PYPS

What can I expect a PYPS weekend to be like?

Our weekends are a balance of fun activities, Spirit-filled worship and open discussions. Each event is geared toward a theme which is chosen by the youth leaders at an annual leadership retreat each fall. And each is a time for us to live as a Christian community, in love, faith and friendship. If you want to hear what others have experienced at PYPS, check out our PYPS Impressions page.

Our worship services feature contemporary music played by some talented young people and powerpoint adds a visual level. Frequently we incorporate some “out of the box” worship styles, including liturgical dance and communal prayer. Usually, a guest speaker will be invited to join us and help fuel our discussions with two or three thoughtful talks that focus on our theme.

Activities are created by the event planning team and in the past we’ve had a wide range of games and crazy fun.

Some of the events also include traditional elements that return year after year. Our May event usually features an ever-popular coffee house or talent show, and the fall event includes a formal dinner and dance.

But you can also expect to encounter some great people who will become friends for life, and who will help support you and nurture your faith in the years to come.

Do you have policies and procedures in place to help keep us safe?

PYPS follows the guidelines set forth by the Presbyterian Church in Canada including Leading With Care: A Policy Ensuring a Climate of Safety for Children, Youth and Vulnerable Adults. All executive members and leadership teams are briefed on appropriate behaviour and safety standards, and all have signed a covenant in which they promise to uphold the values we hold as members of a Christian community. We also ensure that a certified first-aider is present at every weekend. At least two adult deans are also recruited to help us keep an eye on things.’

Where will I stay while at PYPS?

A church in our synod generously hosts us for our winter and fall weekends.  During the day, we usually stay in or around the church property, but now and then we’ll go on a field trip to a local park, ice rink, laser tag place or other venue. If we do, we go as a group.

At night, we’re hosted by members of the local church. The church will verify that all hosts are active members of their congregation or another local church. We always ensure there are at least two youth sent to each billet, and we split up according to gender.

For our spring weekend, we stay at Camp Cairn near Baysville and spend the night in cabins.

I’m technically not a part of your synod. Can I still come?

Of course you can.

I’m not a Presbyterian, is that a problem?

Absolutely not.

Can I bring a friend who doesn’t attend church?

Absolutely.

I’m a youth leader. Can I attend PYPS with youth from my church?

Youth leaders are welcome to attend PYPS, but we ask that you be willing to do so as an observer. Part of our mission is to empower youth by giving them leadership roles, so we ask that you defer to the leadership provided by the executive and the weekend planning team while you’re at PYPS. For youth leaders, our weekends can be a great opportunity to network with other leaders who have come along, and to meet Jeff, our wonderful synod youth consultant, who is just full of knowledge and ideas about all things related to youth ministry.

Naturally, we also ask that you maintain the standards set out in the church’s Leading with Care policy if you will be transporting youth to and from events. Be sure you’re never alone with someone under 18, and get written permission from the parents of under-18 youth if you’ll be transporting them from point A t point B.

If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us.