FIrst Event Done

On Monday, we had our first event, and in my opinion, it went really well.  What were some of the reasons it went so well?  Or were there some things you think went wrong?  Did the way we split the groups work?  Were the games we chose the best for the group of people that came to the event?  What could we do to make MSO better using what we have learned from this event?

 

Programming

We have spent a lot of time talking about programming and throwing out ideas and things we have seen, and telling others problems we see.What are some of the good programming techniques that you have seen that help with middleschoolers? And what are some of the things that have caused problems in programming with kids?

Mission Trips

Missions trips are always a great way to experience a new aspect of ministry. Mission trips are a good way to challenge students and show them different cultures and broaden their spiritual horizons, especially if they go out of country. There are many opportunities during mission trips.

How is a mission trip a form of recreational ministry?

Family Camps vs. Age-based Camps

Like we discussed in class on Monday, many of us have attended camps/retreats. Most of us have attended either Teen camp, Children's camp, Junior High camp, Senior High camp or Family camp. What were the benefits/hazards to being with others your age and how did that affect your experience? What were the benefits/hazards of being with your family and how did that affect your experience? Should we as leaders encourage and support one type of camp/retreat over the other? Why or why not?

The Lasting Effect of Camps

I love camps.  I used to go to summer camp every summer and everyone would be so on fire for God, but about a week after the camp it seemed like everyone was back at the same place as they were before they left.  I have talked to plenty of other people who have this same experience as well.  What can leaders do to get the focus of the kids not on having a "camp high" but instead a changed life?

Godly Play

What is the importance of Godly Play?  Godly play is an interactive teaching method that involves the children in the stories that they are learning.  As teachers, should we really invest our time and energy into methods such as Godly Play, or should we just teach straight from the Bible?  What could be the possible benefits and outcomes that result from involving children with Bible stories, and letting them interact witht these stories?

Intentional Activities

How important is being intentional when doing activities? It is important to think about what we want to happen when we are developing a game. Do we want it to build teamwork, leadership or some other skill? After we discover what we want to teach, then the process is what needs to be worked out. Along with this we also need to take into account the responsiveness of the group as well as the potential hazards of the activity.