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January 21, 2026New York School of Urban Ministry
City Fest
Basketball Outreach in NYC
Youth Outreach & Urban Ministry Experience
The City Fest Basketball Outreach is a high-energy urban ministry outreach in New York City, designed to reach at-risk youth in underserved, multiethnic communities through sports, connection, and the message of the Gospel.
2026:
June 18-22
4 nights — $382 Per Person
2027:
June 17-21
4 nights — $398 Per Person
What Is
City Fest Basketball Outreach
In partnership with local churches and community organizations, this outreach uses street basketball tournaments as a powerful way to engage young people. Through organized three-on-three games and slam dunk contests, youth are invited into a positive, welcoming environment where they can compete, connect, and be encouraged to make life-giving choices.
Beyond the basketball courts, City Fest transforms entire neighborhoods into spaces of outreach—where volunteers engage in one-on-one evangelism, prayer, and open-air Gospel ministry. With children’s activities, food distribution, and hands-on service, this outreach meets both practical and spiritual needs across the community.
What is involved in this outreach?
- Thursday (Arrival Day): Check-in, orientation, dinner, followed by a homeless outreach after a time of worship and preparation
- Friday (Daytime): Community outreach through flyer distribution, inviting youth and families to City Fest
Friday (Evening): Homeless outreach following worship and preparation- Saturday:Full-day City Fest Outreach, including basketball tournaments, children’s ministry, and community engagement
- Sunday (Free Day): Opportunity to attend a local NYC church and explore the city
Monday (Departure Day): Breakfast and departure
What You’ll Experience at NYSUM's
City Fest Basketball Outreach
During City Fest, participants will experience:
Homeless outreach (Thursday & Friday nights), including food distribution, toiletries, prayer, and one-on-one Gospel conversations
Community outreach through flyer distribution and neighborhood engagement
High-energy basketball tournaments and community events on Saturday
One-on-one street evangelism and Gospel conversations throughout the weekend
Opportunities to pray with individuals and lead them to Christ
Serving hot meals through the Mobile Food Truck
Assisting with children’s ministry activities (face painting, games, etc.)
Participating in worship, testimonies, and live ministry moments
Building relationships with local churches and community members
Seeing lives impacted through practical service and Gospel-centered outreach
City Fest Outreach is open to individuals ages 13 and up and is designed for groups of 6 or more looking to serve in urban youth ministry in New York City.
What Volunteers Can Expect
Key Ministry Features
Pre-Outreach & Community Engagement (Friday)
Before the main event, teams go into the surrounding neighborhood to distribute flyers and personally invite youth and families to attend City Fest. This outreach builds connection within the community while creating anticipation for the event. Teams also spend intentional time in prayer, preparing spiritually for the outreach ahead.
Homeless Outreach (Thursday & Friday Nights)
Teams serve throughout New York City, ministering to individuals experiencing homelessness. Volunteers distribute food and essential items while engaging in conversation, prayer, and encouragement—sharing the love of Jesus with those who may feel unseen or overlooked.
Basketball Outreach (Saturday)
The centerpiece of City Fest is the street basketball tournament, where youth participate in organized three-on-three games and slam dunk contests. This competitive and engaging environment naturally draws crowds and creates opportunities for connection. Participants are recognized with medals and trophies, reinforcing encouragement, achievement, and positive decision-making.
Children’s Ministry Zone (Saturday)
A dedicated space is created for younger children, featuring games, face painting, balloon animals, coloring activities, and puppet shows. These activities are designed to be both fun and meaningful—helping children experience God’s love in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Evangelism & Prayer
Throughout the event, volunteers connect with youth and families through personal conversations, testimonies, and prayer. Open-air Gospel presentations, worship moments, and strategically placed prayer stations create opportunities for individuals to receive encouragement, respond to the message of Jesus, and experience personal ministry.
Mobile Food Truck Outreach
The Mobile Food Truck serves hot meals during the Thursday and Friday homeless outreaches as well as the Saturday City Fest event. This outreach meets physical needs while opening doors for conversation, relationship-building, and Gospel-centered ministry.
Past Ministry Visits
See some of the amazing times our teams have had visiting.
Why It Matters
City Fest
The City Fest Basketball Outreach in NYC meets young people where they are—creating a space where they feel seen, valued, and encouraged.
In communities that often face challenges such as poverty, violence, and limited opportunities, this outreach provides a positive and uplifting environment where youth can experience connection, support, and hope. By combining sports, service, and evangelism, City Fest creates a bridge between the local church and the community in a way that is both natural and impactful.
Beyond the event itself, the message of the Gospel is shared in a real and personal way. Lives are impacted not only through what is said, but through the compassion and presence of those serving.
Frequently Asked Questions about CityFest.
- Homeless outreach and daytime ministry may involve subway travel, NYSUM vans, or team vehicles
- Saturday outreach transportation is typically arranged through team vans or NYSUM
For Homeless Outreaches:
- Toiletries
- New socks and undergarments
- New or gently used clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.)
For all NYSUM mission trip packages, participants will primarily use public transportation, NYSUM vans (if arranged), or team vehicles depending on the outreach schedule and locations.
Public Transportation Options
- Weekly OMNY Card:
Replaces the previous 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard and provides convenient access to NYC subways and buses throughout the week. - Pay-Per-Ride Option:
- $1 for a new transit card
- $3 per single ride
- Tap-to-Pay (Contactless):
Participants can also use credit/debit cards or mobile devices (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) to tap and pay directly at subway turnstiles and buses.
Important Notes
- Transportation methods may vary depending on outreach locations and prior arrangements
- NYSUM staff will guide each team on the most effective and efficient travel options
- Some outreach sites are more easily accessible by subway, while others may require vans or team vehicles
Have more questions? Call us 718-204-6471
Providing Urban Ministry
NYSUM’s Legacy
Since 1984, the New York School of Urban Ministry has trained more than 50,000 youth and adults in hands-on urban ministry. Each year, NYSUM hosts and deploys over 5,000 participants by partnering with more than 100 inner-city churches and ministries across New York City.
Through initiatives such as mobile food truck ministry, homeless outreach, shelter ministry, street evangelism, and seasonal compassion programs, NYSUM equips mission teams to meet both physical and spiritual needs while strengthening the local church.