NYWC is HERE!

After a year of waiting, it’s finally here, the National Youth Workers Convention 2016 (NYWC)! It’s like Christmas, only without the wrapping paper, candy canes, Santa, reindeer, pine trees, and garland. Okay, so maybe it’s not like Christmas, but it’s still AWESOME!!

NYWC means something different to different people. Mark Matlock shared earlier this week, that there would be a cross section of attendees. From volunteer to part-time to full-time. From rookies with as little as a month under their bible belts, to veterans who had the Apostle Peter’s kids in their middle school ministry. There would youth workers experiencing mountain-top highs, see tremendous fruit and grow among their students, and there would be youth workers dealing with deep and hurtful pain, frustration, loneliness, and defeat. And today, they all began arriving.

Tonight we kicked off the weekend with our first Big Room session and the grand opening party for the Exhibit Hall!! Here are just a few pictures from tonights party!

DJ Bobbito the Chef providing the musical backdrop!

Our friends from YS events, already getting a jump on next years convention!

The exhibit hall is loaded with over 150 different vendors. You can find just about anything, and everything ministry related. be sure to spend some time visiting with the exhibitors!

There's a lot to see. Don't make just one trip. Multiple trips through the exhibit hall will prove super helpful. They will allow you to take your time, talk with the various exhibitors, and feel less overwhelmed by the sheer numbers and size.

I know that we are only a few hours into the weekend, but it's already off to a great start.

I want to invite you to follow along with me this weekend as I highlight some of my favorite parts of the convention. From books and resources to seminars and exhibitors, I'll share what I love, who is helpful, and where you can make the most of your time at NYWC.

Follow me on social media as I share the convention as both a behind-the-scenes volunteer and a long-time attendee!

​- jay

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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, an avid YouTuber/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.