Parents FAQ

Who are the best people to contact in case of a query?

Josh Lay and Hollie Leung are the yNEEC camp coordinators. You can contact them via youthneec.uk@gmail.com or you can get in touch with NEEC Chairman Solomon Ho.

How much contact time is there between parents and youth during the conference?

We do not have any “allocated contact time” as such. The yNEEC programme runs simultaneously to all other conferences and not all youths come to NEEC with their parents so it is not something we can assume all youths would have.
If it is expected of the youth to have time with their parent/s, it will need to be discussed or communicated between the youth and parent/s to arrange contact time during mealtimes (breakfast, lunch or dinner) or the allocated free time slots. The yNEEC timetable will be different to all other conferences, so we ask for this; so that the youth can also manage their timetable whilst with us at yNEEC, as our schedule is usually packed with more activities than the other conferences.

What if someone sees an adult from one of the Cantonese, Mandarin or English conferences going into the yNEEC site. Why can’t parents go in?

Should an adult from another conference be going into a space allocated to yNEEC – it is likely that this has been arranged prior to the conference, or it is a member of our NEEC Core Team linking in with the yNEEC coordinators.

What does the yNEEC programme involve?

yNEEC follows the same skeleton as wider NEEC – so all programmes will start and finish at the same time. Usually your youth will register with the Youth Team and collect their name tag and booklet upon arrival and then the programme will begin officially with an Opening Ceremony.

The programme will then comprise of main sessions (worship and a talk from the Speaker); small group time, games, workshops, prayer time, and organised activity and allocated free time.

Can parents come in during yNEEC to find their youth?

We discourage parents from entering the allocated yNEEC areas during the programme, unless prior permission has been agreed with the coordinators for specific reasons.

We understand and respect that parents might want to see how their own youths are settling in. However due to possible safeguarding concerns regarding all other youths that are not their own children, we cannot allow adults to pass through the yNEEC main hall, allocated spaces or accommodation blocks as they wish.

All leaders serving at yNEEC will have references and a DBS check and it is also our responsibility at yNEEC to keep all youth attending away from any identifiable risks – which include unknown and unaccounted adults.

What if a problem with a youth arises?

Medical Concern: our yNEEC doctor will always be called to review, but should there be a degree of concern – we will ensure the parent/guardian is made aware, either by finding in-person on site or via telephone. If there is a severe medical emergency, then we will get in touch with emergency services immediately, whilst also notifying NEEC doctor, Core Team and parent/guardian.

Behavioural Concern: should a youth not want to comply with our leadership team or programme, we are likely to try and engage them in an alternative way i.e. one/two leaders to one youth or amend their programme to better suit their needs. However, should their behaviour be considered increasingly disruptive and noncompliant, there may be a chance that we need to have a conversation with the parent/guardian.

Special Educational Needs Concern: these concerns must be noted on the registration form or yNEEC must be informed prior to the conference.

Language Barrier Concern: We do state, upon registration, that our programme will be delivered in English. However, most of our core team and small group leaders can (to a certain degree) communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin Chinese.

We do understand transition to the UK and speaking English can be difficult for those newly here with us, but we were encouraged by yNEEC 2023 how most youths (even those new to the UK), were willing to try communicating in English. If you think there are concerns about your children communicating in English, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

How do yNEEC manage expectations of technology usage?

We understand that youths are very attached to their technology: phones, ipads, nintendo switch, laptops etc. We do inform on confirmation that bringing these possessions will be their own responsibility and NEEC cannot be held responsible for any lost or damaged property.

We do not hold any rights to confiscate any personal belongings of a youth. We discourage usage of technology at certain times during the programmes (small group times, main sessions, workshops, games, worship), so that the young people can try to be present and get the most out of their time with us and peers. We will not have any involvement in how a youth uses their technology in their free time – unless there has been a circumstance identified where the youth may be in danger or be considered a risk to others through their phones or devices.

How much time do the Youth get with Peers?

Youths are surrounded by peers most of the time! Our schedules are very packed with different activities starting after breakfast and going on until late evening (approx 10:30pm – 11pm). As youths get to know each other and become friends, there are moments where they don’t want to be apart!

Should a youth find it overwhelming, there are allocated free time slots where they are free to use this time as they wish – to rest, to play games, to find their parent/s or find some quiet time.

How much time do the Youth get with Leaders?

We also respect that the discovery of God is something that the youths will need to experience and grow independently. Our space at yNEEC is designed to be a joyful, safe and thriving environment so that they feel supported when encountering God.

Each small group has two to three leaders allocated to look after them spiritually and physically during camp. Small groups will gather during allocated small group time, group games, organised activities as well as some allocated prayer times. Sometimes the small group leader may encourage a short conversation with the youth to see how they’re doing in general or specifically, on their relationship with God, to see whether they can offer any further support whilst at yNEEC.

Where do the Youth stay re Accommodation?

On the registration form, your youth is welcome to state friends/peers of the same gender that they might prefer to share a room with. As per previously stated, Youth have alternative accommodation blocks allocated and therefore parents must not enter these blocks due to safeguarding reasons. We encourage youth to share rooms with other youths, as there is a chance to bond with peers and engage in further conversations. Under no circumstances are the accommodations for boys and girls mixed.

Again, there is a certain level of independence that these young people do receive; and we believe that by enabling them with this space, they can learn to use wisdom in certain circumstances, discern when something might not be right and learn to seek counsel from leaders in time of help. As these young people grow and mature, they also learn how to trust in one another, by guidance of the Holy Spirit and also learn how to love and care for each other too.

Should a youth have a valid reason to stay with their family, this must be communicated on their registration form or prior to the conference.

Case Studies

Case Study A

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Proin id arcu aliquet, elementum nisi quis, condimentum nibh. Donec hendrerit dui ut nisi tempor scelerisque.View more

Case Study B