Scientist Matthew Lieberman has shown us that the data is clear that children learn better when they learn in order to teach someone else than when they learn in order to take a test.
This is one of the reasons that Camp Hope is one of the BEST ways to develop youth leaders. It’s a vital part of what Camp Hope is all about! This is one reason why staff members go through training each year. Learn more about Staff Training.
Takes some time and watch this video to hear adults and youth talk about how Camp Hope has shaped their youth leaders.
Camp Hope impacts youth as leaders not only for the summer but for years afterwards. It helps to shape leaders in the community and sets up your youth for success beyond High School and College. Watch this video and hear how Camp Hope was instrumental in shaping these leaders for their career!
Here are some resources for you to help make this happen in your congregation.
Transitioning Youth Leaders after Camp Hope into the life of the Congregation
Mentor Ministry After Camp Hope
Listen to just one success story!
If you have one, please share it with us so we can post it on our site!
Listen to the story of Alanna. Alanna Druffel is a 6th grade student at Harmony Science Academy Northwest, and she is part of the Kinsmen Children’s Academy After Care program at Kinsmen Lutheran Church in Houston, TX. She was awarded the 2014 Harmony Public School Servant Appreciation Award.
This year’s Public Servant Appreciation Breakfast was held as a part of the City of Houston’s celebration and observation of Citizenship Month, which takes place during November. Her family serves together frequently, but Alanna was recognized for her volunteer time as a Disciple Camper during Camp Hope. Disciple Campers at Kinsmen serve the community on every Tuesday and Thursday during the three weeks of Camp Hope in a variety of ways including Operation Interdependence, NAM, Reach Unlimited, Habitat for Humanity and Kinsmen “pew angels.”
Harmony has over 28,000 students and only two students were chosen from each school. Congratulations, Alanna!
As you can see, leadership skills learned at Camp Hope continue long after camp has ended. Students become leaders in your congregation and in the community! But making this transition doesn’t happen by accident. It takes adults that will intentionally walk along side of them as mentors to guide the along the way and to be their advocate.
