
I was leaving work yesterday and one of my youth was walking by the church with a few of his friends. Now, you need to understand that this is one my youth that would never admit that he like coming to youth, much less that he like me, so I suspected when I said hello he might say hi and keep walking or I could even get ignored. However, I also know the importance of acknowledging a child when you see them outside of church and school so of course I said hello. As soon as he saw me he ran over and gave me a huge hug and screamed my name and then introduced me to each of his friends. After getting over my shock that he was acknowledging my presence lol we began talking and I asked them what they were doing. They proceeded to tell me that they had just got out of school and they were running around the neighborhood with nothing to do. I told them to be careful, we said our goodbyes, and as I got into my car a light bulb came on.
The church where I work has two middle schools in walking distance. These middle school kids are passing by here every day after school and most of them have nothing to do. Why not offer something after school for them to come to rather then having preteens running around the neighborhood, which seems unsafe and probably creates more trouble then it does good.
My idea was to create a program, possibly starting with only one day a week that brings in middle school kids after school to the church. We could offer a snack, possibly tutoring, and then some form of fellowship. This is where I need ideas. I personally do not think this needs to be a time for Bible study or even anything related to God but rather just a time for fellowship and fun.
My first idea was to offer different opportunities to learn about all sorts of things that might appeal to the interests. For example, for the first two times we meet I could have someone come in a teach the group about dance. Then for a few weeks we could learn about frisbee golf and ultimate frisbee, and then maybe one week we could look at computers and how use computer safety while surfing the Internet, and then maybe we could teach them how to be a photographer and how to properly use a camera, etc. The opportunities would vary and although each youth might not be passionate about each thing they learn it allows them to maybe find something they really enjoy that they might have not know about before. Overall, it would hopefully be something they enjoy and look forward to coming to each week, and maybe in the midst they might learn a thing or two. I also hope it would help these young teens stay out of some trouble at least for a few hours during the week, and it will encourage them to come and be apart of a group and maybe they will even bring their friends.
Like I said, it was simply an idea that popped into my head yesterday and it could be a complete bust however, I think I am going to give it a try starting in the spring. So, if you have any ideas on how to make this program a success or if anyone has ever done a program like this I would love some helpful tips. Thanks!

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