WHAT: Both IYF (International Youth Forum) and SPEC, as well as some cultural activities
WHO: 15 to 18/19 year olds in the year of 2027
DATES: Approx. 12 to 17 days in early-mid July 2027. Proposed dates: 5–20 July; final dates to be confirmed.
COST: Previous years cost around $7000 per person. However, in the past, fundraising and Community of Christ support degreased this significantly.
WHAT IS IYF? IYF, or the International Youth Forum, is a Community of Christ international event that has been run 7 times since 1993. It is an opportunity to bring Community of Christ youth (15-18 year olds) together from all over the world at a gathering in Independence, Missouri. Meeting in the temple and auditorium, it is a couple of day event that brings together worship, cultural sharing, small group learning, fellowship, and sharing over church experiences in diverse communities and cultures, as well as so much more.
WHAT IS SPEC? SPEC, or Spectacular, is an annual sports and arts camp held at Graceland University (the Community of Christ sponsored university in Lamoni, Iowa). Over the course of a full week, youth participate in worship, team (and if desired individual) sports, creative explorations, numerous elective sessions, classes, cultural sharing and more. Spec is a unique experience like no other, in terms of inclusion and acceptance of people. It is the closest feeling of what living out Zion might be like.
WHY DO YOU WANT/NEED TO BE THERE?
Connection with youth around the world with similar values
Understanding of the culture of Community of Christ
Develop depth of relationships both within the Australian delegation and within the global church family
See what it means to be part of a global church, and how different issues are effecting the expression of the church in different ways
Experience the true worth of all persons
Play sport (even if you can’t) surrounded by a spirit of love, compassion and encouragement
Share your culture and what being a teen today means
Have fun and a great new adventure
Please complete the Expression of Interest survey by Feb 24, 2026, so that the next steps can be undertaken. This will help us develop a more specific budget and itinerary of events.