Game lists

Always have a list of tried and true games with you that fit your group, divided into categories: name games, passive indoor games, active indoor games, outdoor games, relays.   Add to the list regularly.  If a game really doesn't work with your group remove it.  Try to use a mix of group favorites and new ones.   If a game really doesn't work with your group remove it.  Try to use a mix of group favorites and new ones. 

Kidnap Retreat: The public event

Key to making the retreat a success is drawing the needed youth to the public event. This means that the event must appeal enough to the target group that they won't just attend, but are willing to sign up in advance. It is currently difficult in most places to get young people to commit early to an event, so this becomes a major problem. One possibility is a concert, a theme park or other public event that requires purchase of a certain number of tickets. It then becomes easier to say to them that if they don't get their reservations in early they may be left behind. Be sure to have an absolute cutoff date that allows time to make arrangements for the retreat.

Although this will cause some griping and complaining and perhaps pressure from youth and parent, this event should be limited to people who are "church members or likely to be involved in youth group this year." Simply explain that the purpose of the (public) event is to act as a group builder for the youth group and that "friends" will be a distraction.

Another difficult issue is that the students cannot have their own car at the public event (they can, perhaps, bring them to the church). Churches with vans or buses have it made, and, if it makes economic sense, renting a van for this event makes it easier to insist that the whole group go together.

Youth minister offices

Don't feed stereotypes that cause youth workers to be disrespected. It is perfectly appropriate to have weird stuff in you office, but keep it neat and orderly. (Closets don't count here.)

An adolescent is an emerging adult.

• Each will develop differently and at a different pace, but they are all between here and there.
• There can not be a “one size fits all” program, adult attitude or counseling method.
• They move back and forth between adult and child; frequently and sometimes suddenly.
• Be prepared to react to wherever they are at the moment, not what they were last week, or what they “should” be.
• Don't be harsh or belittling if they are being childish nor expect too much if they are being “too mature” they are what they are – at that moment

Opportunity for a Young Adult Volunteer

I know this is somewhat off subject, but you may know a young adult (post college) who is looking for a year's service opportunity before moving on with their life.  Hands and Feet of Asheville takes 3-5 volunteers each year and provides basic income, necessities, a place to live, a fellowship and spiritual community as well as a volunteer opportunity in Asheville, NC (a most unusual and interesting community).  The tasks vary including: assisting alternative worshiping communities, children's programs of the YMCA, Habitat for Humanity and working with program for the homeless. 

Here is their web site: http://www.handsandfeetavl.org

When under attack

If someone really powerful is after you and you do not think you can get a fair shake, prepare an exit strategy. I've posted earlier that one should not leave mad or too easily – we need to hold out as long as possible for the youth's sake. However, there are times when a position is untenable (In 40 years I only submitted my resignation under duress once, and, in the end, we worked it out and I stayed).
If you have to leave, however, please read my posts about leaving a group. Your problems are probably not the kids fault (their parent's maybe, but not the kids). They deserve a proper separation.

Don't share everything you are dealing with with a spouse.

• A spouse will not be objective and will tend take on your frustration.
  
• Some may try to get back at those who have hurt you.
  
• Some may just get bitter about your situation.
  
• Some may simply not want to hear about it (again).