Record of Ministry Activities
7/19/09 2 hours worship practice/service, 2 hours getting acquainted w/ campers, ½ devotions
7/20/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/21/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour skits, ½ hour devotions
7/22/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, ½ hour message, ½ hour devotions
7/23/09 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/24/09 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour sharing time, ½ hour devotions
7/25/09 1 hour supervising division, ½ goodbye circle
Personal Reflection
This week went pretty well. There were times that I felt the campers weren’t really taking anything from what I was teaching them and I became discouraged. But I just need to remember that in the ministry we don’t always see the results of our work. I need to realize that even if one camper takes one thing away something has been accomplished. But maybe I shouldn’t be focusing on accomplishments like the world does. This week I did end up giving a campfire message which was new for me. I did it on purity which was a challenge, but I think it went really well. I read the book “The Princess and the Kiss” which helped to explain it in an appropriate way. Overall, this week I learned to appreciate the system of leadership we have here at camp. I like how it is like a chain in which one person is a leader over me, then they have a leader who takes care of them and then there is the director. We all have someone we can go to for advice or support and the burden isn’t on just one person. I’m sure many churches have this as well.
Spiritual Reflection
This week was a little tougher for me. I became discouraged as I said before. Then I became tired and was not giving my all. I had a hard time loving all of my campers and just wanted the week to be over. I also did not get to spend more time in God’s word like I had planned to. I really hope to this next week because I saw how much it helped me on Thursday when I took extra time to refresh myself in His word. I chose to give my all that day and things went really smooth. I also learned this week that I can be confident when I speak in front of others but I need to be careful not to become prideful when it goes well. I noticed this because I was proud of how my message went, but right after, my devotions were not that great. I think God was warning me and I’m glad I got the message right then and could humble myself.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Report 4
Record of Ministry Activities
7/12/09 2 hours practicing and leading Worship, .5 hour devotions, 2 hours initiative games and rules
7/13/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours planning All camp songfest, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, songfest, message, ½ hour devotions
7/14/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour skits, ½ hour devotions
7/15/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/16/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/17/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/18/09 ½ hour Bible Study, ½ hour Goodbye Circle
Personal Reflection
This week was definitely more of a challenge. I had to deal with more conflict than usual, which included gossip, homesickness, name-calling, etc. Many of our girls were from the city so we figured that may be why. But I do not want to stereotype them at the same time. I realized how important it is to have conflict resolution skills as a youth minister. Conflict happens all the time because we are all human; it happens more so when we have to live in tight quarters for more than a day. So what I did this week was pull girls aside and explained to them that they needed to talk out their problems instead of running away from them like they were trying. I asked for both sides of the story and made sure they weren’t interrupted. Then I asked each of them what they did to contribute to the problem. Once they realized that they were able to apologize and move on. I also was reminded of the importance of discipline this week. There were times that I did not want to discipline because I just wanted to be able to have fun with the campers. But I realized that in order to have more fun with them in the long run, they needed to be corrected for their wrongdoings. Plus, God does discipline us out of love so we should try to do the same for our youth. In addition, I learned the importance of balancing my time when I was especially busy with my all camp committee this week. I sometimes worry that I will be a work-aholic as a youth minister, yet I am usually pretty good at making sure I get enough sleep. It is just that I do not want to give of myself too much or build too close of relationships with the youth.
Spiritual Reflection
This week I became worried that I was losing my zeal for ministering to my campers. I did notice that there were times I forgot to pray before things and they didn’t go as smoothly as they could have. At the same time, I did pray for even the smallest things and it made a huge difference in the end. I prayed when a camper was refusing to share something with me when she was crying and I needed to know why. When I did she just came out with it and I was able to comfort her and calm her down. I have also realized how much easier it is to be close to God at camp and I am worried that I will slowly begin to lose it as the summer goes on and as I go home. My goal this week is to make sure I am still giving my all and seeking after God. I also want to spend more time in His word than I have in the last few days.
7/12/09 2 hours practicing and leading Worship, .5 hour devotions, 2 hours initiative games and rules
7/13/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours planning All camp songfest, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, songfest, message, ½ hour devotions
7/14/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour skits, ½ hour devotions
7/15/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/16/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/17/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/18/09 ½ hour Bible Study, ½ hour Goodbye Circle
Personal Reflection
This week was definitely more of a challenge. I had to deal with more conflict than usual, which included gossip, homesickness, name-calling, etc. Many of our girls were from the city so we figured that may be why. But I do not want to stereotype them at the same time. I realized how important it is to have conflict resolution skills as a youth minister. Conflict happens all the time because we are all human; it happens more so when we have to live in tight quarters for more than a day. So what I did this week was pull girls aside and explained to them that they needed to talk out their problems instead of running away from them like they were trying. I asked for both sides of the story and made sure they weren’t interrupted. Then I asked each of them what they did to contribute to the problem. Once they realized that they were able to apologize and move on. I also was reminded of the importance of discipline this week. There were times that I did not want to discipline because I just wanted to be able to have fun with the campers. But I realized that in order to have more fun with them in the long run, they needed to be corrected for their wrongdoings. Plus, God does discipline us out of love so we should try to do the same for our youth. In addition, I learned the importance of balancing my time when I was especially busy with my all camp committee this week. I sometimes worry that I will be a work-aholic as a youth minister, yet I am usually pretty good at making sure I get enough sleep. It is just that I do not want to give of myself too much or build too close of relationships with the youth.
Spiritual Reflection
This week I became worried that I was losing my zeal for ministering to my campers. I did notice that there were times I forgot to pray before things and they didn’t go as smoothly as they could have. At the same time, I did pray for even the smallest things and it made a huge difference in the end. I prayed when a camper was refusing to share something with me when she was crying and I needed to know why. When I did she just came out with it and I was able to comfort her and calm her down. I have also realized how much easier it is to be close to God at camp and I am worried that I will slowly begin to lose it as the summer goes on and as I go home. My goal this week is to make sure I am still giving my all and seeking after God. I also want to spend more time in His word than I have in the last few days.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Report 3
Record of Ministry Activities
7/4/09 1 hour worship; 1 hour Bible Study
7/5/09 2 hour worship; 6 hours with campers
7/6/09 ½ hour Bible study; 1 hour hiking; 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour Dance Party, 1 hour Songfest/Message, 15 min. devotions
7/7/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 2 hour Cookout, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/8/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/9/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Lunch Hike, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
Personal Reflection
This week has been a blast. I have a really great group of girls who are all saved and are easy to counsel. They get along really well and put others before themselves. They respect me as their counselor too. I have not had many problems at all this week. Their names are Emmie, Lizzie, Faith, Olivia, Bethany, and Keri. We are learning about the Armor of God this week and they seem to be taking it all in. Since they are all already saved, (we ask them privately while they are doing their personal devotions and make sure they know what it means) I am focusing more on teaching them to share the gospel with others. We also have been discussing topics such as having our hearts set on God, worrying, being a light in the world, and taking what we learned from camp home with us during our devotions at night. This week, I personally have been trying to make sure I am being patient with campers. Sometimes one of them tends not to listen or becomes easily upset and is sensitive. So I have to try not to be too harsh with her, but be patient and calm with her. I was patient during our cookout with her but then one night I don’t think I was patient enough when she started crying about wearing wet flip flops back from the beach. This was because I thought that was a bit ridiculous, but I had to remember that she was probably tired. Therefore, I tried to be calmer with her later. I am truly thankful to have these girls this week. I hope that they grow closer to God because of camp.
Spiritual Reflection
This week has been going great spiritually as well. I have learned to rely on God for even the little things. I have learned to stop and pray when I need help and before I do Bible Ex or devotions. I hope that I can carry this with me throughout the rest of the summer and even after that. Also, I know that God has been speaking through me because there are times I say things I never thought of before, or I remember things I previously read or learned myself. Also, during my own devotions in the morning I take time to be silent before God and ask Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and to strengthen me for the rest of the day. I want to make this a regular thing I do so that I can be a more effective minister to others. I know that this week has been great but I also know that there will be dry times ahead. However, I really hope I will still rely on God to get through them.
7/4/09 1 hour worship; 1 hour Bible Study
7/5/09 2 hour worship; 6 hours with campers
7/6/09 ½ hour Bible study; 1 hour hiking; 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour Dance Party, 1 hour Songfest/Message, 15 min. devotions
7/7/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 2 hour Cookout, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/8/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/9/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Lunch Hike, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
Personal Reflection
This week has been a blast. I have a really great group of girls who are all saved and are easy to counsel. They get along really well and put others before themselves. They respect me as their counselor too. I have not had many problems at all this week. Their names are Emmie, Lizzie, Faith, Olivia, Bethany, and Keri. We are learning about the Armor of God this week and they seem to be taking it all in. Since they are all already saved, (we ask them privately while they are doing their personal devotions and make sure they know what it means) I am focusing more on teaching them to share the gospel with others. We also have been discussing topics such as having our hearts set on God, worrying, being a light in the world, and taking what we learned from camp home with us during our devotions at night. This week, I personally have been trying to make sure I am being patient with campers. Sometimes one of them tends not to listen or becomes easily upset and is sensitive. So I have to try not to be too harsh with her, but be patient and calm with her. I was patient during our cookout with her but then one night I don’t think I was patient enough when she started crying about wearing wet flip flops back from the beach. This was because I thought that was a bit ridiculous, but I had to remember that she was probably tired. Therefore, I tried to be calmer with her later. I am truly thankful to have these girls this week. I hope that they grow closer to God because of camp.
Spiritual Reflection
This week has been going great spiritually as well. I have learned to rely on God for even the little things. I have learned to stop and pray when I need help and before I do Bible Ex or devotions. I hope that I can carry this with me throughout the rest of the summer and even after that. Also, I know that God has been speaking through me because there are times I say things I never thought of before, or I remember things I previously read or learned myself. Also, during my own devotions in the morning I take time to be silent before God and ask Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and to strengthen me for the rest of the day. I want to make this a regular thing I do so that I can be a more effective minister to others. I know that this week has been great but I also know that there will be dry times ahead. However, I really hope I will still rely on God to get through them.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Report 2
Record of Ministry Activities
6/29/09 4 hours training; 2 hours preparing Bible Ex
6/30/09 3 hours training; 1 hours preparing Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/1/09 2 hours training; 3 hours Site prep; ½ hour Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/2/09 1 hour Bible study; 3 hours Site Prep
7/3/09 1 hour practicing and leading Worship
Personal Reflection
This week was not as busy but we still focused on a lot of training. We spent time talking about helping hurting children, expanded on bearing good fruit in our lives, trained in our activity areas, did last minute cleanup of camp, etc. It is all quite blurred together in my head but I will try to focus on what stood out to me the most. When talking about hurting children we discussed pain and how much teenagers hold it in and don’t know how to deal with it. Many turn to cutting themselves. One thing that really surprised me was how cutting can be contagious, in that when others find out someone is doing it they like to try too. We also discussed in this session that often times we won’t be able to help campers, only God can. But, we can be there to listen because that is what they need the most. However, sometimes a camper’s problem may bring up things in our past that we have not dealt with. I have found this to be true in my life because I have come across campers whose parents are divorced. They hate having to choose between parents, they hate their step-parents and they feel emotionally abandoned by their parents. I know how they feel and I become angry because I know what its like to have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s sin. Thankfully, we have a great staff at camp that is great at listening and I can talk to them about it if the issue does come back up during the summer. And of course, there’s God, the ultimate comforter. I am thankful for my trials though, because I know God has used them will continue to use them.
During activity training we discussed facilitation at the ropes course. This is making up a scenario to motivate the campers to take the challenge and then debriefing after. I think this is a great skill for anyone who works with youth. Overall, this week was filled with last minute touch ups and fine tuning for next week when the campers come.
Spiritual Reflection
This week I began to struggle focusing on God and I noticed that I complained more about things in my head. However, this morning I felt great after devotions. I think it was because I was earnestly praying and I was praying out loud. This week I am working on humbly serving others and not for recognition. There is always a small part of me that wants others to notice my good works. But I am working on doing them because Jesus died for me. I also really want to be continually praying throughout the day. I want to remember to ask God for wisdom when problems arise instead of trying to handle them on my own. I am also trusting God more this week and I hope to carry that through to next week when I have my first campers.
6/29/09 4 hours training; 2 hours preparing Bible Ex
6/30/09 3 hours training; 1 hours preparing Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/1/09 2 hours training; 3 hours Site prep; ½ hour Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/2/09 1 hour Bible study; 3 hours Site Prep
7/3/09 1 hour practicing and leading Worship
Personal Reflection
This week was not as busy but we still focused on a lot of training. We spent time talking about helping hurting children, expanded on bearing good fruit in our lives, trained in our activity areas, did last minute cleanup of camp, etc. It is all quite blurred together in my head but I will try to focus on what stood out to me the most. When talking about hurting children we discussed pain and how much teenagers hold it in and don’t know how to deal with it. Many turn to cutting themselves. One thing that really surprised me was how cutting can be contagious, in that when others find out someone is doing it they like to try too. We also discussed in this session that often times we won’t be able to help campers, only God can. But, we can be there to listen because that is what they need the most. However, sometimes a camper’s problem may bring up things in our past that we have not dealt with. I have found this to be true in my life because I have come across campers whose parents are divorced. They hate having to choose between parents, they hate their step-parents and they feel emotionally abandoned by their parents. I know how they feel and I become angry because I know what its like to have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s sin. Thankfully, we have a great staff at camp that is great at listening and I can talk to them about it if the issue does come back up during the summer. And of course, there’s God, the ultimate comforter. I am thankful for my trials though, because I know God has used them will continue to use them.
During activity training we discussed facilitation at the ropes course. This is making up a scenario to motivate the campers to take the challenge and then debriefing after. I think this is a great skill for anyone who works with youth. Overall, this week was filled with last minute touch ups and fine tuning for next week when the campers come.
Spiritual Reflection
This week I began to struggle focusing on God and I noticed that I complained more about things in my head. However, this morning I felt great after devotions. I think it was because I was earnestly praying and I was praying out loud. This week I am working on humbly serving others and not for recognition. There is always a small part of me that wants others to notice my good works. But I am working on doing them because Jesus died for me. I also really want to be continually praying throughout the day. I want to remember to ask God for wisdom when problems arise instead of trying to handle them on my own. I am also trusting God more this week and I hope to carry that through to next week when I have my first campers.
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