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This is a non-sponsored promotional post for the Pittsburgh Youth Workers Conference.  So, I am all about youth workers and great training opportunities that help them do what they do better. I personally have had a long time relationship with another youth workers convention that has helped to shape me as a youth worker. As a youth worker, I have treasured opportunities to learn, grow, and develop my skills in administration, planning, and proclaiming the truth of God's word. I have also written a number of blog posts encouraging youth workers to seek out opportunities for training, equipping, resourcing, and rest. We minister to a culture who is constantly growing and changing; I believe we need to be always working to grow and adapt so we can remain effective.  This Friday, October 26th, I will join with youth workers from around the Western PA area for the Pittsburgh Youth Workers Conference. Now in it's fifth year, PYWC is expecting to welcome over 200 youth workers, along with featured speakers Josh McDowell, Bob Lenz and Duffy Robbins. This one day conference will include 3 general sessions with worship, led by local worship band, Red Letter Hymnal, 15 breakout session led by local, in the trenches youth workers, lunch, and the opportunity to visit with this year's sponsoring organizations.  Here's the deal, this will be my first PYWC. Really! Over the last couple of years, PYWC had fallen on weekends where I have had a conflict, so I haven't been able to go. But, now that I am going, I am really looking forward to seeing PYWC for myself! I love that PYWC includes both nationally recognized speakers and local youth workers. "We love bringing in nationally-known speakers because of the excellent content they bring but we really get excited because doing that provides a platform for local youth pastors who are doing an incredible job to share some area of expertise that they have with their fellow youth pastors." Travis Deans. Travis Deans and Doug Raraigh, along with Jayson Samuels got the ball rolling in 2014. That year, 100 youth workers gathered to hear from Duffy Robbins and Terry Thomas. Today, Travis and Doug welcome Duffy Robbins to their team and look forward to welcoming this year's attendees.  Click on the graphic to visit the Red Letter Hymnal website. The 2018 PYWC will take place on Friday, October 28, at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. Organizers are looking to welcome between 200 and 250 youth workers, and I will be among them. From talking with Travis Deans, there is still room if you have not already registered. The cost for the conference is $40 per person. That comes with 10 free tickets to the evening session with Duffy Robins. A Chick-fil-A lunch is part of the registration, and who doesn't like Chick-fil-A?  Let me encourage you to join me and a couple hundred fellow youth workers for the Pittsburgh Youth Workers Conference. It will be a day of training, networking, equipping, worship, and fellowship! Click on the link below and register for PYWC, check out the days schedule, and take a look at this year breakout session speakers. And, look for me, I'll be there. - jay
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I had the opportunity to speak to a group of students at a Fall Retreat hosted by Pine Springs Camp, in Jennerstown, PA. Pine Springs runs a retreat called, The BIG One, for Junior and Senior High students. Along with a speaker, the weekend includes 2 workshops; one for the Junior High and one for the Senior High. I was asked to speak to the Senior High students.
The theme for the weekend was, Next Step. Our scripture passage was Philippians 3:7-8, our discussion was focused around Jesus being our everything. I spoke from verses 1-11, and encouraged the students to consider what they were living for.
Thanks for watching.
- jay
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This is a new spin on an old youth group classic. Suck it, also known by a bunch of other names, is a classic. The premise, with a straw, suck up a marble and move it from one container to another container. Halloween Suck It has the same goal only we're using coco puff cereal instead of marbles.
To win the game, students needed to have the most coco puffs in their bucket. So out the end of each round, we counted up the coco puffs and declared a winner.
It's such a simple game yet our students had a blast. Using the pumpkin buckets and the coco puff were a great halloween twist. Order your materials...
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Watch this short video of Halloween Suck It3 Great Game Books
Thanks to my friend and co-youth worker, Dave N. Dave is a great "gamer". He creates and finds some of the best games we've played with our students. So happy to be able to work with him.
Be sure to keep checking back as I add more and more games, ideas and resources. Thanks for reading. - jay 
Today I am heading out to meet with a group of youth workers from our denomination. I love meeting with youth workers to hear what God is doing in their youth ministry. Networking is an important part of being a youth worker. We need to have those relationships to encourage, challenge and support each other.
Thanks for watching today's vlog. Thanks for watching!
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AuthorJay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 30 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the director of family ministry at a church, located in West Virginia. Jay has been married to Amy for over 25 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. 
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