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Hey everyone! Jim Eaton here – I’m the Midwest Conference Liaison and youth pastor at First Covenant Church in Salina, KS. Having attended CHIC three times before, I’ve learned some CHIC “Hacks” that make my CHIC experience easier and better each time. I’m so excited to share them with you! Some hacks refer to new things this year, but most are things you MUST know– especially if this is your first CHIC.

I encourage you to share these hacks with each group you are connected to. If you have questions or other CHIC hacks, I encourage you to comment below! Many blessings in your CHIC prep!

FOR LEADERS AND STUDENTS:

1. Pack quick dry clothes!
You will sweat a lot. You will likely be rained on as well. Bottom line, you will get wet! Quick dry clothing will be a HUGE asset to you at CHIC2018

2. Bring Gold Bond.
Knoxville is known for their hot and humid summers, so beat the rashes and stay fresh! Products like Gold Bond powder will be your friend.

3. Bring a small fan to use at night.
Places like Walmart sell 3” fans that are perfect to bring to CHIC – especially if you’re in a dorm where the A.C. isn’t the best.

FOR LEADERS:

1. Get Fit for CHIC!
Let’s be physically prepared to provide excellent leadership for our groups. Join the closed Facebook group Fit 4 CHIC: “A group of Covenant youth workers working to be being physically ready for CHIC in July 2018.” Join the closed Facebook group today!

2. Know the nearby locations of Walgreens and Walmart.
Did someone forget something VERY important (like their prescriptions)? Thankfully there’s a Walgreen’s and Walmart near campus! Need a ride? Ask around – I’m sure someone can get you there quick!

FOR STUDENTS:

1. Pack light by planning to buy your snacks on site.
YOU will have to haul your suitcase and everything you bring from your bus to your dorm. The more you bring, the harder that is. Keeping the snack load light is a great way to save weight in your pack.

2. Pizzas are available outside the arena after Mainstage.
Cash only!

3. Share your snacks.
It’s a great way to make new friends!

FOR PARENTS:

1. Experience Mainstage via the livestream.
We will be livestreaming all mainstage sessions on the website, as well as exclusive interviews with the speakers and artists! Make sure to bookmark unite2021.org.

2. Allow your student to experience CHIC to the fullest.
We want to encourage you to allow your students to fully immerse themselves in CHIC by not contacting them too often. We get that it’s hard to be away from them for a whole week, but we want to encourage you to allow your student to really experience all that God is inviting them into during this time, which includes time to process. Consider waiting until they’ve made it home… they’ll be PUMPED to tell you all that God is doing in their hearts!

Do you have your own CHIC hacks to share? Comment below!

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Update: Additional CHIC Hacks from Youth Leaders:

Thanks to Mikey Bechtold for collecting these tips from youth leaders and veteran CHIC attendees!

1. Be aware that campus is quite large and spread out.
There are some busy parts of town just to the north of campus with some shops, restaurants, and a residential neighborhood. Be aware of that as you are walking around campus.

2. Be prepared for the weather.
The weather is hot and sticky. You can also expect a downpour at any moment, so have an umbrella or poncho on you!

3. Know where your students are and that they are being supervised.
You’re the primary person for your students.

4. Take a minute to meet and thank your dorm team. There are plans to have a volunteer structure in place for helping keep the dorms a safe place during the night. Each residential area also has a resident supervisor, who will be noted in the CHIC pocket guide you’ll receive upon arrival.

5. Attend the youth leader meetings each morning.
Not only is there plenty of coffee and breakfast items, but is a great way to be informed of any updates and connect with other adults during the week. You can find your meeting location and time in the CHIC app.

6. Regain your energy.
During the afternoon, students have a variety of options such as swimming, sports arena, skate park, mini-concerts, service projects, excursions, etc. But don’t be afraid to take a nap and regain some energy! There will also be a Bible Book Club held indoors that will provide a more low-key option (and air conditioning!) This is a great opportunity for spiritual formation while also getting some rest from the heat and activity.

7. Take advantage of the small group time after Mainstage.
It’s a great place to have debrief conversations with students! Likewise, find a place or a creative way on the trip home to debrief with your group.

8. Expect long lines!
CHIC and UT staff are always working on making them quicker, but trying to move 5,000 people at the same time can be a challenge. Please have patience and encourage your group to do the same.

9. Bring a backpack or some kind of large bag you can carry stuff in.
Campus is spread out, so your housing area might be a bit of a walking distance from all the activity. DON’T FORGET THE NEW CLEAR BAG POLICY REQUIRED FOR ENTRANCE TO THE MAINSTAGE ARENA!

10. Have conversations with your students before you leave to prepare and educate them for the intentional multicultural experience that is CHIC.
This is a unique opportunity and students may not have experienced anything like it – to witness what the Kingdom will look like here on Earth.

11. Encourage parents and students to plan for spending cash.
How much should they bring? It is recommended to bring somewhere between $50-250 (depending on what you plan to spend on… CHIC swag, CHIC offering, snacks, etc). Make sure to help parents navigate this.