LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Organizers expect a record crowd of more than 500 high school students for the Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC) Assembly, according to a news release from PCUSA News.

The PYC Assembly, whose theme is "Shine Like the Stars," is a blend of general assembly-style legislative action, leadership training, entertainment, recreation, personal and corporate-worship, and spiritual discipline. It will take place July 30 through Aug. 3 at the church's Louisville headquarters.

According to the release, the event was created to address needs for leadership training for young people in the Presbyterian Church (USA); to answer presbyteries' requests for help in nurturing youth networks throughout the church; and to build awareness of how Presbyterians connect beyond local congregations.

Participants can attend workshops on Bible study, spirituality, the theologies of leadership and recreation.

The workshops were designed to give participants new understanding, ideas and skills in those areas, according to the release. They will include resources, lesson plans and "hands-on" experiences, and will furnish suggestions on adapting the workshops for use in local settings.

Among the workshops:

• Lead, Learn and Live -- Making Bible study interesting, challenging and transforming, so young people will want to share the Good News with others.
• Light of the World -- Exploring definitions of leadership and various leadership styles; opportunities for leadership in PC (USA); and discerning one's spiritual gifts.
• From the Inside Out -- Learning and experiencing different ways of encountering God and utilizing various means (including prayers, rituals, images and symbols) to apply spiritual practices to daily life.
• It's Not ALL Fun and Games -- Examining various uses of recreation, learning  the theology and process for recreational ministry, and learning new games and activities.