How to Run Successful Youth Groups & Camps?

Answer 1

Time spent at youth groups or youth camps produces some of the best life lessons, experiences, and memories for a young person. As a youth leader or camp director, you ultimate goal is to create a productive, educational, enjoyable atmosphere for all of the young attendees. If you’ve worked with youth for a while, you have experience as to what works and what doesn’t work with such an age group. However, for those new to the youth group and camp arena, the idea of running a successful camp can seem a bit daunting. Where would you even start?

First and foremost, remember that youth love to have fun. They want to have fun. The idea of sitting through a three hour lecture or having to something incredibly boring will likely drive them away. Not that the entire time needs to be spent in entertainment, but there should be some aspect of fun. For a youth group, this can include a dynamic weekly game which requires fast thinking skills, team work, or wholesome competition. For a camp, this could include a week-long competitive theme which will not only provide entertainment but also teach life lessons.

Secondly, it is important to combine responsibilities and lessons along with the entertainment. One good example of this would be to expect youth to help with set up and tear down for the weekly youth group meeting or help on kitchen duty during a camp. This reminds youth that it’s not all about them, and they must contribute their part.

Success at a youth group or camp depends largely on the leaders. If the young people cannot trust or respect their leaders, little will be accomplished. The head youth leader as well as all assistants need to be able to meet a youth on his level, address pertinent issues, be a listening ear, and offer the support needed. Even if there are good games, appropriate lessons, and noticeable responsibilities, if the leaders aren’t doing their job, the youth won’t benefit as much as they should.

Running a successful youth group or camp takes practice and experience, but it’s an opportunity for a leader to explore, create, experiment, and have a lot of fun!