Many students attend a youth group throughout high school because it can benefit them in many ways. Although there are many benefits, lots of students also enjoy the fellowship with other students their age who also believe in the same ideals as them. Most youth groups meet once a week but also have extra events as well. The leaders of these youth groups put so much work and thought into what they do with the youth groups.
Roy Lanten, the family pastor at Upper Deer Creek Church, and Lori Landis, the student pastor at Walton Christian Church, were asked about the events they run for their youth groups. Roy Lanten said his favorite event is “See You At The Pole”. This is an event that students around the country meet on the fourth Wednesday of September every year around their school’s flag pole to pray. This is Roy’s favorite event because it brings students from many different youth groups together to worship. Lori Landis said her favorite activity is bible studies. This is her favorite because they are epic, she says. They use these bible studies to lead an entire worship service.
Both leaders were asked what kind of preparation it takes to put on these events. Lanten replied, “For the event to be done with excellence, it takes a lot of planning and time to put on an event. It takes so much effort because you have to think about music, games, food, and what lesson you will teach which needs to be very thought through.” Lori said it takes her about three weeks to plan and practice for their youth groups’ whole service.
Finally, the leaders were asked what event they would host if they could host anything. Roy responded that he would put on a student leadership conference. This conference would teach the students to be better leaders wherever they are in life. Lori would love to host a “safe place” program where any kid of any age can come and go at any time. They would have snacks, free tutoring, places to play, and anything they needed.
Senior, Jarin Williams attends Walton Christain’s youth group. Jarin was asked about his favorite youth group activity or event. He replied his favorite activity is Christmas caroling around different nursing homes. When asked how attending a youth group helped him, Jarin replied it has helped him grow in his faith and become a better mentor to the younger members of his youth group.
Not only do youth groups meet and have their own events, but the local youth groups also meet together to fellowship as one big group. Some of these events include the event “Return to Sender”. This event is called “Return to Sender” because we are returning praise and worship to God because he is the ultimate sender. This is a weekend event where all the local youth groups meet together on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights for a few hours. During this time the youth groups eat, talk, play games, and worship together.
Altogether, youth groups are helpful to the students who attend. As well as youth groups helping students grow, they also like to make it fun. The events and activities the leaders put on take much time and effort to put on. Here’s a rundown of some youth group meetings: Upper Deer Creek meets on Sunday evenings 6-8:00 and Walton Christian Church meets on Sunday evenings 6-7:30 for youth group, and Mondays evenings from 7:30 for bible study
