“Wouldn’t it be something to see young Aussies finish school, celebrate in a safe environment, get fired up for Jesus, and be equipped to walk into the next season of life with Him?”

That question, posed by National Director PJ Bedwell, captures the heart behind Youth for Christ’s newest initiative: the Schoolies for Jesus Getaway.

A CULTURE SHIFT

For many years, YFC has been on the ground at popular Schoolies locations to share the love of Jesus with school leavers. Through thousands of faith conversations, the team has seen remarkable fruit, including salvations and baptisms. At the same time, this firsthand experience has fuelled a growing desire to help reshape the culture surrounding this coming-of-age milestone.

“The end of high school is a really significant time in a young person’s life”, explains PJ.

“It’s a great opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the purpose of life and what’s next. But there’s got to be a better way than what we’re seeing, with too many Schoolies experiences marked by high-risk behaviours and avoidable harm.”

From that conviction, the Schoolies for Jesus Getaway was birthed, not as a replacement for on-the-ground outreach, but as a new option for school leavers who want to celebrate together with Jesus as King.

We want school leavers to celebrate well. To rest, have fun, and build memories together, while discovering that God’s way is better.

- Ruth, Event Director. 

THE GETAWAY 2026

The inaugural getaway will take place in 2026 in Coffs Harbour, NSW, where Youth for Christ has hired an entire beach holiday resort with capacity for hundreds of school leavers.

Event Director Ruth Lewis-Jones says the focus is on creating an experience that is both joyful and meaningful.

“We want school leavers to celebrate well. To rest, have fun, and build memories together, while discovering that God’s way is better,” Ruth says.

“Our prayer is that young people leave encouraged, strengthened in their faith, and excited about what God has ahead for them.”

Tickets for the 2026 Schoolies for Jesus Getaway are now available at schooliesforjesus.com, where school leavers can book individually, or secure a villa with a group of friends.

Thank you for your support, which helps make initiatives like these possible. If you’d like to directly sponsor the event, visit schooliesforjesus.com/sponsor.