Things I Learned...

Things I Learned About being a Youth Leader while on the Youth Camp Trip:

• Pack for two people or three or a crowd, 'cause you're not a *real* youth leader unless at least two people end up wearing your clothes, using your shampoo or eating your food.
• No matter how many times you announce an important fact, someone will not remember it.
• You will get less sleep than anyone else, and the youth will wonder why you're tired.
• Sometimes the best answer to a question is silence.
• Fake it 'til you make it. Meaning, smile and act like you know what you're doing, even when you have no clue!
• Insist on togetherness... Youth meets lots of great people at camp, but they gotta go home with the ones in their own Body (Church). Cuz that's how God planned it.
• Expect the best; Prepare for the worst. And the registration people will love you.
• Embrace the YLIC title (pronounced Why-lick), meaning "Youth Leader In Charge," because nobody understands that you bear the youth pastor's responsibility without the title.
• Impromptu dorm room meetings are often the most vulnerable and powerful times.
• Craziness = Good Times!
• Remember: You are not the parent. If no harm to them or someone else is involved, the default answer is "yes."
• Share the love, aka. cafeteria food. "Anybody got an extra hash brown? Anybody want this dinner roll?"
• Cell phones are the devil. Ban them. (Invoke Jim Elliot's quote "Wherever you are, be all there!")
• Walkie talkies are a gift from heaven. Tired while driving? Sing at the top of your lungs for the benefit and humor of the other van!
• Smile, smile, smile! Happy smiles, euphoric smiles, tired smiles and crazy smiles.
• Be devoted to God. And make time for everyone else to be devoted, too.
• Thank the Lord daily for the privilege of ministering to His youth.