You’ve said ‘yes’ to leading young people to NCYC—now let us help make the journey smoother. Whether you’re navigating first-time planning or looking to level up your group’s experience, this blog is full of wisdom from a seasoned leader who knows the ins and outs.
Pat Clasby, director of youth ministry at St. Patrick in Carlsbad, CA, joins Abby Struppa, NFCYM Event Marketing Coordinator, to share some of his best tips and tricks for group leaders attending NCYC.
As a group leader who is not bringing a diocesan delegation but a parish youth group, Pat has some great insights into bringing a smaller group to NCYC.
Pat's top 4 tips
1. ✈️Tips and Tricks about Flying
Coming from the West Coast, Pat’s group has no other option but to fly. Here are a few tips he had about bringing a group via airplane
- Airfare: Pat monitors average prices of airline tickets and uses potential sales as a great tool; he doesn’t go through the airline to do group ticketing (they sometimes charge more), and then he averages out the ticket prices to charge the participants an equal amount.
- Kids pay the luggage fee at the airport. Pat encourages one carry-on bag, but you never know!
2. 🕒 Time Zones
- Coming from the West Coast, they are three hours behind Eastern time. Something Pat has noticed and keeps consistent is to make sure their groups stay on Pacific Standard Time, as time has been key to the success of making sure their group is successful. Even if that means not getting the best seats in a morning general session (5:00 am California time). Doing what’s best for your group is the key tip.
3. 🎒 Pat’s 5 Things to Bring to NCYC in Your Clear Bag
Medicine/ Personal Products
First Aid Kit
Copy of a contact list/ laptop
Snacks/ Water
- To pre-order your clear bags, Click Here>
4. 🍽️ Food!
Pat has done something special for his group, celebrating the great pilgrimage they took together. He included a dinner on the last night of NCYC in the price of the trip and reserved a restaurant ahead of time. Even if it’s just for one meal, Pat recommends taking time together as a group to eat and chat about the pilgrimage that you all have taken together.
Want more tips and tricks? Watch the interview with Pat Clasby for more tips and tricks about NCYC!
More tips and tricks from group leaders are coming soon!
