MAPPING A FUTURE FOR STUDENTS

I am a complete map geek. In the late 70’s to early 80’s a had a part  time job as a delivery driver and used something called a Mapsco to navigate the Dallas-Ft.Worth area. In the Marines I learned the art of navigation using a lensatic compass and a topographical map. As a father, I took my sons on trips into wilderness areas using topographical maps and later taught middle schoolers these “ancient” orienteering skills as an outdoor education instructor. The lessons learned from maps reach farther than the obvious A to B travel. 

Charting a course is a skill that creates clarity and success. The methodology is parallel   to the skill of goal setting. You start with your destination determined. Observe the optional routes and possible barriers. Plan a course of action. Execute the plan, adjusting as necessary based upon factors both anticipated and unanticipated.

Youth ministry presents the same opportunity for such a skill set. Students will leave our care as they grow and enter adulthood. Unfortunately, studies show that a majority of these young students are veering from the path as they enter the next phases of their journeys. The challenge to keep the on route is daunting but not impossible with a plan in place.

One of my favorite aspects of serving in camp ministry is our Summer Mission Team (SMT) program. Every summer we welcome college students into our SMT program. It is so much more than a summer job. The students serve campers, leaders, each other while daily immersing in scripture. The SMT program is designed to engage and equip students as they seek to find their place in this world. We build life-long relationships. Our goal is for the SMT program to impact the students in such away that they return to their campuses on fire for Christ, providing exponential sparks for Christ centered growth in their communities.

We are creating a new program for High School students to get a glimpse of the Summer Missionary program as well. It is a volunteer program that can be for either a one or two week period. The program will introduce the youth to the ministry of camp and provide Christian leadership principles to equip them to identify their destinations and map out the path. 

Think about the impact a goal setting mindset, centered not on material but spiritual, could produce in the lives of young believers. Equipped to navigate through a world that will challenge them on every level. Producing  young leaders hungry to change the world for Christ.