This stuff works.

That's because the ideas in this book--hundreds of them--come from people like you: people in the thick of youth ministry. These are best-ever ideas from the pages of Group Magazine's Try This One section. They've been tried... tweaked... and tried again. That means you can slide them into your program without risk--and without tons of preparation.

Here are practical ideas for: Bible studies Crowdbreakers Discussion starters Group builders Games Fundraisers Outreach programs
BONUS: Helpful hints from youth workers about all sorts of stuff that doesn't fit in any particular category-but is too cool to leave out!

Are you signed up to serve at a Christian camp this summer? Whether you are a veteran staffer or have never been to camp before, this book is for you!

Get your heart ready for the spiritual challenge of camp leadership.

Consider why you are going to camp, and what will be expected of you.

Learn what makes kids tick, and ways of developing healthy relationships.

Prepare to lead effective Bible discussions.

Gain skills in managing issues and problems.

Become confident in sharing your faith in Jesus.

Today's college students are in the midst of a seismic shift. They are balancing dramatic changes in their own lives while dealing with uncertainties in a world around them. In a culture that is no longer predominantly Christian, college ministry workers can no longer assume the students on their campuses have a basic understanding of Christ or his Church.In College Ministry in a Post-Christian Culture, Stephen Lutz translates missional theology to the practice of college ministry-ministry as a proactive movement that is constantly adapting to its ever-changing environment. This resource will equip college ministry staff, pastors, churches, and student leaders to minister effectively to today's college students with both depth and practical insight.Lutz walks you through the approaches needed to establish, grow and maintain a missional college ministry.

The suicide of a youth group member. The drowning of a teen on a summer missions trip. A school shooting. These are frightening scenarios that Christian school staff members and youth workers sometimes face.One of their biggest fears is facing a tragedy and not knowing what to do.Most Christian school personnel receive inadequate instruction on what critical steps to take to prevent their school from being paralyzed by tragedy, and few youth workers receive the training needed to counsel their teens after a crisis. As a high school counselor, Sandy Austin has faced tragedy ranging from the shootings at Columbine High School to four suicides in eight months at the Colorado high school where she works. In times like these, she understands how important it is to already have a crisis plan in place in order to minimize the panic or chaos that often occurs during and after a tragic situation. In the Crisis Manual for Christian Schools and Youth Workers, Austin uses her experience and expertise to give youth workers step-by-step instruction on how to plan ahead and handle tragedy should the need arise. Having this peace of mind is highly important when it comes to dealing with the lives and well-being of young people.Step-by-step processes include: Formulating a Crisis TeamPrevention and intervention strategiesCommunication through the crisisHelping the families of impacted youthConducting funerals and memorial servicesDebriefingEducation regarding residual effects of the tragedy

These experiences will help your students enter the Bible story... from creation - to the cross - to the church's mission today. (Each experience could be used individually or in succession... for retreats or youth meetings, etc.)