By: Ruth Lewis-Jones

What if Schoolies wasn’t something young people had to recover from – but something that set them up for life? What if it could strengthen their faith, friendships and future?

That question sits at the heart of Schoolies for Jesus, a new Christ-centred Schoolies alternative launching in 2026, pioneered by Youth for Christ Australia.

For decades, Schoolies has been marketed as freedom, yet too often it leaves young people navigating pressure, regret, anxiety, and risk. After years of on-the-ground outreach at Schoolies hotspots, Youth for Christ leaders began asking a deeper question: Isn’t there a better way to celebrate this milestone?

“We’ve seen thousands of faith conversations, salvations, and baptisms during Schoolies,” says YFC National Director PJ Bedwell. “But we’ve also seen how many young people leave feeling empty. We believe this moment deserves something life-giving, not destructive. To celebrate with purpose, not regret.”

From that conviction, Schoolies for Jesus was born.

Rather than replacing traditional outreach, Schoolies for Jesus offers a new option: a week-long, joy-filled, Christ-centred getaway where school leavers can celebrate together with Jesus at the centre.

The inaugural Schoolies for Jesus Getaway will take place in 2026 at a beach-front holiday resort in Coffs Harbour, NSW, with capacity for hundreds of Year 12 graduates. The experience blends rest, fun, worship, community, and faith formation, all in a safe and supportive environment.

Event Director Ruth Lewis-Jones explains the heart behind the event:
“We want school leavers to celebrate well. To rest, have fun, and build memories together, while discovering who they are in Christ and that God’s way is better. Our prayer is that young people leave strengthened in their faith and excited about and equipped for the future God has for them.”

Throughout the week, participants will experience worship nights, clear and relevant Bible teaching, fun adventure, beach days, optional equipping workshops, prayer spaces, and faith-filled friendships- all intentionally designed to help young people encounter Jesus and step confidently into adulthood with Him.

Schoolies for Jesus exists to lead a generation out of destructive cultural patterns and into the presence, purpose, and freedom of Jesus. At a time when many young people walk away from faith between the ages of 17 and 21, the vision is bold: to see a generation ignited to live fully alive in Christ.

Participants can choose villas or camping, come with friends or meet new ones, and be surrounded by trusted leaders and ministries committed to championing the next generation.

Tickets for the 2026 Schoolies for Jesus Getaway are now available at schooliesforjesus.com.

Come away. Come alive. Come back changed and called in Christ.

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Article Supplied with thanks to Youth for Christ

Feature image: Supplied