What is North Texas Celebration?

  • A fun-filled spiritual development weekend; great music, exciting games, inspiring talks, and lots of cool people!
  • A youth version of Presbyterian Cursillo

How long is it?

  • At #7 in January, we start Saturday afternoon at 5 PM and finish Monday about 3 PM

Where and when?

  • NTC #7 is scheduled for January 17 to 19, 2009
  • The weekends are scheduled for Camp Gilmont, Gilmer, Texas (near Tyler/Longview)
  • Current plans are to hold weekends in January and August each year
  • See www.campgilmont.org

Who makes up the staff?

  • The staff is made up of youth who have attended prior weekends
  • Also, "moms" and "dads" who are there as chaperones and support - NOT to run things
  • And a COOL Presbyterian spiritual advisor who will be present throughout the weekend
When are stafff applications and staff payment due?

  • This is NEW: completed staff applications and full payment must be received by the Registrar BEFORE TRAINING before you can get a staff assignment!!

Who can come?

  • Senior high youth 9th through 12th grade (completed 8th grade)
  • Although sponsored by the Presbyterians, any youth from any church can come (so bring your friends!)

What are we going to do?  Will it be wierd?

  • We will be singing some great Christian music led by a live youth band
  • We hear some amazing talks given by youth and our spiritual advisor
  • There will be some really fun community building activites as well as some awesome faith building activities
  • One of the best parts of the weekend are lots of big and little surprises that will help us understand how much God really loves us!

What should I do if my parents want make me go and I don't want to?

  • Well, all we can say is - that has happened a bunch of times - BUT, the overwhelming response we have normally heard from people who went anyway is OHMIGOSH THIS IS SO AWESOME WHY DIDN'T SOMEBODY TELL ME ABOUT THIS SOONER I WANT TO GO BACK AND SERVE ON STAFF AS SOON AS I CAN AS MANY TIMES AS I CAN!!
  • See the COMMENTS FROM YOUTH tab!

How much does it cost?

  • The total cost of the weekend is $100 - includes all food, lodging and activities

OK, now I am interested...  How can I sign up?

  • There are separate applications available for youth participants, youth staff, college staff and adult moms/dads - see upcoming weekend tab for applications
  • The registrar for North Texas is Nikki Thompson - print and mail your applications to the address on the form

What do I need to bring?

  • We will be staying in bunk beds cabins, so you will need a sleeping bag and pillow
  • Bring all your bathroom gear, such as soap, towel, shampoo, toothbrush, AXE, etc
  • Bring your favorite bible and a notebook if you want to keep a journal
  • Is it even necessary to say?  NO illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms, fireworks, knives, pepper spray, nunchuks, light sabres, nerve gas - you get the picture....

I want to be a Mom/Dad, but I don't normally work with youth.  Do I need to have a background check?

  • Child safety is a top priority for the North Texas Celebration community.  Every adult who works with youth needs to comply with their local church's child safety policy for working with children and youth  
  • If your local church does not have a child safety background check process, contact Nikki Thompson at    nikkipt@gmail.com   for more information

But I have more questions?!?

Is North Texas Celebration part of North Texas Cursillo?

  • Yes!  Kevin Starnes is the Celebration Coordinator for the North Texas Cursillo Council; you can email him at the address above

Is there a leadership group for North Texas Celebration?

  • Yes!  There is a Steering Committee

Is this related to the Mo Ranch Celebration program?

  • No, but that's a great program that all senior highs should attend! - we happen to have the same name - we always try to clarify this program by saying "North Texas Celebration"

Is somebody helping you get started?

  • Absolutely! Our brothers and sisters in Christ from the Oklahoma Celebration community are mentoring us as we get started
  • The Houston Cursillo Council is also starting a Celebration community in south Texas

Check back - more answers will appear as great questions are asked!

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