Over three weekends, more than 5,600 teenagers and youth leaders attended the KYCK conference in Katoomba. Founded in 1993, KYCK is a Bible preaching event aimed at inspiring high schoolers to live for Jesus alone. Each year, youth are invited to hear and respond to God’s word through powerful Bible talks, uplifting worship in song (led by Aslandia in Week 1, Seraph in Week 2, and Gather in Week 3), inspiring testimonies, and a Saturday afternoon scavenger hunt.
“We had a great time at KYCK! The talks were great, the worship was so encouraging, and the youth left challenged to run to Jesus.” – Nikita, KYCK 26 Youth Leader
Over the years, KYCK has become a treasured space for teenagers to explore and deepen their faith with like-minded company. Each year, teenagers travel far and wide for fellowship in Katoomba. We are so encouraged that in 2026, we had 201 youth groups from 21 different denominations including youth groups from the ACT and NT!
“Just the fellowship I get to have each year there and it reminds me each year I’m not alone in my journey with Christ.” – Naomi, KYCK 26 Youth
This year, speakers Pre Shunmugan and Chris Mann opened the book of Jonah to explore the theme of deep mercy. They helped youth uncover the reality of running from God and the call to surrender to Him, showing that while we deserve judgment, God responds with extraordinary mercy to those who cry out to Him.
“(I was most encouraged by) Learning how much more there is to Jonah than just him and the fish, and how deep Gods mercy is for us even though we don’t deserve it.” – Abigail, KYCK 26 Youth
“I have really been challenged this year to think about the ways I’m running from the Lord or hiding from him which has been great to think over and create practical changes.” – Zali, KYCK 26 Youth
“Only running to the deep mercy of God will save you.” – Pre Shunmugan
“The talk about the rooms of our lives that we tend to keep the doors locked so God can’t get in also impacted me and really challenged me to think about how and which doors I have closed off to God, and how i want to go about opening those doors and trusting Him to work in those aspects of my life.” – Charlotte, KYCK 26 Youth
Through Jonah’s story, young people were challenged to see both their own hearts and God’s and were confronted with the question of what they truly care about. Chris’ last talk invited them to share in God’s compassion for those who are lost.
“I pray God might do something in all of us this weekend. Something we can’t shake. He would give us His heart for the lost, for the thousands in our schools, in this city, for the millions in Australia, for the billions in the nations that don’t know Jesus.” – Chris Mann
Above all, they pointed to Jesus as the greater Jonah, the one who took our place so that we might receive mercy and be sent out to live for Him. You cannot save yourself.
Special guest Katie Stringer also lead an engaging and interactive seminar on how to share Jesus with others. Youth were also invited to respond by submitting answers which showed up on the screen in real-time, reflecting how they feel about sharing Jesus with others.
“Katie Stringers talk was so inspiring it encouraged me to be bold and share the gospel!!!!!!!!!!” – Tabitha, KYCK 26 Youth
“…kids were inspired to start prayer and Bible study groups at their schools.” – Evan, KYCK 26 Youth Leader
“I pray God might do something in all of us this weekend. Something we can’t shake. He would give us His heart for the lost, for the thousands in our schools, in this city, for the millions in Australia, for the billions in the nations that don’t know Jesus.” – Katie Stringer
As KYCK came to a close, youth had the opportunity to share open mic reflections, giving voice to what God had been doing in their lives across the weekend. These moments were both powerful and encouraging, as many spoke of being challenged, convicted, and renewed in their faith. Watch a snippet from KYCK 2 below.
Over three huge weekends, we witnessed the powerful work of the Holy Spirit: 72 youth put their trust in Jesus for the first time, 330 recommitted their lives to Him, and 82 said they want to know more about Jesus. Praise God!
For teens already walking with Jesus, KYCK is a chance to hear God’s Word taught by speakers outside their usual church circles—bringing familiar truths to life in new and meaningful ways. It’s also a powerful reminder that they’re not alone in their faith, but part of a much bigger movement of young believers across Australia.
“(I was most encouraged) To see all these youth groups from so far come together and praise God together — also seeing so many people become a part of God’s family on Saturday night.” – Sophia, KYCK 26 Youth
“I committed my life to Jesus at KYCK and it’s gonna change my life.” – Milly, KYCK 26 Youth
“I remember I used to be unsure about my faith in God, but KYCK brought me friends who encouraged me to go back to church and KYCK which in turn has helped me bring some of my friends to know the Lord Jesus.” – Beth, KYCK 26 Youth
This community extended beyond the mountains, with the second weekend of KYCK available via online livestream — making it possible for youth to join from wherever they were.
Thank you to every youth group, leader, volunteer, speaker, musician, and attendee who made these weekends so special. Please keep praying that God would continue growing the seeds planted at KYCK long after the mountain weekends are over!
Early Bird tickets are still available for KYCK 4 this September!
KYCK will return for a fourth weekend on the 26-28 September in Katoomba. KYCK 4 Early Bird tickets are still available until midnight, 30 June AEST from our website: https://www.kyck.org.au/
KYCK 27 – Save the Date!
KYCK 1 09–11 April
KYCK 2 16–18 April
KYCK 3 23–25 April
KYCK 4 24–26 September
