As we prepare for our Summer trip to centrifuge, one of the most common questions parents ask is how they can keep up with what’s going on at camp.  Twitter is the best way to share quick bits of info to the world. And will keep you up to date as to what’s going on with your young person at camp!

Don’t have a Twitter account but want one? Here’s how.

Once you sign up for a free account, you need to follow www.Twitter.com/JCGroves or @JCGroves

This post is from www.seeds.churchonthemove.com posted by Kevin Moore

There is nothing like being a youth pastor. We are a totally different breed. In this blog I thought I would celebrate some of the traits and tendencies that can be found in almost all of us that work in youth ministry.

You are probably a youth pastor if…

• At some point in your life you’ve rocked either a goatee or a soul patch.
• You have at least two plaid western shirts from Urban Outfitters in your closet.
• You pride yourself on how fast you can set up folding chairs.
• You secretly desire to look just like any of the dudes from Hillsong United.
• At least one time in your ministry career you’ve scheduled an outreach event, just so you could get some free food.
• Every time you want to “go deeper”, the first thing you do is read a book by Mark Driscoll.
• You can always come up with 3 legit reasons to do it later. (And it doesn’t matter what “it” is)
• Your car catches on fire and the first thing that comes to your mind is, “This would be an incredible message illustration.”
• You got married just so you could have one more steady youth worker.

If you’re a youth pastor, you know what I’m saying is true. Rather than fight it, let’s embrace it. I say, let’s go out and get a cool deep v-neck shirt, read a Driscoll book, and keep setting up folding chairs at a lightning fast pace… because that is who we are. We are youth pastors and the body of Christ needs us… soul patch and all.

After reading this…all I can say is>BE WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE!

Let me just say that the Canyons Student Ministry Staff is honored and excited that you have decided to make camp part of your summer plans. 

This blog will answer questions you may have and will provide important information as your prepare for camp!  The C.S.M Staff is praying and preparing for your camp experience. 

 Our goal is to provide an opportunity and an atmosphere where life-change can take place.  Centrifuge is certain to make an impact in your life!

We will be leaving Sunday morning  July 10th: Please be at the church for the 8:30 service followed by breakfast in the life center. We will load the bus at 10:30 and pull out of the parking lot at 11:00 a.m.

Sunday night we will be stopping at First Baptist Church Farmington N.M. (www.fbcfnm.org)Monday morning we will continue on to camp*

What is Centrifuge?

Centrifuge is a week-long camp experience for youth.  Centrifuge will challenge teenagers to a new and deeper understanding of Christ.  Centrifuge is a camp that incorporates a teenager’s need for activity with the desire to learn.  The Bible studies are deeply intertwined with games and activities, resulting in stronger group relationships and better application of spiritual truths.

Centrifuge divides the students into Bible study groups according to age.  Middle school and high school students are separate for all of their daytime activities and are together for worship services and church group devotions.

Centrifuge also focuses on teenager’s interests.  Through what are called “Track Times,” teenagers can choose from a vast array of subjects.

Centrifuge doesn’t overlook the importance of youth worship either.  Drama, music, youth testimonies, and other creative sources add to powerful preaching aimed directly at the needs of today’s teenagers.  Would you believe that worship time often becomes a teenager’s favorite time at Centrifuge?

Ultimately, Centrifuge is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with teenagers of every background, culture, and walk of life.  It is about deepening the relationships with others in their own youth group.  It is about meeting teenagers from other areas of the country and understanding that teenagers are not alone in their faith.  It is about making a difference in the lives of individuals who, in turn, make a difference in the life of a community.  Centrifuge can truly be an experience that will make a lasting impact on the lives of teenagers!

 The Theme: CONNECT

CONNECT: Developing Godly Relationships is the theme of camp this year.  Students will learn about relationships with the lost, authority, friends and family, those who hurt us, and other believers.

Here is a list of  What to Bring:

• A Bible, notepad, and pen.
• Toiletries such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, washcloths, towels, etc.
• Tennis shoes for recreation.  (Please don’t forget these!)
• Enough clothes for the entire week.  Please keep in mind that we will not have access to a laundromat.
• Sun protection.
• Water bottle you can refill and carry with you.
• Pillow, blanket, and twin-size bed-sheets (extra long).
• Spending money.  Students may wish to bring spending money for: snacks, soft drinks, t-shirts, CDs, and souvenirs. 
• You can bring your IPOD and Cell phone<Just please TURN THEM OFF DURING THE SERVICES! 

                                                                 Optional Items:

• Sleeping-Bag instead of blanket and bed-sheets.
• Camera.
• Recreational equipment for use during free time (football, Frisbee, Ball glove etc.).
• Alarm Clock.

                                                           What NOT to Bring:

• Alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. 
• Fireworks or any kind of weapon.
• Water guns, water balloons, silly string, etc.
• Skateboards, heelies, and rollerblades are not allowed.
• BAD ATTITUDE!

Dress Coed

Fuge camp’s have a dress coed:

•  Nothing that Advertises alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs.
• Explicitly or implicitly promotes racism, sexism, or hatred of any group or person.
• Explicitly or implicitly refers to sexual actions or situations.
• Has spaghetti straps is eexcessively short or tight-fitting.

While at camp, Fuge Camp’s ask that students:

Wear sleeved t-shirts and modest shorts during the day due to the nature of group building recreation and outdoor activities.

Wear modest, one piece bathing suits or two-piece suits covered with a dark colored t-shirt, if participating in water activities.

*Closed toe, closed heel shoes must be worn by participants during recreation and track times.

*Adult leaders have the responsibility of modeling and monitoring their group to ensure students are dressing appropriately.

Track Times:

These Track Times may vary and may not be available.  This list is simply to give you an idea of the types of activities you have to choose from.

(Those marked with an * will perform on stage.  Track times in italics may have a small fee.)

Performing Arts Tracks:

• Creative Movement*
• Drama*
• Interpretive Sign
• Choir*
• Guitar
• Percussion*
• Worship Leadership

Visual Arts Tracks:

• Creative Painting
• Crafts
• How To Make a Video
• Digital Photography

Specialty Tracks: (These tracks take up both hours of track time.)

• Inline Skating
• Backpacking
• Water Sports

Active Tracks:

• Tennis
• Volleyball
• Soccer
• Team Handball
• Battle-ball
• Softball
• Disc Golf
• Ultimate  Frisbee
• Basketball
• Aerobics
• Water Games
• Lawn Games

Discipleship Tracks:

• Missions
• Apologetics
• Christianity 101
• For Girls Only
• For Guys Only
• Discovering God’s Will
• Lifestyle Evangelism
• Peer Ministry
• World Religions

Night Life:

We do not want to ruin the surprise by telling you too much, but there is one theme driven night life.  You will want to have the appropriate clothes for night life on the first full day.

First Full Day: Come dressed as your favorite Saturday morning cartoon character and come ready for lots of games and fun!

Second Full Day: Extended free time in the afternoon.  No Night Life tonight.  However, weather permitting, we will play Ultimate Frisbee as a youth group from 3:30—4:45pm.

Third Full Day: There will be a variety show during the night life on the third full day of camp.  We are putting together an iBand for the variety show.  If you have an iPod Touch, an iPhone, or an iPad, (or Android based device) please contact Jon Homesley at jonh@christcommunity.cc or Facebook and let him know you’re interested in being on the DRIVEN iBand.

Fourth Full Day: Our final night at camp will be the annual Mega Relay!

______________________________________________________

Camp is going to rock! If you have any questions regarding this trip please feel free to contact me at anytime by phone at 423.280.9101 or e-mail JCGroves@canyonschurch.com 

Looking forward to what God is going to do in all of our lives here this week at camp! It’s going to be life changing!!!

JC

Post from www.morethandodgeball.com

I don’t know what happened to me in the past few weeks, but it’s been really discouraging. Students and parents upset about the strangest and most inconsequential things, leaders struggling with life and their relationship with God. It just seems like when it rains it pours and in the midst of the rain, the enemy can stick his foot into the door and make it really hard to close. There is that moment where I am sure many of us have been where doubt creeps in. Doubt that you are capable of leading, doubt that your decisions are the right choices and doubt that you are where God is calling you to be.

This time of uncertainty is filled with an overwhelming sense of spinning your wheels. Questioning things you have said, done or decisions you have made as well, it can become debilitating, to the point where you can’t seem to get anything done. That is where I was at for a few days last weeks, being held back by doubt, and feelings of inferiority and a general lack of vision.

Here are a few things God is teaching me and I think you need to know in times like this:

I. The right decision is not always the popular one:

Leading by consensus is ineffective (and can make you popular for a season), but leading by vision will make you unpopular sometimes. Trust the direction God is showing you, He has bigger and better plans for the ministry than people know. Stand by the call you made, explain where necessary but you needn’t apologize for making the right call on something.

II. You represent a large group:

Parents may be upset that you are not catering to their child, but the reality is that you are making decisions for the group as a whole, and when parents are upset with you, its often because things didn’t go their way or their child’s way. Giving in to that sets a dangerous precedent, but preferential treatment will breed unhealthy expectations.

III. Love them all, Trust a few:

Be really mindful of whom you confide in, make sure that the people you bounce ideas, situations and issues with are people who have the best interests of you and the ministry in mind and are people of integrity. These people are harder to find, and in the Church context people will befriend you to know what’s going on behind the scenes.

IV. You are Called!:

This is number one, remembering that you are called to be where you are. You are the God appointed person for that ministry and those students and leaders are entrusted to you. The enemy will try and convince you that you are wrong, but it is the place you need to be. I have been praying that God would give me the strength kick the foot of doubt out of my door and regain the passion and vision that comes from leading and He is doing that. You are called to Lead, students, volunteers and parents, Lead with the confidence that it is God who placed you there, and equipped you for the battles.

I pray that none of you ever end up in a place where you question your leadership, but if you do, I pray that God gives you the strength to endure.