Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Camp retreat!
How can we help tune out the "noise seeping through the walls" at our retreats to better listen to God? In our world with the noise we have become accustomed to how can we get the more "techie" kids to join in and have fun? What does the environment have to do with the activities we can plan? What was your favorite part of a church camp or retreat?
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I think we can tune out the "noise seeping through the walls" at our retreats to better listen to God by actually setting aside time to reflect on a message or story that was talked about. We can get "techie" kids involved in the games and events at a retreat by having different types of games for each type of kid. Meaning that there could be a "fast-paced" game and a game that is calm. This way the teens/children with energy will be able to get all their energy out as well as the other children who might not want to play a game that is more physically involved. The environment has to do with the activities we can plan because if someone plays kickball inside of a classroom they might break something. My favorite part of fall retreat was having time to go outside and just sit by a cross that was made out of wood. I enjoyed this because actually looking at a cross made my quiet time with God even more meaningful.
ReplyDeleteCamps and retreats were always my favorite growing up. I enjoyed all of the activities and getting to know others and build relationships. I always took seriously the worship and the quiet time built into the schedule. I only see 2 options for those that are techie; either remove all tech so that they are able to focus on what is scheduled or if the group is primarily tech focused then utilize tech in the various activities.I'm sure there is an app for that. :-p
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ReplyDeleteI think the problem with noise seeping through the walls needs to be addressed at the source of the problem. We need to ask where is the noise seeping in the most? I think most would agree that in most the teens life the source is social media. I never went to a camp or retreat but when I go camping in general you use it as a place to relax and get away from the noise. This means putting down the phones and technology that links us to the noise. I do not think it is to much to ask to not allow phones and laptops on camps and retreats. The cabin leaders will have have phones if teens need to reach someone or need to be reached. That was how it was done before everyone had phones and it worked just fine. Getting the more techie kids to join will be a challenge but the first step is done already. They are there and in most instances, chose to be there. I think it is a matter of helping them jump in and find other teens with the same personality. We do not have to get them to join in with people they are not like just join in with someone.
ReplyDeleteI think the noise that leaks into our time with God comes from our demand or desire to keep in touch with those we include in our lives. I think to include techie students can be done by not allowing technology on retreats and camp because if they are going to camp they are going there to learn more about God and themselves. The only thing we can really learn about ourselves when it comes to technology and retreats is that we spend way too much time with it. My favorite part of camp was being in nature and spending time with those who wanted to learn more about God and themselves just like myself.
ReplyDeleteI could not agree with Dale more! He said, “I think the problem with noise seeping through the walls needs to be addressed at the source of the problem.” In truth the source of the problem should be what is addressed at a retreat. I am of the opinion that electronics should be left at home so that participants have a chance to learn what life could be like without them present. The “noise” is put briefly on mute. For this time it is up to the leaders to get to the root of why their students are so reliant on their technology. I believe it goes beyond the fact that it is a normal part of cultural and into the idea of identity. From my point of view, those reliant on technology use it as a screen through which others can see them. They hide their true selves and broadcast their “best” self. Technology use can also be a way of getting attention. Whatever the reason, a retreat forces those reliant on the web to interact personally with the world. This could be enough to bring a student to better listen to God because, at the moment, there is no one else screaming for their attention. I am not of the opinion that we must use tech in order for techie kids to have fun. In Children’s Ministry puppets and flannel boards are making a comeback because they are so out of the ordinary for the current generation. To reach the techie kids we need to give them alternative options. I am not saying no tech but I do believe that they will get more out of a new experience rather than something that is normal behavior. Truthfully, I had a youth pastor do just this at one of our retreats. We went to a beachfront property for an alternative camp. Everyday, after devotions, we were told to sit in silence and talk to God about what was on our heart. The silence lasted 30 minutes. At first everyone was really restless. In a world of technology, silence was not a setting we enjoyed. However, by the end of the week the Youth Pastor had to urge us onto the next activity. We experienced something new that had us begging for more.
ReplyDeleteI believe we need to just cut out the tech in general when we are trying to focus on God.By doing this we can do a better on focusing on what he has to say.I've experienced many times where kids could not pay attention to a sermon or message because of the need to be on their phones. I say lets try and make them pay attention by eliminating phones during service or making some type of rule of respect. I believe that when we can get over the initial shock of not allowing phones, the students will begin to look passed that rule and be willing to let God work.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to retreats, leaving the phones, technology, and more complicated things of life is necessary to tune out the noise and listen better to God. In order to create the needed space, our lives should take a pause and be different from everything for a bit. Just like with adults, I think techie teens could use the same help. If you take away their distractions for a time it forces them to see the world around them and experience God and others.
ReplyDeleteAlthough we might not like it, the environment plays a lot in to what we can and cannot do. If we pick it right the environment encourages what we teach and play. It can also help bring people in and forget the everyday occurrences of life. From the environment we can know what kind of games we can play and activities we can take part in.
My favorite part of church camp is the ability to take a break from the chaos of life. It's also one of those times where forced interaction happens. I enjoy that because friendships can form that wouldn't without the retreat.