Building Community a Process

Communication Can be

Threatening t0 Y0Uth

• Move from non threatening to threatening

• Mover from non verbal to verbal

• Move from superficial to personal

• Move from silly to serious

1. ICEBREAKERS

Reasons for Icebreakers:

• kids from totally different backgrounds, schools, social groups.

• not comfortable with one another

• break<down barriers

• sound barrier - multiple fears about speaking –

• open lines of communication. ·

• mixers - interaction with one another

• set a relaxed atmosphere

Oops…

Resources

1. Cards (Discussion,

Conversation starters,

Questions)

2. Ask the 'kids for

icebreaker ideas (They'll

tell you the ones they

like)·

3. Icebreakers don't require

communication.

15 hours in a van may break

the ice

2 . INTERACTION

Running interaction activities

1.get them speaking to

one another.

2.Superficial sharing

3.Surface level

conversation

4.Okay if they go off

topic

3. BOND BUILDING

• problem solving activities.

• force youth to work side by side.

• co-operation is the main goal

• develop a team spirit

• put aside agenda.

Examples:

• Sports teams (positive

competition - not to

bring contempt)

• Obstacle course.

• Puzzles, problem

solving

How to Run Bond builders

1. Carefully Select

2. Don't help them.

3. Be extremely safety minded.

4. Use small groups.

5. Very Clear Instructions.

Running bond builder cont…

6. Don't mention

mistakes.

7. Wait for answers.

8. Focus on the students

personal experiences

and feelings.

Running bond builder cont…

9. When discussing give

everyone a chance to

talk.

10. Don't give advice.

11. Try the bond building

activity again.

4. OPENING UP

Youth are talking about

themselves.

i. Risking · personal

risk to youth.

fear of being laughed

at/rejected

ii. Response of the

Group

I have always felt

that Wolverine

was very much

misunderstood

Running openers

1.Teach teens to listen.

2.Teach them to display

acceptance and not

confrontation

3.Don't discuss what they

share.

You can

tell me..

No, I

can’t.

running openers

1. Thank a person for sharing

2. Model openness to youth group yourself

3. Facilitate the process of sharing.

4. use small groups.

5. Beware of different vulnerability levels.

6. Allow students to opt out

Hey guys there was a time, I

dreamt I ate the worlds largest

marshmallow and when I

woke up my pillow was

gone…

Thanks

for

sharing

Deryk

5. AFFIRMING

• being appreciated,

encouraged, honored,

maybe even admired.

Pastor Dan was affectionately

known as Sanchez…was that a

good thing?

Running affirmations

1. Set the stage for affirmation (no burn zone)

2. Affirm the teen directly

3. Encourage teens to keep all comments positive (no backhand slams)

4. Teach teens how to receive affirmation.

Running affirmations

1. Don't compliment uncontrollable characteristics.

2. Don't use comparisons.

3. As the leader you should participate.

4. Writing out affirmations is helpful.

5. Works well in a big group.

6. Include God in the affirmations.

Well, I think

that you have a

very nice

fiancée and

nice hair…

• Love languages –share• Post it notes• Hot seat –prayer and encouragement• Plate names –sharing out loud• Verbal affirmations –• Life reflects the following• Being there at games performance• Card from leaders on birthday• Activities that affirm kids

6. STRETCHING

· something that puts the whole group at risk

· Safety first

.e.g. Rock climbing

Followed by minimum of ½ hr discussion

Focus on need for others and for God

Help student understand interdependence

Discuss limitations of individuals

7. SHARING AND GOAL SETTING

• Work on goals that are measurable and achievable.as a group and individually.

• Explain which struggles are appropriate to share about

• Confidentiality assured (see suggestions for opening up)

• Should end in time of prayer / commitment/ accountability