Choosing a summer trip starts with your students, your leaders and what your church hopes to make room for. CIY MOVE, CIY MIX and BigStuf all serve churches through Christian summer experiences. Their age focus, locations and schedules differ. This guide helps Midwest youth leaders compare those practical details without treating one ministry as the right answer for every group.
Published by BigStuf. Facts reviewed October 21, 2026. BigStuf is independent of Christ In Youth (CIY). This is a BigStuf planning guide, not an independent ranking. Check current details with each ministry before reserving places.
Considering CIY MOVE for a high-school group?
CIY describes MOVE as a five-day summer event for high-school students. Its program combines worship, teaching, small-group conversations and recreation. For 2027, the published Illinois dates are July 5–9 and July 12–16 in Wheaton.
Start with the needs of your high-school students. Ask CIY about your selected event's grade eligibility, leader responsibilities and daily rhythm. Its Illinois event pages list departure the morning after the advertised final program day, so include that overnight and the return journey in your church calendar.
Explore CIY MOVE · Illinois 1 details · Illinois 2 details
Considering CIY MIX for middle school?
CIY MIX is a four-day summer program designed specifically for middle-school students, with worship, interactive teaching, small groups and games. That focused age setting may matter to churches planning a dedicated middle-school trip.
Read CIY MIX's program information and check its current dates and locations. Confirm the exact grade boundaries and what your chosen event includes.
Where BigStuf Midwest fits
BigStuf Midwest takes place July 7–11, 2027, at Lake Williamson in Carlinville, Illinois. The week brings together worship, teaching, small groups, recreation and practical support for youth leaders. If your church wants those shared experiences in central Illinois, it belongs on your shortlist.
BigStuf is built around the relationships students already have with their church leaders. Main sessions give your group a shared experience, while small groups and time together let students process it with adults who will continue walking alongside them at home. Leader Labs at camp also give adult leaders practical tools and encouragement.
The current Midwest rate is $527 per person through January 12, 2027, then $537 from January 13. Lodging and all 11 camp meals are included. Transportation, your church's leader costs and other trip expenses still belong in the budget. Ask the BigStuf team to confirm grade eligibility, rooming and any particular needs before choosing a week for your students.
The photograph above shows worship at a previous BigStuf camp, not a past Midwest event. 2027 is BigStuf's first Midwest summer.
Compare the trip your church will actually take
- Match the students. Check each program's age and grade requirements. Decide whether your middle- and high-school students need separate experiences or a shared church trip.
- Map the whole calendar. Include travel days, arrival and departure times, school commitments and adult volunteers' time away. Wheaton and Carlinville can mean very different journeys from the same church.
- Compare complete costs. Start with the selected week's current registration price. Then add transport, extra travel meals, lodging outside camp, leader places and scholarships. Do not assume packages include the same nights or meals.
- Talk through the leader role. Ask how small groups work, what adults prepare beforehand and what support they receive. Choose a rhythm your team can carry into the rest of the year.
- Confirm practical needs directly. Discuss allergies, accessibility, room arrangements and registration terms with each ministry. A general guide cannot replace those conversations.
Put your own numbers side by side
Use BigStuf's camp comparison planner to compare up to three options with your group size, transport and other trip costs. Enter the current figures for the specific weeks you are considering.
Ready to explore the BigStuf option? See Midwest camp details, talk with our team or start BigStuf registration.
The best next step is a conversation with your leaders about the students you are bringing. A camp that fits their ages, your ministry priorities and your team's real capacity is a stronger choice than one selected on name recognition alone.
