December Middle School Youth Group

 

We had a fabulous showing on Sunday and gorgeous weather!  It was great to have extra firewood from the families of Esme, Leland, and Monroe!  And thank you to Anthony's family for extra hot dogs and GF buns!  We're feeling very supported by everyone! Here's a recap in both words and pictures.

Chalice lighting, ice breaker, and covenant: We lit our chalice, played a few rounds of Group Juggle and they ROCKED the challenge.  They were focused and creative in their problem solving.  They were motivated and full of positive enthusiasm. Afterwards, we reviewed the covenant that they created in November.  Though our notes were lost, we remembered the most important ones: 

• Being kind, safe, respectful.  
• Listen when it is time to listen. 
• Ask for what you need.  
• Be inclusive with others. 

 

Irina's going to ask one of the youth if they can make a weatherproof write-up so we can have it on hand and just flash it as a review each session, without need for much discussion! 

Nature art: We looked at some examples of Andy Goldsworthy art, talked about doing it sustainably and gave the options to work alone, in pairs, or small groups.  A couple kids opted to just hang out near the fire and that was totally fine.  Sometimes we all just need some quiet time by a fire.  With four adults, two could stay up near the fire. Those doing the art were REALLY into their projects!    

After about 25 mins. we visited each piece of art as a group and heard a bit from the artist(s).  Some nice pictures!  Then they naturally migrated to the fire, so we took turns roasting hot dogs.  They were pretty good about masking up in the shelter area, with just a few reminders needed.  One kid forgot a mask, one kid lost their mask and I forgot extras.  We'll have extras next time for sure!  

Tag: After hot dogs, we played a tag game in the woods called Coyote Deer. They got good and tired out and everyone felt great about it. Nice that we got in two rounds.  

Closing, book swap, and sun catchers: We closed with brief check-in--sharing a rose, a thorn, OR a bud.  Then they each got to take a book from our middle school youth group book swap.  Next month they can bring it back, share a recommendation if they want, and swap it out for another.  And Irina made a Sun Catcher as a Winter Solstice gift for each of them.  Thank you, Irina! 

• Drop-off down below: There was a car off the road on the drive to the Old Shelter, so thanks to everyone who adapted by doing drop-off down below.  I imagine we'll want to stick with that going forward if the road is at all slick.  
• Upcoming sessions: 1-3pm at the Old Shelter on Sun Jan. 9th.  More details coming soon.  I've gone ahead and reserved the shelter for Sun. Feb. 6th, Sun. March 6th as well.  Volunteers are busy with holiday happenings so we are not having an online hangout this month.  
• Want to connect before Jan. 9th?  Join in the All Ages Solstice Circle on Sun. Dec. 19th 1-1:30pm (space limited, pre-register here) OR the Outdoor No Rehearsal Christmas Pageant on Christmas Eve (click here for details).