In years past, there was one specific date… so what’s the date for 2023?
After 5 incredible years, we’ve decided to change things up to help it grow even faster! The “National DAY of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training” to “DAYS”… basically, you pick any day in the Fall of 2024 that works for you and the groups you invite. Best practice would be to pick a date that works for your location, lock-in your YM friends to that date, and boom–it’s whatever day/time you choose. So flexible. We’ll deliver you everything on August 1, 2024.

Why should I host this training?
It’s not for everyone! BUT you may be surprised at how rewarding it can be You would want to host if you: (1) love helping youth workers, (2) get fired-up seeing volunteers get excellent training, (3) enjoy gathering with other youth workers in your community, (4) are good at networking or want to start a network in your area, (5) have the ability to think ahead, pick a date, and pull off an event, and (6) are at a church/location that is supportive of other groups/churches joining you. If that’s you… let’s go!

Is this a streaming event? We have terrible internet and “average” technology… should I host?
Yes, you should host (if you want to). This is NOT a streaming event. We want to get this product everywhere (i.e. rural areas with lower speed internet, Texas LED walls … and church basements with a faded AWANA circle). Days ahead of time you download the entire event, and simply press play on the day of! Yeah! A computer and a screen is all you need! Most churches host it in their “main space”… you choose!

Are there any additional costs?
Nope! As an NDO Host site, you are paying for a hosting license that allows you to invite other groups. This fee is for 1 or 1,000 youth workers at your single location on a single day.

How much do visiting youth groups pay to attend?
Good question! Well … that’s totally up to you! You choose this year if you want to “gift” it to the nearby youth ministry community or charge a moderate fee per person (we suggest no more than $25/person), or per group (we suggest no more than $99/group). Again … you make the call! Now, they won’t pay DYM… they’ll pay you directly however you want to set up. Another option may be to split the $199 fee with a local church friend and co-host it and combine forces.

How long is the National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training? 
Over the last 5 years they video from opening ceremonies to closing prayer ranged from 2.5-3 hours. Our event has traditionally been on a single day from 9am-12pm – a Saturday morning at that. How you do it is up to you! But if you block out a 3-hour time-block you’ll have plenty of time. And again – you choose the time frame, the day and the cost. Promote away!

Will DYM help promote the training locations?
We will be talking about it and promoting the National Day, but we will NOT be pointing people to your specific location this year. We’re trying to streamline everything and make it an easier experience for all involved. This year it’s all about scale – previously we’ve reached up to 20,000 volunteers and this year we want to go for 100,000+ which means WAY more hosts with an easy process to get it in your hands. We’ve learned that the majority of our previous hosts already knew the people who ended up coming to their location. All the promotional responsibility lies with you, so work those networks and invite anyone and everyone to your location. Hit up those Facebook groups and local events as well!

What does the schedule look like?
The schedule is designed for it to be as easy on your host site as possible. If you provide an air-conditioned/heated room with decent screens or a projector, that’s enough. If you want to go all-out and have snacks, meal(s), prizes, etc.—go for it! Just be super clear on your start/end times and stick to it!

What if I want the training for my youth ministry leaders and don’t want to host? 
No problem. You can purchase the content for your church only when it becomes available for sale on 12/1/23 (the lowest cost will be $199). You can get access to it same as a host on August 1, 2024.

Why sign up this far in advance?
The price will go up steadily in the coming months, and by locking in this Early Bird rate today you are guaranteed the lowest price we’ll offer to host this training. Promise.

What questions will my senior pastor going to ask about this?
We’ve covered a lot of questions (see above), but if you have additional questions, please let us know and we’ll update this FAQ with your question. Please email [email protected] with any additional questions.

Not sure what the National Day looks like? Watch the first 7 minutes of the 2023 training here!