For Youth Only

1. Registration
2. Code of Conduct
3. Youth Ambassador Program
4. NCYC's Top Talent Contest

How to Register

As your peers and youth ministers will tell you, NCYC is a fantastically fun opportunity to learn about your faith, grow closer to God, and experience the energy and excitement that is YOU, the young Catholic Church in action! Please join us!

Registration for NCYC most often occurs through diocesan groups; each group has a designated "NCYC Group Leader." The NCYC Group Leader completes the registration process for his/her group and assures compliance with diocesan and NFCYM policy. NCYC does not allow for "individual" registration.

To participate in NCYC talk with your parish youth ministry leader, pastor, and/or contact your designated NCYC/diocesan group leader and complete the registration process set forth by the diocese. Regular registration closes September 30 (no late fee before this date); but many diocese have earlier deadlines established.

Code of Conduct

The Youth Code of Conduct details the specific expectations of youth during NCYC and it is to be reinforced by chaperones. The Code of Conduct will help ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all participants.

Youth Participation

Organizers want to include youth in the programming and implementation of NCYC. To do so, two programs have been created: Youth Ambassadors and Youth Animators. These programs are for youth entering/in high school in fall 2011. The difference between the two programs can be summarized as ambassadors minister within the convention center and animators minister within the stadium.

Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors are young people who assist with mega workshops and workshops by welcoming participants, assisting in determining when sessions have reached capacity, leading session participants in prayer, introducing and welcoming speakers, and assisting in the evaluation process. Youth do not need any previous experience, but should be comfortable with the possibility of speaking in front of large groups (200 to 5,000 people). To prepare for their role, ambassadors and their adult chaperones review an online video and written materials and attend an on-site orientation on Thursday night of NCYC (usually at 6:30 pm in the stadium).

Youth interested in the Ambassador program should contact their NCYC group leader and let them know they want to be considered. An application form is required by some dioceses and youth must be registered additionally for the Amabassador program. (Group leaders/adults can learn more about the Youth Ambassador program within the "For Group Leaders" section.)

For Those Selected: Youth Ambassador Online Training

Young people approved by their diocese to be NCYC Youth Ambassadors are asked to view this 10 minute online training video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmxFDfvv0EA) prior to coming to Indianapolis. When the video is over, click on the link to the right of the video to take a VERY short (5 question) quiz on what you’ve learned from the training video (or go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NCYCYthAmb).

Once in Indianapolis, we ask that you attend the on-site Youth Ambassador Orientation at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Thursday, November 17 from 6:15 pm-7:00 pm in Meeting Room B (an alternative session will run on Friday morning from 8:15 am – 8:45 am in the same location).

NCYC's Top Talent Contest - DEADLINE EXTENDED to OCTOBER 24

NCYC's Top Talent is a contest for high school students planning to attend the 2011 National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis this November. The contest is sponsored by Heart Beat Records, America's premiere distributor of independent Catholic music, in partnership with the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, sponsor of NCYC.

Heart Beat Records will accept and review demo recordings either on CD or via online posting from solo vocalists and instrumentalists (bands and choirs are not eligible). They will select semifinalists who may be asked to audition in person in Indianapolis on Friday, November 18, during NCYC. (NOTE: Semifinalists and finalists must be registered NCYC attendees to participate.) The top ten semifinalists will perform on Saturday, November 19, in front of a live audience of peers and a panel of expert judges. The judges will select the winner who will record a CD with Heart Beat Records. Visit the NCYC's Top Talent website for full contest information and to download contest registration and permission forms. Applications must be received by Monday, October 24.

Youth Animators (Process Closed)

Youth Animators are young people who take lead roles in general session programming by leading prayer, song, and movement from the main stage. Youth must apply and be accepted to the program. Applicants do NOT need to be “professionals” or to have had any previous formal training in the areas in which they wish to primarily participate. All youth selected to be animators will be asked to sing and perform basic dance steps whether or not it is their primary area of ministry. All selected applicants must participate in a three-day face-to-face formation program in Indianapolis July 15-17 and in on-site rehearsals starting on Wednesday, November 16.