, either for a day or overnight to give everybody an itinerary, tour information, theme, elective and general event information, as well as to get to know the rest of the group.

4.  Get the congregation involved early so they can support you with prayer, preparation of materials and fundraising ideas.

5.  Include the congregation in what will be experienced at NCYC so they can support, listen to, respond and celebrate with your group.

6.  Use sending and receiving liturgies in worship before and after your group leaves for ncyc11.

7.  Don’t just ask your congregation to give towards fundraising but to help organise fundraising events for the community to participate in.

8.  Prepare a tour booklet that includes things to do on your journey to and from NCYC.

9.  Include worship and small group time into your journey.

10. Include getting to know you time for the trip to NCYC.

11. During ncyc11, include times and places where your group can check in or touch base with leaders from your tour, to share their challenges and experiences (in addition to their ncyc11 small group).

12. Include time for debriefing on the way back from your tour.

13. Have small groups within your tour group—for both to support each other and to get chores done!

14. Build relationships with churches along the way—they’re likely to accommodate you, cook for you and worship with you as well as stay in touch after NCYC.

15. Be prepared for new relationships, new ideas, new music, new challenges, and to be part of a deepening faith experience with your young people

16. Use the preparation for ncyc11 as a program and energy builder for your youth ministry throughout the year.

17. You’re never too old for NCYC. Encourage adults in your congregation to come along as adult volunteers and to act as leaders and mentors to your young people.

18. Don’t just hit the theme parks before or after ncyc11. Use the time to learn about the local areas, do mission, build relationships and worship God.