Preparing for NCYC

Preparing Adult Leaders

One of the most critical pieces of a successful NCYC pilgrimage is a well-formed team of adult leaders and chaperones. Check out 10 Easy Steps to Forming the Team You Need (76 KB ).

• Once your team is assembled, you will need to clearly explain the role of an adult leader/chaperone and communicate your expectations. Be sure to adhere to all Youth Protection policies, and follow your parish and diocesan guidelines on how to prepare and train chaperones.
• NFCYM provides the “Preparing Chaperones for NCYC” (168 KB) handout that will help you with some of the practical aspects of ensuring your leadership team is informed and well prepared.
• Direct chaperones to the NCYC Chaperone page for more information on what it means to be an adult leader at NCYC.

Behavior Guidelines

Group leaders are responsible for the actions of the members of their group. All conference participants are expected to act in a manner appropriate for the situation, respecting those around them, and mindful of their call to reflect Christ in their words and actions.

• Adult Participant Code of Conduct (100 KB)
• Youth Participant Code of Conduct (117 KB)

Preparing Youth and Parents

Communication is key in preparing teens and their parents for the NCYC experience. Be sure to gather on a regular basis, and stay in contact via email between in-person meetings. Parents have an important role to play at NCYC, and are invited to attend NCYC with their son or daughter or attend the virtual pilgrimage. Download and distribute the 5 Reason to Make Room for Parents brochure today (1.95 MB). Encourage parents to view the Parent Participation at NCYC page.

• General conference information and the event schedule should be given to everyone, and participants should be encouraged to check the official NCYC 2011 website often for updates.
• Check with your diocesan group leader for information on practical details like transportation, lodging, and deadlines for forms.
• Teambuilding and group bonding activities will go a long way in fostering a sense of community within your group.
• It is also important to provide pilgrims with prayer experiences and opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.
• Make sure everyone knows they can follow 2011 NCYC on Facebook!

Spiritual Preparation

NCYC is more than a youth conference; it is a pilgrimage–a journey of faith. This journey of faith, a response to God’s invitation, begins long before the conference. Participants, both teens and adults, should take the time to prepare spiritually before the actual event. Pilgrimage materials can be found under the Overview/Pilgrimage section of 2011 NCYC Promo Site.

Tips

Here are few tips from NCYC veterans (2.41KB) on how to make the most of NCYC 2011.