Making space for doubt, with Sylvia Siu
For the last two years at PYNSW Summer Camp, we have run seminars that explore topics of interest for smaller groups of campers, also giving our leaders the opportunity to design and deliver their own sessions. This helps them build confidence and develop their skills presenting to an unfamiliar audience. In 2025, seminars were held […]
Holding the line, holding fast: Social media, the under-16 ban, and the pastoral opportunity before us
When Australia introduced a ban on under-16s accessing social media in December 2025, reactions were swift and mixed. Some welcomed it as overdue protection. Others worried about enforcement, relevance, or unintended consequences. For those working in children’s and youth ministry, the question was less political and more pastoral: What does this mean for the young […]
Connecting, sharing, and resourcing regional camps: The very first Mid-North Coast PY Camp
Regional youth ministry can be really rewarding, but it also comes with challenges—small youth groups, long distances, limited resources, and leaders doing a lot with a little. That’s why the Mid-North Coast PY Camp in 2025 is such a great story. Not just because the camp happened, but because PYNSW was able to play a […]
A faithful presence: The story of SRE in Grafton
For nearly forty years, Special Religious Education (SRE) has been a faithful presence in the public schools of Grafton. Its story is one of vision, perseverance, prayer, and trust in God’s provision. At its heart are ordinary people who believed deeply that “young people desperately need to hear about Jesus.” Rev Ray and Roberta Murray […]
Caring for ministry families: The story of Refresh and the heart behind it
Every two years, ministers, ministry workers, and their families from across the Presbyterian Church of NSW (PCNSW) gather for Refresh, a retreat designed not as a conference, not as a training event, but as a deliberate act of pastoral care. For many who attend, Refresh is a rare chance to rest, reconnect with God, and be […]
Planning your next year of kids and youth ministry: A practical guide for leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Thoughtful planning is one of the most valuable gifts you can give your kids and youth ministry. It not only sets the direction for the year, it strengthens your team, clarifies your purpose, and helps you serve […]
Joy in the life of the kids and youth leader
At PY Encourage 2025, Dave Phillips, PYNSW General Manager, shared about joy in the life of the youth leader, to encourage those in attendance to consider intentionally how to cultivate it. This article is an adaptation of that seminar. Joy. It’s a word we toss around casually. “Find joy in the little things,” or “Joyful […]
How to go to KYCK: A practical guide for youth leaders
Every year, thousands of teenagers gather in the Blue Mountains for KYCK, four huge weekends of Bible teaching, worship, fun and discipleship. For many youth ministries, it’s one of the biggest moments of the year. Whether you’re taking a group for the first time or looking to refine your KYCK rhythm, here is a practical […]
Recruiting in a busy church context: A practical guide for kids and youth ministry leaders
The following content was prepared for a recent PYNSW Children’s Ministry Connect session. Join us at the next one! Recruiting leaders in children’s and youth ministry is never just about filling rosters. It’s about discipling people, helping them see the joy of serving the next generation, and doing it all with sensitivity, especially in small or […]
“We’re not alone”: How regional camps are growing faith in country NSW
Across the state, PYNSW camps have become a vital way for young people to connect, grow, and stay grounded in their faith, even when their local church feels small or isolated. While the iconic PY Summer Camp at Stanwell Tops reaches hundreds each year, many young people in regional areas face barriers such as distance, […]