New to CMS Summer School?

I’ve never been to CMS Summer School. What do I need to know?

Who organises CMS Summer School?

CMS Summer School is organised by the NSW & ACT branch of CMS (Church Missionary Society). CMS is a fellowship of Bible-believing individuals and churches committed to global mission. Together, we send missionaries across cultures to proclaim the gospel of Jesus and to encourage God’s people. Our vision is to see a world that knows Jesus.

Who is Summer School for?

CMS Summer School is for you! At Summer School, you’ll find engaging Bible teaching from excellent speakers, diverse and topical missionary sessions, great music, focused prayer and fellowship with friends. We’d love to see you there!

Why should I come to Summer School?

Excellent Bible teaching
Be challenged and encouraged by God’s word alongside fellow believers. Every year at Summer School we have the opportunity to engage with daily Bible talks from our key speaker, as well as talks from a number of other guest speakers throughout the week. View the speakers at Summer School.

Encouraging stories from CMS missionaries
Hear of how God has been at work through cross-cultural ministry around the world. Summer School is a unique chance to hear from CMS missionaries who are currently in Australia on Home Assignment, as they share about their ministry in diverse and encouraging missionary sessions.

Exciting Youth & Children’s program
Enjoy a week of spiritual refreshment with the whole family. A fun and mission-focussed youth and children’s program is available for Crèche through to Year 12. Early registration is essential to take part in these programs.

What does a day at CMS Summer School look like?

A typical day at Summer School follows a pattern of Bible teaching and fellowship, focusing on God’s global mission. For the adults, there are morning and evening main sessions in the Auditorium, and missionary sessions around the site after each main morning session.

Concurrent to the morning sessions, we run a fantastic mission-focused Youth & Children’s program for ages from Crèche to Year 12.

Where is Summer School held?

CMS Summer School is held at Katoomba Christian Convention, 119 Cliff Dr, Katoomba. It is an in-person conference, with the option to view the main sessions online for those unable to attend in person.

Please note, there is no Summer School attendee accommodation at the CMS Conference Centre for Summer School.

There will be limited KCC Campsite accommodation for Summer School attendees. Visit the FAQs page for more details.

If I have kids, what do I need to know?

We love that Summer School is for everyone! Summer School features an excellent Youth and Children’s program which typically fills up early. We encourage all families to register their children as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

If children miss out on the program, they are welcome to attend the main sessions under parental supervision. Children under 8 are not permitted in the Auditorium but may watch sessions with their parents in the Overflow Tent.

Mums and bubs often make use of the Overflow Tent, for changing and feeding.

What is the Youth and Children’s Program?

The Summer School Youth & Children’s Program is always a highlight of the year for kids of all ages. It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your children involved in learning about the role they can play in seeing a world that knows Jesus. This year, kids attending the program will be encouraged to consider how their hope in Christ helps them live as strangers in the world and share his wonderful gospel of freedom with others.

1. Crèche Pandas (0-12mths)
2. Crèche Lions (13-24mths)
3. Crèche Tigers (25-36mths)
4. Preschool (3-4 years old)
5. Infants (Kindy to Year 2)
6. Primary (School Years 3-5)
7. 6-Gr8 (School Years 6-8)
8. 9Ten (School Years 9-10)
9. Senior High (School Years 11-12)

What food is provided?

Morning tea will be provided each day including instant tea and coffee. Barista coffee may be purchased onsite before and after sessions.

When registering, delegates may select the option of lunch on Friday, to be taken away.

Filtered water stations are available on site.

What are the accessibility options?

For those with mobility issues, we run a shuttle service which drops delegates near the Plaza area each day. Please consult the FAQs page for more information about how to access this service. There are ramps around the site and prioritized seating is available during sessions. Our ushers are there to assist during the conference.

Do I need to choose electives ahead of time?

Delegates do not need to register for electives and are free to decide at any time which to attend. As the conference approaches, we will ask people which electives they are interested in to help us allocate locations, however we don’t take this as a binding commitment.

Can I come for the day or does it have to be the whole week?

We encourage everyone to attend as much of Summer School as possible, however day registration is also an option. Youth and Children’s programs are available only to those who have registered for the whole week.

What do people do for accommodation?

There is no onsite accommodation available for Summer School attendees.

Many delegates choose to book private accommodation in the surrounding area, including sharing with friends or making use of the KCC campsite.

Websites such as Airbnb.com and Stayz.com can be helpful in planning your stay.

Where do I go when I arrive?

Summer School officially begins on Saturday night. Upon arrival at the KCC site, please make your way up the hill and follow the signs.

Youth and Children’s programs begin on Sunday morning. This year, we have streamlined the process, so that children and youth are now checked in at the location of their program, rather than all being checked in at the KCC site. The FAQs page contains more information about where to check in.

What do I need to bring?

You will receive a conference booklet and a pen, and have the option of receiving a calico bag or bringing your own. Please bring a Bible and everything you need for your stay in Katoomba, including clothes for all seasons.

What is the situation with parking and transport?

Please refer to the Parking and Transport page which details the plan for 2025.

Will I be able to purchase books?

Yes! There is a bookshop located on site, and book recommendations will be made throughout the conference.

Is there allocated seating during sessions?

Some seats are reserved for volunteers and staff, otherwise we encourage attendees to arrive early as seats do fill up in the Auditorium.

Can I talk directly to missionaries at Summer School?

Summer School is a great opportunity to chat to missionaries and find out more about their ministry. Please be mindful that missionaries will have various responsibilities throughout the conference and may not always be free. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these times.