Jumping in Head First

I titled this post with a cliché because it most accureately describes what we, as a youth group, are doing as of today. I've announced that I have been working on a long list of fun things we're going to do this year, but it wasn't until today that I really got the ball rolling. We spent the majority of the group time discussing future plans. I've come up with a Summer program: The 777 Program. It will include participation in at least:
                       
                        * 7 Service Projects
                        * 7 Fun Events
                        * 7 Worship Events
                   (7 is just a great number)

When 7 of each category are completed by each student, a prize will be awarded. And for those who complete all 21 (or more) will be awarded with a bigger prize.

Some service projects we will be doing include, but are not limited to:
                        * Trash-Pickups around town
                        * Visits to Long Term Care residents
                        * Volunteering at local businesses
                        * Yardwork
                        * Visits to Brookstone residents
                        * A Free Car Wash

Some fun events we will be doing include, but are not limited to:
                       * Serving a sit-down meal at the church
                       * A lock-in
                       * A week of our own church camp
                       * A talent show
                       * Bowling night
                       * Six Flags

Some Worship events we will be doing include, but are not limited to:
                       * Our church revival
                       * Question nights with members of the board
                       * Dramas/Skits
                       * Youth Sunday

We also discussed making new Shine T-Shirts. A lot of ideas were tossed around, but we didn't officially decide on anything specific. At the end, we had some time to spare, so we learned the first two verses of Amazing Grace in ASL (American Sign Language). We'll sing/sign Amazing Grace when we visit Long Term Care on Sunday. I was pleased with the interest in doing that. Discussing all of our plans was very tiring, for me anyway. I would love to have all the energy that teens have, but I guess I'm getting old quick because I am absolutely exhausted. We wrapped up the last fifteen minutes with a game and a prayer and called it a night. I took a couple of the girls home and kept thinking about all of the organizing I still have to do. I'm going to get my papers, notes, forms, and everything else together and organized in a binder. I also have to tear that teen room apart because it is an unorganized mess if I've ever seen one. I'm hoping to make it feel more like home; for me and for the kids as well.