Youth-Camp-Training-Handbook (1).pdf

May, 2012Manila, Philippines

CFC youth for christ3-Year Pastoral Formation Track

year1

youth2011 Revised Edition

handbookcamptraining

Chapter 1 - Overview

Rationale and Objectives 7 Objectives 7 Schedule 8 Roles and Responsibilities of the Service Team 8 The Youth Camp Training Talks and Activities 9 Guidelines in Conducting the Youth Camp 10 Guidelines in Conducting the Mock Activities 10

Chapter 2 - Youth Camp Training Talks

Session 1: Understanding the Youth Camp Session Dynamics 14 Expanded Outline 15

Session 2: Spiritual Warfare: The Unseen Battle Session Dynamics 22 Expanded Outline 23 Session 3: Being a Facilitator Session Dynamics 27 Expanded Outline 29

Session 4: Speaking God’s Word Session Dynamics 37 Expanded Outline 38

Table of ContentsYOUTH CAMP TRAINING HANDBOOK 2012 Revised Edition

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Chapter 1YOUTH CAMP TRAINING OVERVIEW

Rationale

The Youth Camp is one of the most crucial points in our life as we serve in this ministry. It is in this activity that the youth would be able to re-establish who they are as children of God. They would also know more about their faith, and have the opportunity to establish friendships with people who believes in the same faith. It is in this entry point that they are re-committed and renewed into a life and relationship with Christ.

In this camp, we experience meeting different kinds of youth who have different notions, thoughts, or beliefs about their faith that may or may not lead them to an open understanding of what they have heard and realized during the sessions. Our Youth Camp is designed to carefully assist the youth into a deeper understanding of Jesus Christ; hopefully leading them into a renewed relationship with Him, it is very important that all members of the service team are trained and oriented properly in order to conduct the activity with care and proper guidance.

Thus, an intensive Youth Camp Training was designed in order to address this purpose. The Youth Camp Training is a one (1) whole day activity, conducted by the Team Leader, given to ALL members of the service team for the upcoming Youth Camp. This should be scheduled at least one (1) month before the Youth Camp. It contains four (4) sessions and one (1) activity, all designed to give the service team a full grasp and understanding of the activity.

Objectives

The Youth Camp Training aims for the service team to:

1. Have a better understanding of the Youth Camp

2. Be trained to effectively serve in the activity through their various roles and responsibilities

3. Coordinate each other’s efforts in preparation for the upcoming camp

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Schedule

8:00 - 8:30 Arrival and Registration8:30 - 8:45 Teaching of Songs8:45 - 9:15 Morning Worship9:15 - 10:00 Talk 1: Understanding the Youth Camp10:00 - 10:15 Break10:15 - 11:15 Talk 2: Spiritual Warfare – The Unseen Battle11:15 - 11:30 Sharing and Open Forum11:30 - 12:30 Lunch12:30 - 12:45 Gathering12:45 - 1:00 Afternoon Worship1:00 - 1:45 Talk 3: Being a Facilitator1:45 - 2:00 Mock Group Discussion2:00 - 2:45 Talk 4: Speaking God’s Word2:45 - 3:15 Preparing for Giving of Talk3:15 - 4:30 Mock Youth Camp

(All talks will be given 5 minutes each) Mock Pray-Over Session for 30 minutes each

4:30 - 5:00 Evaluation/ Feedback5:00 - 5:20 Prayer for Empowerment5:20 - 5:30 Closing Worship

Roles and Responsibilities of the Service Team

In this activity, the team leader, assistant team leader, Couple Coordinators and the Music Ministry are the main service teams for this training. Members of the team are to plan and act based on the following roles and responsibilities assigned for each:

1. YFC Couple Coordinator

a. Leads the Youth Camp Training Activity, together with the Team Leader.

b. In charge of looking for and finalizing the venue together with the Team Leader.

c. Oversees all pastoral content and general needs of the assembly (sound system, chairs, budget, food etc.).

2. Team Leader

a. In charge of finding and finalizing the apt venue, together with the YFC Couple Coordinator.

b. Determines and finalizes all speakers and sharers for the training.

c. Assigns worship leader and music ministry for the activity.

d. Facilitates and conducts the Youth Camp Training activity.

3. Assistant Team Leader

a. In charge of registration and food preparation for the activity.

b. Ensures that all members of the service team are present in the training.

c. Prepares training materials that may be needed (e.g. visual presentation, IDs, handouts etc.).

4. Music Ministry

a. Prepares the song sheets/visual presentations of the songs through laptops and LCD projector.

b. Provides materials for teaching of songs (e.g. songbook, guitar, guitar strings, backup instruments etc.).

Understanding the Training Talks and Activities

Talk 1: Understanding the Youth Camp

This talk gives them a brief overview of the entire activity, seeing it from a different point of view for the first time. It allows them to realize how significant the activity has been in their personal journey in the YFC ministry. Different elements of the camp are highlighted in order for them to see how such are important in the success of the camp.

Talk 2: Spiritual Warfare – The Unseen Battle

This talk allows the service team to realize that preparation is not only outward but inward as well. It talks about spiritual preparations of each person in the camp as a vital part in the over-all output of the camp.

Talk 3: Being a Facilitator

This talk allows them to realize the importance of being a facilitator in the camp, making them see how they are in establishing good and strong friendships with the participants. This session equips them with the basic knowledge and responsibilities in leading the participants at

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the start of a renewed journey with Christ.

Talk 4: Speaking God’s Word

This talk empowers and equips the speakers and sharers of the camp into bringing and sharing the message of Christ in their lives. This session allows them to keep in mind the basics of delivering their stories with excellence and humility.

Guidelines in Conducting the Youth Camp Training

1. This is a one (1) whole day activity conducted for the service team members of the camp.

2. All members of the service team are required to attend in this activity.

3. In cases that a service team member fails to attend the activity, the Team Leader must conduct a fast track training for the absentee.

4. During the training, it is important that the attendees take down notes and have copies of the handout for them to be guided as they listen to the talk.

5. The mock activity for the pray-over session will be conducted within the mock youth camp activity. Thus, all written comments/observations should be kept during the pray-over session, continued during talk five (5), and handed back to the team leader after the activity.

Guidelines in Conducting the Mock Activities

Mock activities within this training are conducted so that the team will have an over-all idea of the experience. It is important that these mock activities be scheduled and be conducted properly so as to promote the proper culture of the camp.

1. Mock Group Discussion

a. Divide the crowd into groups of 5-7.

b. Assign a person that will act as the facilitator of the group.

c. Have the group answer “When did I experience God’s Love?”

d. After twenty (20) minutes, instruct the group to wrap up their

discussion.

e. Have at least ten (10) minutes of sharing and feedback from the crowd.

f. The Team Leader, Assistant Team Leader, and Couple Coordinator In-charge must be ready to answer; give comments, tips or insights on the mock activity.

2. Mock Youth Camp Activity

a. Assign the Camp Servant as the acting Team Leader of the Camp for this activity.

b. After the fourth talk of the training, assign five persons (5) as your acting speakers, and four (4) acting sharers.

• God’s Love and His Plan for Us: speaker and sharer

• Who is Jesus Christ to Me: speaker and sharer

• Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness: speaker and sharer

• Receiving God’s Gift - The Power of the Holy Spirit: speaker only

• Growing in the Spirit - Life & Mission of YFC: speaker and sharer

c. Distribute the expanded talk outlines to the speakers. The sharers can read the talk together with the speakers assigned.

d. Keeping in mind the roles and responsibilities discussed previously, all assigned are to prepare for the mock activity.

e. The speakers need not give the whole talk, but just the main points.

f. The team leader, speakers, and sharers will deliver their mini-talks/testimonies in front of the audience. Each speaker has five (5) minutes while each sharer has three (3) minutes.

g. The audience will be listing their comments/observations on a piece of paper (both positive and negative). After which, they will give this to the Team Leader for discussion.

h. It is the role of the team leader to make sure that everyone sees these observations as areas for improvement. Encourage

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them to ask for guidance and prepare in prayer for the camp. Thus, comments and observations should be done objectively, avoiding any bad humor, or insult from any member of the group.

3. Mock Activity on the Pray-Over Session

a. Group the crowd into pairs. Note: This can be done during registration or by count off.

b. Instruct the crowd to assign a person to be person A and another to be person B.

c. There will be two rounds in this mock activity.

d. In the first round, all assigned as person A will be the facilitators, while those assigned as person B will be the participant.

e. In the second round, reverse the roles. All assigned as person B will be the facilitators, while those assigned as person A will be the participant.

f. Orient the crowd that this will be a mock activity on the pray-over session.

g. Have the pair distributed in different areas within the venue. Have the person acting as participant to sit on the chair as the pray-over session is conducted.

h. Give time for the facilitators to prepare. They can review their handouts or ask Couple Coordinators for proper guidance.

i. The mock activity starts as soon as the music ministry starts playing reflection songs.

j. By then, the pairs should start with the actual pray-over session.

k. Each round is given ten (10) minutes maximum.

l. After the activity, have at least ten (10) minutes to gather feedbacks, sharing and observations from the crowd.

m. It is the role of the team leader to make sure that everyone sees these observations as areas for improvement. Encourage them to ask for guidance and prepare in prayer for the camp. Thus, comments and observations should be done objectively, avoiding any bad humor, or insult from any member of the group.

Chapter 2YOUTH CAMP TRAINING TALKS

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Objectives

For the participants:

1. To have a clear understanding of the youth camp as the basic means of evangelization.

2. To know the roles that each person has in conducting the activity.

3. To encourage and empower one another as the team experiences serving others.

Dynamics

1. Short Opening Activity:

The speaker will ask the crowd, randomly, on their experiences about their youth camp

• How was your Youth Camp?

• Since then until now, how has it changed you?

2. The speaker will use the sharing to be his take off point for the talk

3. Talk proper

4. End of talk

Speaker’s Profile

An active leader that has experienced leading camps in the past; someone who has personally experienced great change, seeing the purpose of the youth camp as part of God’s plan for him.

Understanding the Youth CampSESSION 1 - YOUTH CAMP TRAININGDynamics

Understanding the Youth CampSESSION 1 - YOUTH CAMP TRAINING

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

In YFC, our primary means of evangelization is the Youth Camp. It is in the Youth Camp where we let the participants experience what it means to be young, Christian, and happy. It is in this activity that we encourage them to experience a renewal of their relationship with God, inviting them to be a part of CFC –Youth for Christ. Seeing the importance of this, it is crucial that we reach a full understanding of the Youth Camp and what it means to be in service to them.

II. Goals of the Youth Camp

The youth camp is a venue for us to evangelize and to meet other youth from different walks of life. We will be meeting people around our age who are willing or unwilling to go through this camp. Some are rebellious, some may be forced, or some may simply have no idea. It is important that we understand where they are coming from in order for us to accurately achieve our goals in this camp. As people called to serve them in this camp, our task is to:

A. Introduce Jesus into their lives - we simply point to Jesus and His truth.

B. Encourage the participants to invite Jesus into their lives.

C. Invite the participants into the support environment of YFC as active members.

D. Introduce the life of fun, freedom, friendship, and faith that they will have in this community.

E. Establish a lasting and true friendship with them.


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As we become instruments of God’s love to these people, we, at the same time, are nourished spiritually by having a deeper understanding of the talks and are able to experience growth, learning the different aspects of service. Thus, it is important to realize that as members of this team we see this experience not only as a way to serve but also to grow in God.

III. Elements of a Youth Camp

The Youth Camp is designed to experience the four (4) main elements of YFC (Fun, Freedom, Friendship and Faith). All in all, these elements give the participants a taste and experience of what it means to live their lives with God and in the community.

A. Fun

A major part of a young person’s life is experiencing fun. It is important for them to see the beauty of their lives through enjoying each moment. In YFC we want them to see that this can be most experienced when they live a life for Christ. This is why it is important that our youth camps are fun and enjoyable for everyone. This can be done through:

• Ice breakers – as a way for them to establish friendships with each other

• Games – as a way for them to understand the teachings more

• Entertainment Night – a way for them to express who they are through their talents and enjoy each other’s company

B. Friendship

One of the aspects where the youth build their lives on is through their relationships with their peers. Their peers hold great influence in their decisions, choices, and preferences in life. It is a major part of their growth. In YFC, we allow them to experience true and lasting friendships with each other in God. We introduce them to people that can influence them in a positive way, moving them to become better persons. This is why it is important that our youth camps give ways for them to establish such kind of relationship. This can be done through:

• Small group discussions

• Getting to Know you games

• One-on-ones with their discussion group leaders

• Bonfire sessions – entertainment night

• Acts of service for our participants

C. Freedom

At this time of their life, the youth have an eager need to express and be understood by the people around them. They want to have an opportunity to express who they are, and be themselves without judgment. In YFC, we teach them the freedom in God’s light. We create opportunities for them to be themselves, and learn how God wants them to use their freedom responsibly.

This can be done through:

• Personal sharing through one -to- one and group discussions. This creates a venue for them to be themselves around people and trust them with their point of views and experiences.

• Commitment Ceremony – In the atmosphere of prayer and reflection, this encourages the youth to make a choice and take a stand on their own, making them see the importance of choosing responsibly.

D. Faith

We teach the youth to anchor on their faith, encouraging them to see the significance of their faith as they journey with God in their daily lives. Faith allows them to continue their relationship with God even if the world gives them reason to do otherwise. In YFC, we give venues for them to express and experience, and the opportunity to strengthen their faith. We can do this through:

• Sessions – This gives them a clearer picture of hanging on to what they believe in.

• Prayer – This creates venues for them to strengthen their faith through a personal relationship with God. This camp introduces them to various forms of prayer that they can use in their daily lives. (e.g. praying in tongues, personal prayer time, reflection)

• Worship – This introduces a different type of prayer to the participants, expressing their faith through music, in praise of God.


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IV. Flow of the Talks

The talks in the Youth Camp are designed to assist them carefully into a clear understanding of their faith, God’s love, Jesus Christ, and what they need to do as a response to this love. Each session is accompanied with Bible Verses, stories, or illustrations to further give clarity on what it means to be in a relationship with Christ. Each talk has a corresponding basic gospel truth, deepening growth in their faith.

BASIC GOSPEL TRUTH YOUTH CAMP TALK

God’s Love for Mankind; His Plan for Man’s Fullness of Life with Him God’s Love and His Plan for Us

Introduces the ultimate expression of God’s love - Jesus Christ Who is Jesus Christ To Me?

Man’s sin as he turns away from God’s plan

Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness

Man’s Response: Accepting God’s Invitation and Living as His People

God’s Gift: The Power of the Holy Spirit

Growing deeper in one’s personal relationship with Jesus through community

Growth Talk/ Life and Vision of YFC

Session 1: God’s Love and His Plan for Us

• Makes the participants aware of the truth that God loves them. The talk also leaves them with the challenge to respond to this love.

Session 2: Who is Jesus Christ to Me?

• Makes the participants aware that Jesus is alive in our lives, that He is someone we can know in a personal way and that He is inviting us to have a personal relationship with Him.

Session 3: Repentance, Faith, Healing and Forgiveness

• Helps the participants become aware that sin and hurts in our lives become obstacles in experiencing God’s love. The talk helps the participants realize that a personal relationship with Jesus can only happen when we first admit and become sorry for our sins, repent and forgive those who have hurt us.

Session 4: Receiving the Power of the Holy Spirit

• Introduces to the Youth the power of the Holy Spirit they once received in their baptism at birth to strengthen and guide our lives, and clarifies how we can experience this power personally during our personal encounter Christ

Talk 5: Growing in the Spirit, Dedication to the Life and Mission of CFC Youth for Christ.

• Equips the participants with the knowledge of how to grow in their relationship with God.

• The session should be conducted in a prayer meeting format (there should be full worship before the session). This further imparts the YFC culture to the participants in showing what an assembly is like. It is in this session that the reading of letters, participant’s dialogue with parents, praying over each other and invitation to YFC will happen.

V. Roles and Responsibilities within the Team

Each member of the team is crucial in the over-all success of the camp. One must remember and be faithful to all responsibilities given them by the Lord through this camp. All in all, each part of the team must learn to coordinate and help one another to achieve the goals of this camp. The following are the general roles and responsibilities of each part of the team:

A. Team Leader

• Leads the sessions through leading the prayer, introduces the speaker, and wraps up each session after talk ends.

• Listens to all talks and sharing.

• Leads the Dedication Ceremony after the Pray-over of Parents and Child/children. He is the person who understands all the sessions and knows all the participants well.

• Works in consultation with the Assistant Team Leader, and Couple Coordinator In-Charge for unity and provides focus for the team.

• Facilitates in all youth camp team meetings and makes sure the camp is executed properly.


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• Corrects the team, together with the Couple Coordinator In-Charge, if needed, or gives positive and negative feedback to the service team at the end of each day during the camp.

• Assists the speakers with their needs.

B. Assistant Team Leader

• Assists the team leader with practical and pastoral matters.

• Responds to the needs of the sisters and provides inputs in planning and conducting the camp.

• Takes note of important things in the meeting and makes sure that all the details in the camp are well executed and done.

• Assists the speakers with their needs.

C. Camp Servant

• Works on all preparations prior to each activity of the camp.

• Coordinates with the team leader at all times.

• Reminds the team leader and the assistant of the schedule in order to keep everything on time.

D. Speakers and Sharers

• Speaks God’s word and how it has been real in their personal lives.

• Helps the youth understand the talk and the basic Gospel truth that accompanies it.

E. Facilitators

• Handle all group discussions in order for the participants to express and share their own understanding of the talks.

• Handle all one-to-one discussion.

F. Music Ministry and Worship Leaders

• Handle teaching of songs.

• Encourage the youth to sing, allowing them to see that singing is a form of praying.

• Lead the youth into honoring God’s presence.

G. Couple Coordinators in Charge

• Must have a close coordination with the team leader and assistant team before, during, and after the camp.

• Coordinate the schedule of the Youth Camp with the CFC Chapter/School Moderator/Adviser.

• Act as parents to everyone in the camp.

• Follow up the parents in their attendance to the Parent’s Orientation and Dedication Ceremony as well as the letters the parents have to prepare for their children for the activity on the last day of the camp.

• Conduct the Parents’ Orientation.

• Make sure that the participants attend the Holy Eucharist and Confession.

• Must be an example in speech and in conduct to the youth.

• Intercede for prayers for the whole duration of the youth camp.

VI. Conclusion

God gives us plenty of opportunities to evangelize. In YFC, our number one means of evangelization is the Youth Camp. It is a gift from God and like any other gift, we try to understand its proper use, so that He who gave us this gift may be pleased.


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Objectives


1. To recognize the spiritual aspect of preparing for a camp, realizing that there is an unseen battle that we have to prepare for.

2. To know and understand the full armor of God.

3. To be confident in fighting the unseen battle with this armor.

Dynamics

1. Opening Prayer

2. Talk Proper

3. Open Forum

4. Closing Prayer

Speaker’s Profile

A YFC Leader who has experienced challenge/trial as he was serving for a youth camp but was able to overcome it by putting on the full armor of God.

Spiritual Warfare - The Unseen BattleSESSION 2 - YOUTH CAMP TRAININGDynamics

I. Two Kingdoms

An unseen battle began with Satan’s rebellion. (Rev. 12: 7-10) He wanted to be God. – (Explain the rebellion.) In this battle against God, Satan was defeated and thrown out of heaven into hell. He was well aware that he could not defeat the all-powerful God, and so he tried to destroy the very thing that God loves – Man.

Though this battle has been defeated with Christ’s death on the cross, Satan continues to deceive men, making them forget the victory that they have in Christ. He tempts them, and encourages them to sin, blinding men from choosing God. As part of YFC, we are called to fight for God by evangelizing and spreading His message to the world.

II. Our Weapons and Protection

One of the concrete things that we can do to help in the battle against Satan is through this youth camp. It is one of the ways that we can make the youth aware of God’s saving love and victory over evil.

As we go on our mission for Christ, God has provided for us an armor, to protect us from the attacks of the evil one. He has commanded us to “Put on the full armor of Christ.” (Eph 6:11), in order for us to be more aware of Satan’s deceiving and subtle tactics. It is through this that we can withstand and claim the victory of Christ.

A. The whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)

One of the clearest oppurtunities for Satan to put up a fight is in our youth camps. He will do everything that he can for us not to bring people closer to God. God is calling us to specifically prepare for this battle. He will assist us in doing this by giving to us His armor. It is an armor that encourages us to live a life like Christ. In this fight, He will ask us to wear:

1. The belt of truth (Eph.6: 14)

Spiritual Warfare - The Unseen BattleSESSION 2 - YOUTH CAMP TRAINING

Expanded Outline


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Satan is the father of lies and he will tempt us to doubt in God, His word, and ourselves. In order to hang on to the truth of Christ, we tighten our belts to feel secured, tightening our grasp to what is true. We need to make sure we live in the truth that God loves us unconditionally, that we are forgiven despite our sins, and that He has a great plan, a future full of hope for all of us. Let us place our confidence in God’s truths knowing that He is the only and sure foundation in our lives.

2. The breastplate of righteousness - protection against sin (Eph.6: 14)

If Satan cannot succeed by making us forget God’s truth, then he will try to destroy our hearts with sin. Throughout the camp, Satan will provoke us to get angry with our parents/friends, make us too lazy or tired to serve, be too proud of ourselves etc. He will use all these sins to make us feel that we are not worthy of serving. Let us protect ourselves from sin by doing everything that we can to do the right thing for Him. Let us seek to go to confession, reconcile with our enemies, resist temptation, and resolve or be at peace with the issues that we have in our lives.

3. Our boots- our readiness to preach the Gospel of peace (Eph.6: 15)

Satan will try to attack our courage by making us hesitant or reluctant in our mission. He will try to make us feel the difficulties and overwhelming weight of our task. Let us put on these boots of readiness by nurturing our eagerness to serve. Let us always remember the reason why we are doing this youth camp: for others, and most importantly, for God.

4. Shield of faith- protection against the devil’s flaming arrows of doubt (Eph.6: 16)

Doubts, like flaming arrows, strike us down. It seems small at first, but then it begins to consume us. We should stand firm in faith in spite of doubts, for faith is simply knowing that God has never failed us and never will. Let us hang on to our faith especially if things seem hopeless for us.

5. The helmet of salvation- (Eph.6: 17)

The helmet protects our mind and allows us to focus on the salvation that God has for us. As we serve in this camp, there will be times when Satan will distract us with our own

problems, insecurities, or even with our plans and desires. Always keep in mind of the goal of our mission: to bring the message of God’s love to others. Pray for the grace to desire this goal as you serve throughout the youth camp.

B. Our weapons in this spiritual battle

As we wear this armor, the Lord wants us to learn how to be more firm in our battles by using the weapons that He has given us. These weapons arm us further by allowing God’s Word and His ways to be lived out in our lives.

1. The Sword of the Spirit - God’s Words (Eph.6:17)

To attack the lies of Satan, we must be fully knowledgeable of Christ, His life and His word. Reading the scriptures should be our sword that we can use to fight. God’s Word encourages us to be more firm and trusting in our faith especially through challenging times.

2. Prayer (Eph.6:18) and Fasting (Acts 13:2-3)

Let us fight with the spiritual weapon of prayer by being faithful to our personal prayer time and by worshipping and interceding as a group. Prayer keeps our relationship with Christ intact. It strengthens our understanding and hold on Him (esp. in our Youth Camp service team meetings). Fasting is a very powerful form of prayer, for it is love and service expressed in sacrifice.

3. Humility

Humility means to acknowledge that it is only with/through God that we can do all these things. Humility means to surrender to God’s will and obey to His command. This defies Satan’s pride. Thus, let us fight knowing that it is only by His strength and power that we can do all things. Let us fight in humble confidence knowing that He has won the battle for us.

4. Love

This is our primary reason for fighting this battle: Love for God and His people. By this love, even the hardest of hearts surrender to God. It is with our love for God and His people that we can conquer all sin. Let us win more people for the Lord by learning to love in the way that God has taught us.


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III. Conclusion

We know that this youth camp will help us bring more people back to God. Though the evil one may try to strike us down in this battle, we have our armor that can protect us from his attacks. Let us always be ready to fight, with our weapons and the armor of God firmly in place in our lives. This is a spiritual warfare that we are going into, yet victory is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Objectives


1. To see and realize the importance of a facilitator’s role in handling the participants of the camp.

2. To learn how to take care and introduce Christ to the participants.

3. To be fully equipped in order to assist the participants to respond to God’s personal call to have a relationship with Him.

Dynamics

1. Opening Prayer

2. Talk Proper

3. Mock Group Discussion

a. The speaker will group the crowd into five.

b. The speaker will select one person to act as facilitators within the group.

c. The speaker will give a sample question for the groups to discuss among themselves. (e.g. what is your most favorite memory of your youth camp?)

d. The group is given 2 minutes each to share about their own experiences.

4. After the mock group discussions are finished, the speaker gathers everyone and opens the floor for any questions.

Note: The speaker should run down the proper format for conducting group discussions and check if the audience was able to apply it.

Being a FacilitatorSESSION 3 - YOUTH CAMP TRAINING

Dynamics


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5. Closing Prayer

Speaker’s Profile

A YFC Leader who has been a successful facilitator; someone who has personally guide his own group into having a relationship with God and has established a strong and personal relationship with his own members through the household.

I. Introduction

After our own youth camps, we have realized how much God loves us. In our personal lives, we have witnessed and experienced this kind of love through the people around us. This time God is choosing us to be instruments of His love to the participants in the camp. It is through us that they will experience and recognize again the love of God.

II. Peer Treasure

As facilitators, we are to assist our participants into a deeper understanding of His plan for them and a stronger hold on the truth of God’s love. Throughout the camp you will be conducting:

A. Group discussions

Group discussions take place after the first talk and after the second talk. We conduct discussions in a group with few members in order for them to slowly vocalize how they feel and understand the topics discussed. Group discussions are a way for them to understand the talk, form friendships with one another, and have deeper grasp on God’s personal message for them. Our group discussions are done with the following steps:

1. Begin with a short prayer.

This shows the participants that everything is done with God’s blessing and in the spirit of love.

2. Introduce each other in the group.

This is done in order to start creating the atmosphere of friendship, encouraging them to be comfortable with one another.

Being a FacilitatorSESSION 3 - YOUTH CAMP TRAINING

Expanded Outline


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3. Make the participants comfortable

Establish rapport first before dwelling into the discussion. Also, stress the confidentiality of sharing within the group. As service team, it is important for us to also stand by this confidentiality. Let us ensure our group of our full trust and support as they strengthen their relationship with God.

4. Proceed with the discussion. Have the assigned discussion starters as guide.

5. End with a short prayer. (You may also ask one of your group mates to lead.)

B. Some Tips on leading your group discussions.

1. You are not expected to know all the answers to their questions. If you can’t answer the question, tell them that you will ask help from your coordinators and will get back to them with the answers.

2. We are not there to convince them but simply lead them to the truth.

3. Avoid using Christian jargons.

4. Focus the discussion on the topic.

5. Budget your time. Make sure all participants will be given an opportunity to share in the time allotted for your group sharing.

6. Strive to make the participant feel comfortable with you. Hang around with them as much as possible.

7. Show concern for your group members.

8. Intercede for each of your group members.

9. Listen to all the talks and sharing even if you’ve heard these many times already. You will always learn something new.

10. Be a good example to your group. Participate in all activities (e.g. singing).

C. One-to-ones

There are instances that some participants are able to open up a deeper part of themselves in a very private setting, or to just one person at a time. One-to-ones are generally conducted in order to

encourage the participant to share further about themselves, and strengthen their bond with their future household head. The goals of our one-to-one session are:

• Clarify questions concerning the sessions.

• Know the participant’s prayer concerns:

1. Relationships

2. God

3. Family and Relatives

4. Friends

5. Personal issues (e.g. vices, studies, and plans in the future

6. Other Concerns

• Find out factors that may hinder the participant to receive the Holy Spirit.

1. Unrepentant Attitude

2. Feeling of Unworthiness

3. Pride

4. Doubt

• See if the participant will make a personal decision to accept Jesus.

Check if the participant is open in proclaiming, and firm in believing, that Jesus truly died and saved them from their sins. This firm belief moves us further into helping them strengthen their relationship with God.

1. The Process of conducting one-to-one’s

• Greet the participant and ask how he is doing in the camp.

• Start with a prayer.

• Go through with the one-to-one session, keeping in mind the goals (mentioned earlier).

• Explain the 9 Gifts of the Holy Spirit. (See the following sections for further details on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.) Ask the participant what gift/s he wants to receive.


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• Ask participants for any special prayer he/she wants to include in the pray over.

• Explain what will happen during the activity in the evening.

• Close it with a prayer.

2. Some Tips

• Before the whole session, pray for each participant in your group. Be open to the Lord’s leading. (He will give you the wisdom to conduct one-to-ones.)

• Be aware of the time. We aim for quality time, taking into consideration each participant in the group.

• Keep the session light - just like having a relational conversation with a friend.

3. 9 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

The 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit assist us as we live a good Christian life. As facilitators, we and our participants should be aware of the importance of each gift.

a. Wisdom

Is not just good practical judgment or common sense or a high degree of knowledge. The wisdom that is of the Spirit is centered on Jesus. It is concerned with the best way to live. It is God’s guidance on how to live as a Christian. (Mark 10:20, 1Cor 12-14, Luke 18:22)

b. Knowledge

It is not just knowing a lot of things through study or experience. Knowledge that is of the spirit is the fruit of revelation, founded on faith, and synthesized by Christian experience. This is more of doctrinal teaching and ability to speak and understand a truth of the mystery of Christ. (Read how Paul understands the mystery of Christ in Eph 1, Eph 3:2-3)

c. Faith

It is not just an intellectual belief in God, but a confident assurance in God which allows us to move forward without any doubt at all. The charismatic gift of faith seems to be a special gift of prayer; prayer with a God-given confidence which produces extraordinary

results. It knows that what one asks for will be given. (Matt 8:10, Matt 15:22)

d. Healing

It is the supernatural ability to affect a cure of physical or other human illness through prayer. It s a variation of miracles but it is more limited because healing focuses on restoring the physical body back to health. This gift enables the person to be God’s instruments in bringing about the well-being of another, on one or more level, spiritual, psychological or physical. (Act 5:15, 19:12)

e. Miracles

It is the supernatural ability to perform miraculous act, acts that are not the result of any known natural law or agency but are caused by divine intervention. This enables the person to be God’s instrument in either an instant healing or in some other powerful manifestation of God’s power. (Acts 8:6-8, 9:36-43, 13:8-12)

f. Prophecy

It is the gift by which a person is used by God to speak on his behalf. It is a gift when God manifestst to man His own thoughts so that a message may be given for the individual or for a group of individuals, or for the community. (Acts 13:1-3, 21:10-13).

g. Discernment

It is the gift by which a person can recognize the spirit behind a particular situation. This enables the person to know the source of an inspiration or action, whether it came from the Holy Spirit, his own human accord or from the evil spirit. (Acts 5:1-10, 8:20-24, 16:16-19).

h. Tongues

It is a gift by which a person is able to utter words or sounds which are not known or understandable to his human intellect, to deliver God’s message for the community. (Acts 10:44-47, 19:6)

i. Interpretation

It is a companion to the gift of tongues, when used for


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prophecy, and is necessary so that those who hear may understand, and so be enlightened. It is when a person, after the use of the gift of tongues, gives the general meaning of what the person has said, or a response to what has been said. Interpretation can also be used privately in combination with the gift of tongues. (1Cor 14:5, 13, 27, 28)

4. Tips

• Before the whole session, pray for each participant in your group.

• Be open to the Lord’s leading (He will give you the wisdom to conduct the one-to-ones).

• Be aware of the time. We aim for quality time, taking into consideration each participant in the group.

• Keep the session light - just like having a relational conversation with a friend.

D. Pray-Over

The Pray-Over session is done in the middle of the fourth talk of the youth camp. It is in this session that the participants are to proclaim boldly and confirm their belief and response to God’s call to have a relationship with Him. As facilitators, we should be made aware of the importance of this session. It is here that we are to concretely bring more souls to God.

We are to conduct the pray-over in this format:

• Ask participant to confess with his own lips that Jesus is Lord.

• Ask him to join you in a prayer or to begin the prayer himself.

• Spontaneous Praising.

• Worship and glorify the Lord with the participant.

• Prayer for Protection

“Lord Jesus, we ask You to cover us with Your Most Precious Blood and Mother Mary’s Mantle of Protection.”

• Binding and Casting; In-filling

In Jesus’ name, bind and cast any negativity (vice, addiction, sin) that he/she has (e.g. anger, fear, lust, envy, anxiety, pride,

doubt, etc.)

Then pray for in filling of the positive counterpart (e.g. faith when there’s doubt; humility when there’s pride).

“In the Mighty Name of Jesus, we take authority and gather all the evil spirits around us, above us and below us. We bind and cast them at the foot of Your Cross to be gone forever. And we ask the Holy Spirit to fill the void that the evil spirits have left behind. We pray for protection against any backlash from the evil one.”

• Lifting of Concerns. Pray for the concerns of the participant.

• Baptism of the Holy Spirit; Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

“Father, we now ask You, in Jesus’ name, to pour upon (name of participant) Your Holy Spirit, so that he/she may receive new life. We also ask You, in Jesus’ name, to grant him/her the gift of tongues and any other gift that You want him/her to receive.

Encourage the participant to pray in tongues with you.

• Closing Prayers

- Prayer of Thanksgiving

- Prayer for a strong Christian Life

- Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

1. Tips

• Baptism of the Holy Spirit does not depend on the amount of time you pray. 5 to 10 minutes is enough.

• Remember that it is God who sends down His Spirit, not you.

• Be aware of what is happening (keep your eyes open). It is the participant’s prayer, you are merely guiding him/her and praying with him/her.

• In case of disturbances (i.e. demonic oppressions), pray for and claim for God’s peace in the name of Jesus. Don’t panic.

• Ask for help from your Couple Coordinator or to the Team


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Leader. If you do decide to go for help, ask one of your prayer partners to do it. Do not leave your participant at any time during baptism.

• Ask for support from the CFC-YFC family during baptism. You must have prayer warriors during this session.

III. Conclusion

“Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6) We may have fears, and not know how to take up the roles and responsibilities of serving as a facilitator. However, it is good to know that we have a God who is always victorious. He has given us His Spirit and as long as we seek Him, He will teach and guide us in everything that we do.

Note: Refer to the Facilitator’s Handbook for other details. (Distribute a copy of this handbook to all Youth Camp Facilitators.)

Objectives


1. To realize the importance of proclaiming God’ Word to the youth camp participants.

2. To learn how to speak His word efficiently and effectively.

3. To be inspired in speaking (living out) His word in their everyday lives.

Dynamics

1. Opening Prayer

2. Talk Proper

3. Preparation time for giving talks/sharing

4. Mock Youth Camp

5. Open Forum

Speaker’s Profile

A YFC leader who has experienced giving talks and sharing in a Youth Camp; someone who can give clear, concise and effective talks.

Speaking God’s WordSESSION 4 - YOUTH CAMP TRAINING

Dynamics


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Speaking God’s WordSESSION 4 - YOUTH CAMP TRAININGExpanded Outline

I. Introduction

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12)

God is continuing to work in our midst. We, as His young people, should strive to be witnesses of His work in all our actions. However, there will be times that God will be calling us to proclaim His message boldly. In this camp, there may be a possibility that God will call us to do this task. As we are given the opportunity to speak God’s word, we should be able to learn and improve ourselves in such a way that we will be able to become effective mouthpieces of the Lord.

II. Giving a Youth Camp Talk

God’s Word should be understood deeply and taken into heart in order to excellently proclaim it to the participants. It is important that we are clear, concise, and consistent in what we, and how we are to, deliver His message.

A. Preparing for a talk

1. Begin with the end in mind.

a. Read the goals stated at the beginning of each expanded talk outline.

b. What message is your talk trying to impart?

c. What part does it play in the series of talks to be given? (e.g. Youth Camp Talks, Covenant Orientation etc.)

d. Stick to the outline provided. This will help you avoid overlapping into other talks.

e. Make sure that you don’t lose the message by saying too many things.

2. Internalize the talk - understand it.

a. How does the talk and its points apply to you?

b. People can see if you believe in what you are saying. In this way you can come up with your own example (story). Your stories will be more effective because they are personal. (e.g. God’s love in your life)

3. Prepare your outline.

a. As you go through the outline, begin finding out ways to get across your message. What does my audience need to hear? How can I effectively bring that message across?

b. Imagery is important. Come up with examples, anecdotes, stories that might help illustrate your point.

c. Inject stories. People prefer hearing stories rather than theoretical teachings.

d. Make your outline personal. Don’t preach - share. People are not looking for teachers, but witnesses. People that they can relate with and where they see the work of the Lord actually taking place.

4. Prayer

Let the Holy Spirit guide you. Ask the Lord what He wants you to say to your audience.

B. Presenting the Outline

1. Prayers

a. Before you deliver your talk, make sure someone prays over you. Aside from the strength you receive from prayer, it puts you in the right perspective of being an instrument of the Lord.

b. Pray as you speak. Listen to the Lord.

2. Speaking to the Audience

a. Communicate to the people; look and glance at them, and scan. Maintain eye to eye contact at all times.

b. Establish Rapport- be able to generate good reaction


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from your audience. This is where jokes are useful. Make it interactive. It will help if you will involve your audience in your talk.

3. Clarity

a. Number your points so your audience may easily follow you.

b. Speak clearly with enough volume and pitch. (e.g. Use a microphone/sound system if you need to.)

4. Avoid Christian jargons

a. For example, “The Blood of the Lamb has redeemed the people of God from the bondage of sin, through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

b. If you do have to mention some, make sure you explain to the participants what they mean.

5. Tailor-fitting Your Talk (Speak in a way that fits your audience.)

a. To particular age group: language and examples that your audience can relate to.

b. To the level of commitment of audience.

c. Never use green/ negative humor.

6. Posture

a. Be confident.

b. Avoid mannerisms (e.g. letting your hands play around.)

c. Walk around. Use helpful gestures.

7. Dressing Decently

8. Time

a. Be ready to adjust your talk depending on the time allotted for it.

b. The ideal time for a talk usually ranges between 30 to 45 minutes.

9. Ending your talk with a high note

Challenge/ encourage your audience at the end of your talk.

C. Attitudes

1. Good speakers are made not born.

2. Stage fright is natural; you can even use it to your advantage. Trust in the Lord. God often allows us to experience this so that it will allow us to pray.

3. It is the Lord’s work to save, not yours.

a. Don’t impress. Speak only what the Lord wants you to say. If you have prepared, you’ve done your part. The Lord does the rest.

b. Your goal is not to make the participants cry or to convince them, but to tell the truth. “The word of the Lord is never spoken in vain.”

c. Speak your best, because it is the Lord who is asking you - Be a faithful mouthpiece of the Lord.

4. Love the people you are speaking to. As Christ allowed you to experience this love, He wants the people you are speaking to experience it as well.

5. Remember that they need the Lord, and that’s why you are speaking to them.

6. Availability

a. Accept assignments to speak or share.

b. Not accepting would be tantamount to saying that God has not been able to do anything in your life.

c. God gave us freedom by the opportunities of not only experiencing a great life but a chance to share these experiences, His blessings and His love.

III. Sharing your personal testimony

Sharing are personal stories shared to everyone in order for people to see how real Christ’s love can be in our everyday lives. Our sharing brings life and deeper meaning into the sessions given by our speakers. It helps the participants relate to the topic given. As we


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proclaim our victories in Christ, let us remember the following points:

A. The ABC’s of Sharing:

A – Audible

This means our stories must be clearly spoken and heard by everyone. Check the tone and volume of our voice. Make sure people understand what we are saying.

B – Brief

Though we have a lot to tell about Christ’s love for us, let us also remember that our audience may fail to listen if it takes too long to get to our main point. We should make sure that we say only the necessary parts of the story and emphasize on the right statements that help us support the point on the talk.

C - Christ-centered

The point of our story should be to glorify God not ourselves. Let us not forget that our audience should take in from our sharing the great love of Christ.

B. Personal testimonies given after a talk are used to show that what is said in the talk can actually happen. These are stories of “bad to good” or “good to better” situations in our lives.

C. Prepare your personal testimony/ sharing.

1. Choose one aspect in your life that the Lord is working in, one that is related to the talk being given (e.g. resentment).

2. Divide your sharing into 3 parts:

a. Before: share what you were experiencing in that area of your life before the Lord began to work. (e.g. I was resentful of my parents...)

b. During: show what the turning point was. What did the Lord do? (e.g. I found out the Lord forgave me so I should forgive...)

c. After: How has that area in your life improved so far? (e.g. Slowly my relationship with my parents is healing. We can now talk to each other more...)

3. The ideal time for sharing your personal testimony is 3 to 5

minutes.

4. Make your sharing personal, concrete. This makes it real.

5. Stick only to what is true. Don’t exaggerate your sharing.

D. Attitudes

1. Be confident. It is good to note that nobody will disagree with your sharing because it’s subjective.

2. Whatever your sharing is, somebody out there needs to hear your story. Somebody will be able to relate with your experience.

3. As the Lord continues to work in new areas of your life, so will your sharing evolve. Update your sharing.

IV. Conclusion

Many of us will feel unworthy and unprepared to speak the word of God. But it is the Lord Himself who touches our lips and empowers us to speak His Word.

Youth-Camp-Training-Handbook (1).pdf

Documents

Transcript of Youth-Camp-Training-Handbook (1).pdf