Summer Happenings

Everyone looks forward to summer for different reasons. For some, it is being out of school, for others the weather. Or both! One thing I LOVE about summer is getting to go out to different houses and teach 5-Day clubs. 5-Day club is like a backyard bible club. The last 4 years, I have gone to a camp to learn how to teach these clubs. Christian Youth In Action (CYIA) is a 2-week intense training camp to learn how to teach the gospel to kids anywhere from preschool age to 12 years old. This camp takes place in many states, but the one I go to is in Newton, KS. About 40 or so teenagers come to this camp. The first week of camp is 6 full days of classes and tests. There are so many things that go into teaching a club. We learn how to teach a bible lesson, missions story, songs, verses, games, ect, weaving in the gospel in every activity. The second week, you actually go out to Newton and surrounding areas to teach a club with usually 2 other camp members. It is such a great camp. Not only to learn how to teach others, but to strengthen your own relationship with God. Because of the busy schedule and all the learning that goes on in a short amount of time, the biggest lesson I learned was relying on God to get you through and trusting him to use you even through your weaknesses. After the camp, the goal is to go home and teach as many clubs as you can throughout the summer. Of course, summer is always a busy time, but I usually teach a few clubs throughout the summer. I love kids, and I love teaching, so it is so much fun for me. Some of my favorite memories include getting pie in my face because the kids reached their offering goal for the missionary, or leading small children to Christ. It is incredible how much God can work in a child’s heart even at a young age. I am looking forward to teaching more this summer!