Summer Camp? ALREADY?

Today is one of those beautiful days that reminds me that spring is just around the corner!  Our staff here at Westlawn Youth Network are getting ready for not only this spring but also SUMMER CAMP!

Growing up I loved going to camps and this has also been the trend in my adult life.  I have been blessed to not only go to lots of camps but work at lots of camps.  I am so excited for what God has in store for us this summer.  I thought I would post some of our pictures from camp last year and some things you can join us in prayer about!

Prayer Requests
-The Staff and Jr. Leaders
-Campers
-Wisdom in Planning
-Finances
-Gospel to Be Lived Out and Preached

Beach Theme Craft...Visors!

  

Competition Games with Shannon!

Leaving for Dickson Valley

Worship at Dickson Valley

All Three Churches at Dickson Valley

 

1st Year Newsletter

 If you would like a PDF email of my newsletter, please e-mail me and I will send you one!

WYN Web Site

Westlawn Youth Network finally has a web site!

Check it out and let us know what you think.

High School Club

I have hidden your word in my heart...

As a staff we are very excited for our High School program this year.  Last year we tried a retreat based program but felt that it wasn't enough consistency for the teens.  This year we have decided to meet once a week for a time of fellowship, Bible study and prayer.  

This summer, we recognized a thirst in our teens to know more about the word of God and how it applies to their lives.  This was very encouraging for us as a staff and sparked a change in the High School program.  

Each week, we spend time playing games, eating snacks and being together.  Then, we dive into God's word and allow them the opportunity not only hear truth but to ask questions.  At the end of the evening we take the time for everyone (teens and staff) to speak their prayer requests and pray for them as a group.

I can't wait to see how the Lord works through this time!

 

DIVA Princess Party 2011

Last week was our 2nd annual DIVA Princess Opening Day Party.  Kristen and I were so excited to have 15 girls come.  This year we are not only having the regular program but we will be having a DIVA Leaders program for girls who stand out and want to learn on a more intense level! We are really excited about DIVA Leaders and excited for the coming year.

Kristen Explaining the Program to the Girls

Candy Buffet for Party Favors

Team Building Games

No More Homework Help!

This year we have decided NOT to do our Homework Help program.  Why?...you might ask.  That is CRAZY!...you might say.  Well let me tell you why.  

Westlawn Gospel Chapel and our Youth Center (and my house) are conveniently located across the street from Crown Community Academy.  For many years now, we have had a great relationship with Crown.  Shannon, one of our staff members has tutored there for almost 15 years and the teachers and principle promote our programs and believe in what we do.  

On Tuesdays and Thursdays last year we had our Homework Help program.  The kids would come right after school, we would help them with their homework and work on educational skills.  We believed the program to be a great success but at the end of the year when we asked ourselves "Are we doing what is most effective?"  Our answer was "No."

We came to the realization that though it helped the small group of kids that came to our program, we could have a wider reach and it would help more if we were actually IN the school. This way we would not only help the kids, but also help the teachers who spend all day in a classroom working with the kids.

This year we are happy to say that we as a staff have scheduled hours to go into the school to tutor, aide in the class room, and help supervise during lunch and recess.  (We will continue to have our Open Gym program this year where the kids are welcome to get help on their homework if they would like to.)

I began in the school this week and was already greatly blessed by my time there.  I have the pleasure of working with Mrs. H's 3rd grade class for 3 hours, 2 days a week.  She has already expressed to me how helpful it will be to her to have someone in the class to help her.  She is a WONDERFUL teacher and I am very excited to be spending time with her and her class this year! (Plus I am pretty sure I am going to learn some things along the way.)

View of Crown Community Academy from my front porch...yes I am that close.

I started going to Crown Academy to volunteer in a class room twice a week. Today I helped prepare the science lesson.