I enjoy doing lock-ins because one, I'm still young so I can bounce back quicker with the no sleep thing. And two I really believe that it is one of the best things you can do for your youth group and their friends who don't usually come to youth group to bound and have fun. It's a loving sacrifice. Act out of a place of rest if your going to do one though, let it be that your cup run over so you can loving give into your youth group as the hours of your sleep tick away.
I enjoy lock-ins because it gives me a new look at our youth. They play underground church and I set in a dark corner and see how they interact with their peers. Are they nice, helpful or do they rat each other out. True nature comes out when they think no one is watching.
What I hate is miscomunication from parents, sponsors and leaders. Who is keeping count of the youth, what activity is next, etc. We don't always stay at our church. We generally visit 3 places, ice rink, movie theater, members farm. It can get kinda hairy if the communication breaks down.
Corbett - 12 years ago
Ahhh, the youth lock in. I've now gone through 3 seasons. When I was young (20's) I loved the all nighter and went toe to toe (with the help of a few Red Bulls) with my students in games and fun. After a few years of that, and hitting age 30, the excitement was no longer there and I dreaded the event. Now, I have come back to love it. I only offer one a year on New Years Eve. I use a combination of 1 hr free time (video games on a big screen, board games, etc) for every 1 hr of group activity. Group activities range from fun skits and group games to contemplative prayer stations. Our lock ins run from 8pm - 8am and I find the time now flies by. It's scheduled/organized and remains fresh since it's only once a year. The kids really look forward to it and my leaders are not overextended. Winning!!!!
Revkev - 12 years ago
I love lockins but I know alot of the volunteers at the church do not. I have usually done lock outs now. I have not had as many complaints with lockouts from adults because the time usually flies by!! Ryan earlier said that exhausted nerves get frayed and can lead to unChristlike actions. I agree that can happen but I see that happen on the last nights of camp and mission trips at times. I think sometimes that students can become more open after spending all night with them. (especially the Jr. High)
Will - 12 years ago
Lock ins are good because the youth like them. It is a way to have fun and talk about our beliefs. Lock ins can become what Borg calls a "thin moment."
Lizzy - 12 years ago
I think Youth Lock Ins are a great way to praise God, have fun and make memories of a lifetime! I remember doing these in Middle School and would not trade it for anything!
Ryan - 12 years ago
I know students love lock-ins. I'm not against them, I just think they need to be very well organized and maybe used sparingly. When students & adults get exhausted nerves get frayed, too often leading to actions that don't exemplify Christ. At the same time, they can make great memories and lend themselves to some focused study time. My personal struggle is that my body doesn't like to be awake that long anymore (my college students call me old).
Ben - 12 years ago
Although the lock-in is the black sheep of the youth ministry event calendar, they are made of the same material as teens. Mt. Dew and pizza are literally 15% of the chemical makeup of the typical 14 year old. I think I read that in a science journal...or on a blog...or Facebook.
Besides, have you ever seen a black sheep? Kids love them! You never see them! Same with lock ins. They are not the norm so youth tend to love them. That and the hours of sugar induced mayem!
I enjoy doing lock-ins because one, I'm still young so I can bounce back quicker with the no sleep thing. And two I really believe that it is one of the best things you can do for your youth group and their friends who don't usually come to youth group to bound and have fun. It's a loving sacrifice. Act out of a place of rest if your going to do one though, let it be that your cup run over so you can loving give into your youth group as the hours of your sleep tick away.
I enjoy lock-ins because it gives me a new look at our youth. They play underground church and I set in a dark corner and see how they interact with their peers. Are they nice, helpful or do they rat each other out. True nature comes out when they think no one is watching.
What I hate is miscomunication from parents, sponsors and leaders. Who is keeping count of the youth, what activity is next, etc. We don't always stay at our church. We generally visit 3 places, ice rink, movie theater, members farm. It can get kinda hairy if the communication breaks down.
Ahhh, the youth lock in. I've now gone through 3 seasons. When I was young (20's) I loved the all nighter and went toe to toe (with the help of a few Red Bulls) with my students in games and fun. After a few years of that, and hitting age 30, the excitement was no longer there and I dreaded the event. Now, I have come back to love it. I only offer one a year on New Years Eve. I use a combination of 1 hr free time (video games on a big screen, board games, etc) for every 1 hr of group activity. Group activities range from fun skits and group games to contemplative prayer stations. Our lock ins run from 8pm - 8am and I find the time now flies by. It's scheduled/organized and remains fresh since it's only once a year. The kids really look forward to it and my leaders are not overextended. Winning!!!!
I love lockins but I know alot of the volunteers at the church do not. I have usually done lock outs now. I have not had as many complaints with lockouts from adults because the time usually flies by!! Ryan earlier said that exhausted nerves get frayed and can lead to unChristlike actions. I agree that can happen but I see that happen on the last nights of camp and mission trips at times. I think sometimes that students can become more open after spending all night with them. (especially the Jr. High)
Lock ins are good because the youth like them. It is a way to have fun and talk about our beliefs. Lock ins can become what Borg calls a "thin moment."
I think Youth Lock Ins are a great way to praise God, have fun and make memories of a lifetime! I remember doing these in Middle School and would not trade it for anything!
I know students love lock-ins. I'm not against them, I just think they need to be very well organized and maybe used sparingly. When students & adults get exhausted nerves get frayed, too often leading to actions that don't exemplify Christ. At the same time, they can make great memories and lend themselves to some focused study time. My personal struggle is that my body doesn't like to be awake that long anymore (my college students call me old).
Although the lock-in is the black sheep of the youth ministry event calendar, they are made of the same material as teens. Mt. Dew and pizza are literally 15% of the chemical makeup of the typical 14 year old. I think I read that in a science journal...or on a blog...or Facebook.
Besides, have you ever seen a black sheep? Kids love them! You never see them! Same with lock ins. They are not the norm so youth tend to love them. That and the hours of sugar induced mayem!