I gave up my work with Jr. High kids many years ago. This was necessary for a couple of reasons: I’m too old and I’m too slow. The idea of wrangling a bunch of hopped up teens just doesn’t appeal to me any longer. Now I play a supporting role whenever I’m asked.
For instance, this weekend, as the kids from my church packed up for their Fall Retreat, I was happy to help them check in the 120 boys and their medications. I was even more happy as I watched them load the buses and drive away without me.
The leadership for this journey is top-notch. They love the kids and help them grow as people. For instance, these are a few of the important rules that printed on an index card and given to every young man when they signed in for the event:
* Don’t touch anyone else’s things, stuff, items or junk
* Be nice to each other
* If you see something bad happen and don’t get a leader, you’re a part of it
* Be kind, courteous and clean
* Don’t waste food
* Be a man. Be responsible.
These might be a few rules for the weekend journey to southern Indiana for some Jr. Highers but they are much more: These are basic rules for life. I’m happy that these kids will hear them and be challenged by them this weekend. I think we could all take a refresher course from time to time.
