SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT

Transcription

1 SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT POST-CONFIRMATION EVENT Camp Jubilee, North Vancouver August 27 31, 2018 ADULT LEADER RESOURCE GUIDE

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Adult Leader Letter Leader Resources pg. 1 - Key Concepts pg. 2 - Adult Leader Job Description Pg. 3 - Sample Schedule pg. 5 - Suggested Pre-Event Gathering Session pg. 6 - Suggested Post-Event Gathering Session pg. 9 Adult Leader Medical Permission Form pg. 12 Camp Jubilee Waiver Form pg. 14

3 April 2018 Dear Adult Leader, Thank you for supporting the youth in your parish and/or school and for supporting youth ministry in the larger community of the archdiocese. You will be an integral part of the Searching in the Spirit week. You are a role model for the youth: an example of life after Confirmation and not simply a chaperone. The Parent Resource Guide is available online ( In this parent guide, we have provided parents with information, schedules, daily prayers, and suggestions for preparing their child, and welcoming their child back from the event. Parents need to be involved with the event so that there is complete support for the participants. Please familiarize yourself with and photocopy the pages in the Parent Resource Guide and distribute them to the parents of each participant. If you are the Group Contact Person, please collect these forms and the Heart-to-Heart letters to their children and transcribe the appropriate information to the online registration form. *All original forms must be submitted at the dock before your group gets on the boat to Camp Jubilee. We cannot guarantee special needs will be met if you do not include that information on the online registration form. Please fill in the blanks with YOUR group s specific information on the following forms in the Parent Resource Guide before you photocopy and distribute them to the families: Letter to Parents Family Refrigerator Reminder List As well, have the parents pay attention to the Packing List on page 2, as we have updated it this year with very important information for all participants and leaders. You are strongly encouraged to meet with the participants from your parish in advance of, and following, Searching in the Spirit. Please help organize the meetings and fill out the meeting times at the bottom of Refrigerator Reminder List. The Head Adult Leader must know all the participants in their group PRIOR to getting to the dock on August 27, especially those with special needs and/or considerations. We recommend meeting with and talking to the parents of all your participants. Again we thank you for your support of and work in youth ministry. We look forward to meeting and working with you in August. May God bless you as we all prepare for the Searching in the Spirit program and especially touch the hearts of the youth who will be attending. Peace be with you. Erwin Fung Program Coordinator

4 SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT LEADER RESOURCE One of the biggest mistakes we make in offering retreats to young people is not making any connection between the retreat experience of community and their parish community. There is often a disconnect between the spiritual and emotional highs experienced during a retreat and the realities of everyday life. It is very important that parish leaders and adult leaders work to prepare their youth for the retreat and follow-up with them when they return to their homes, schools, and parishes. Included is a Job Description that outlines your duties and responsibilities as an Adult Leader. Also, we have included two suggested meeting plans that can be used to gather youth before Searching in the Spirit and to reflect with them after the week. These meetings should be used to help develop relationships not only among the youth, but also with adults in their parish who can share the vision of a community on fire with love for God and for one another. RESOURCES The following materials are provided as guidance and support to parish adults accompanying youth to the post-confirmation event: 1. Key Concepts 2. Job Description 3. Suggested Pre-Event Gathering Session 4. Suggested Post-Event Gathering Session 1

5

6 SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT Adult Leader Job Description Your presence in the Searching in the Spirit Program is very important. You have a great impact on the participants!!! Duties/Responsibilities Before the Program: Get to know the participants Plan a gathering with the participants so thay have an opportunity to get to know you and to meet the other participants with your group. Review the forms to be aware of any special needs/considerations with any of the participants in your group. Duties/Responsibilities During the Program: Show respect and care. Actively participate in the program with your parish youth. Be a companion who can help to focus the group, encourage enthusiasm for each challenge, and keep the peace. Spend time with the youth and try to avoid spending more time with the other Adult Leaders. Most important: Be an example to the youth. Be on time for programming Direct youth at tables during meal times. Lead some small group discussions in particular, the evening parish group meetings. You and any other adults will be responsible for your particular cabin. This means supervising all youth in your cabin at night, cabin clean up, and cabin chores. Faithfully attend all Adult Leader meetings during the week. Organize and guide youth in doing chores thoroughly and responsibly. Allow youth to quietly spend time journaling on the pages of each day s section; have a small group sharing on their thoughts and feelings of the day. Establish a bed-time routine; see that all observe Lights Out; guard rest-time. Have fun! Cabin Rules: Keep area clean; keep bags zipped. 3

7 Lights Out means the lights go out in the cabins. No loud conversations. You may read with your flashlight on. Youth are not to leave the cabins after Lights Out. Leaving cabins after Lights Out will not be tolerated. 4

8 SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT SAMPLE SCHEDULE (Days 2, 3 & 4) 7:30am Wake-up 7:45am Mass (depending on priest availability) 8:30am Breakfast / Clean-up 9:30am Morning Prayer and Workshop 10:00am Workshop / Craft 11:15am Craft / Workshop 12:30pm Lunch 1:20pm Beach Party 2:00pm Recreation Activities #1 3:30pm Recreation Activities #2 5:30pm Dinner 6:15pm Adult Leaders Meeting 6:45pm Evening Session 9:00pm Parish Group Time w/ Snack 9:30pm Evening Prayer 10:00pm Youth Back to Cabins and prepare for sleep 10:30pm Lights out 5

9 SUGGESTED PRE EVENT GATHERING SESSION FIRE AND WIND For an opening activity, set strange, unknown objects (e.g. ornaments, mechanisms, rough surfaced objects, etc.) in separate dark cloth bags. Give a bag to each group (make sure no one peeks). Tell the groups that if anyone peeks into the bags, that it will ruin the activity for them. They will find out later. Allow them to put their hand inside and feel the object. Have them write down as many descriptive words as they can about it. Explain to them that they know many things about it, but that they cannot totally know what the object is. There is mystery behind it. Some things can be understood only partially at a certain time. Have them state to the group the main descriptions and hypotheses they have about the object. Finally, pull the object out. Tell them that there are also mysteries in our faith; things we know partly about, but do not understand fully. Write down on a flip chart their descriptions of what they think the Holy Spirit is. We do not fully understand everything about the Holy Spirit, but we know a lot about it. It is just like the mystery bags, or a friend who we are trying to get to know. Say to them two central symbols that speak to us about the Holy Spirit: Fire and Wind. Bring a candle and a fan to be more concrete with these symbols. Break up into their small groups to complete the Seeing Myself in Wind and Fire worksheets individually. Discuss those and the questions in the groups. Speak of what you personally have discovered about the Holy Spirit. Ask if they know what Pentecost is. When Jesus physically left this earth to be in Heaven, He left us the Spirit. Extend their understanding by telling them that the Spirit came down like a wind with fire; coming to affirm, strengthen, and challenge; to let us know that we are doing well; to help us continue to do well; and to ask us to go further. Brainstorm way in which God communicates to us (e.g. people, events, prayer, etc.) These are some of the ways in which God reveals himself to us. This is the Holy Spirit at work. Write on another sheet on the flip chart three different sections: affirm, strengthen, and challenge. As a large group, fill-in the sections with ideas of how the Spirit does this. One idea might fit one, two or all the sections. For example, the development of a baby in the mother s womb. The Spirit affirms the marvellous universe and the Parents love for each other. The Spirit challenges the couple to love and care for this created being. 6

10 Share how the Holy Spirit has inspired you to become more affirming, strengthening, and challenging like himself. Note that these characteristics are at the core of being a good leader. It is being more affirming, strengthening and challenging to others, that the Spirit can guide us to lead in a beneficial way. We lead for the good of God and others, not for ourselves. This is hard to do. We have taken steps by being Confirmed and participating on this retreat. Discuss: Have we just begun the journey, or have we reached our destination? Have the youth prepare and present skits about these characteristics. They can be creative and invent their own scenario or use an example you give: A good friend is dumped by her boyfriend. A younger brother is getting into fights at school. A friend makes the basketball team, as you make only the B team. After each skit, the group picks out what and when the characteristics were done. If it is already known by some of the group, sing the song, Every Day by Jacob and Matthew Band or another upbeat song. 7

11 Seeing Myself in Wind and Fire Circle the letter of the phrase that best completes each sentence for you. Then briefly explain your choice. Be prepared to share your answers in a small group. 1. I would describe myself as a 3. a. light breeze b. cool wind c. mighty gale d. winter wind e. tornado f. hurricane g. other Why? When I arrived here for this retreat, I felt like a a. breezeless day b. windy and cold day c. kite on the wind d. tropical breeze e. sailboat racing in the wind f. balloon full of hot air g. other Why? 2. When I am around others, I am a 4 I would describe my relationship with God as a. single flame b. tall candle c. camp fire d. warm fireplace e. forest fire f. towering inferno g. other a. a flickering candle b. a light in the darkness c. an eternal flame d. the burning bush e. a fire burning in my heart f. the warmth of a camp fire g. other Why? Why? 8

12 SUGGESTED POST EVENT GATHERING SESSION CONTINUING OUR FAITH Listen to the song, It s a Matter of Love, by Anointed (Fun Attic Music/Word Music). Point out the group s name and write out the word beforehand for the youth to see. Discuss what it means and how it applies to Searching in the Spirit. Introduction: The song spoke of it being a matter of love, but it is difficult to know what love is. There are different types of love. There is love we have for a pet; the love some might have for a tough coach (a rugged love); the love we have for family; the love we have for friends; the love married people have for each other; the love a parent has for her child. Then, there is the unconditional love that God has for us. We will be talking about sharing this love and the gifts of God with others. We can do this in many different ways. Sharing God s love involves leadership. Ask youth to recall the three ways the Spirit is with us: Affirming, strengthening, and challenging. We need to keep these in mind when using our God-given gifts. With the Holy Spirit with us, we need to ask: What can we do at our school and community to explore and enrich the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us? Write answers on the flip chart. Next, ask the question: What can we do at our parish to explore and enrich the gifts that the Holy Spirit has given us? (E.g. being a lector, participating in youth group, teaching a catechism class, visiting nursing homes, serving refreshments at parish functions, participating in a 30 Hour Famine) Break into small discussion groups. Have each group select one of the preceding activities, and explain what gifts they would be fostering and how they would be giving a gift back to God. Ask them to be creative with the presentation of their findings, perhaps by having two ways to do something (e.g. what it would be like being a lector/reader having the intention of only making yourself look good, versus being responsible for the faith and serving the community and God). In large group, talk about how, in using our gifts to serve the Body of Christ, we add to the lives of people around us and actively praise God for what he has given us. We need to pray for wisdom; so that we use the gifts we have been given to serve God rather than ourselves. Our faith is not something to be kept to one part of our lives, but should spill over into other parts of our lives. 9

13 Draw them to analogy of our body as being a system, which is interconnected in a complicated way: What would happen if we had an irregular heart? Think of how this would affect the rest of our body, mind, and soul. Much is also affected when something good happens to our bodies (e.g. toothache gone = better able to think, eat, play.) When we choose a good decision in using our gifts in one situation, it floods into other areas (e.g. Eucharistic Minister becoming more reverent = becomes more reverent to life and the environment.) Share how it is true for you (or invite someone from the parish to share) that God adds a lot to every aspect of our lives once we begin to serve Him. Allow some time for honest, but not too personal, questions. (It is good to give the youth a good example to listen to. It gives them hope in what they can become, and they love to listen to someone s life story. Many do not know why, for example, a priest would become a priest.) Close with a prayer: God, with the dawn of a new millennium upon us, our world is in a desperate search for hope. We seek peace in the world, and end to cruel injustices, and a brotherhood of love. We aspire to become the people of generosity and selflessness we are called to be. Show us how to be leaders in the struggle for a peaceful, loving world. Help us to be unafraid of what others will say about us and to courageously follow the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Keep alive in our minds and hearts the desire for a better world. Help us to use our gifts in Your service, always reaching out to those who are lonely or in great need. Strengthen us with your Holy Spirit, Lord, so that we may be able to truly say, Yes, I can make a difference. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 10

14 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO SEPARATE THE ADULT LEADER MEDICAL PERMISSION FORM. 11

15 SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT August 28 31, 2018 PERMISSION FORM & AUTHORIZATION FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT (ADULT LEADER FORM) This information is collected and protected by the Ministries and Outreach Office in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act, and will only be used for Searching in the Spirit 2018 registration and emergency medical purposes. To Whom It May Concern: I do herewith authorize the treatment by a qualified and licensed medical doctor of (Adult Leader) in the event of a medical emergency which, in the opinion of the attending physician, may endanger his or her life, cause disfigurement, physical impairment, or undue discomfort if delayed. This release is intended for August 27 31, This release form is completed and signed of my own free will with the sole purpose of authorizing medical treatment under emergency circumstances in my absence. Signed (Adult Leader) (Date) (Address) (City) (Postal Code) Adult Leader s B.C. Care Card Number Family Physician: Phone Specific medical allergies, chronic illnesses or other condition, dietary needs and any current medications: Person(s) to contact in case of emergency: Option #1: Name Relation Phone Option #2: Name Relation Phone While the Ministries and Outreach Office staff, and the Searching in the Spirit organizers and volunteers will take reasonable steps to prevent injuries to you, some degree of risk is inherent in the nature of activities, and may occur without fault on you, the Ministries and Outreach Office, volunteers, the Archdiocese of Vancouver, or the facility where the event is taking place. By participating in this event, you are agreeing that the event described above is suitable for you and that there is a risk of injury associated with this event. I also consent to having photographs of me to be used by the Ministries and Outreach Office on its website, social media channels and other promotional material. The above named Adult Leader hereby releases and agrees to hold harmless the above named parish/ school or any of its advisors, chaperones or persons connected with the trip from any liability, claims, damages for personal injury, property loss/damage which may result during SEARCHING IN THE SPIRIT 2087 at CAMP JUBILEE, North Vancouver, on August 27 31, The undersigned, (Adult Leader) hereby agrees to abide by the rules established for the above event. Dated this day of, Printed Name of Adult Leader Signature of Adult leader 12

16 THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK TO SEPARATE THE CAMP JUBILEE WAIVER FORM 13

17 Participant 21 APPENDIX C Acknowledgement of Risks & Agreement to Hold Harmless Camp Jubilee Retreat & Conference Centre PLEAST READ CAREFULLY! This form must be filled out for all students and adult supervisors attending camp Release of liability, waiver of claims and assumption of risks agreement (hereinafter referred to as the Release Agreement ). By signing this document you will waive certain legal rights, including the right to sue or claim compensation following an accident. Activities involved in this trip may include (but are not limited to) hiking, orienteering, canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, ropes courses, sports and games, swimming, archery, kayaking as well as various leadership activities and team building challenges and initiatives. I understand that outdoor activities present to the participant a wide variety of risks, hazards and conditions, not all of them easily foreseeable, which could result in any type of physical or emotional injury. These conditions may include, but are not limited to uneven terrain, changeable weather conditions, animal and plant life, and use of assorted vehicles, gear and equipment including various types of safety gear. I understand that such risks simply cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. I understand that the school/organization is not always equipped with the skills, training, equipment and insurance necessary to undertake these types of educational activities, and will at need to enlist the aid of outside agencies that embody and abide by high professional standards within their industry. I acknowledge that the outside agencies involved in this particular educational trip at Camp Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre include the Camp Jubilee Society and Indian Arm Management Services Ltd. and that they have both read and sanctioned this agreement. I expressly agree and promise to accept and assume all of the risks existing in this activity that are in my control. I do not have to participate in the activities if I do not feel comfortable or confident in doing so. I certify that I have no medical or physical conditions that could interfere with safety, or else I am willing to assume and bear the costs of all risks that may be created, directly or indirectly, by any such condition. I understand that both the school/organization and above-mentioned outside agency or agencies will approach this trip with both care and planning. While the trip is underway, they will endeavor to instruct, protect and care for my well being, including making decisions regarding my medical care. I also understand that, following all trip activities, they will continue to maintain professional standards of behavior. I understand that I will be expected to uphold the standards of behavior expected of the school/organization. I will be expected to listen to and honor any request, suggestion, advice or rule given by the staff, employees of the outside agencies selected by the school/organization and other supervising adults on the trip, with the understanding that this is in the best interest of all participants. I will be expected to act with responsibility and care for myself and for others on the trip. I understand that school/organization and camp staff will take reasonable steps to prevent injuries to participants. Some degree of risk is inherent in the nature of this activity and may occur without fault on the part of the participant, organization or Camp Jubilee Retreat and Conference Centre including the Camp Jubilee Society and Indian Arm Management Services Ltd. By allowing your child to participate in this activity, you are agreeing that the activity described above is suitable for your child, and that there is a risk of injury associated with the activity. I am aware that there are risks involved in this program, and have decided that I am prepared to participate in the program and all activities involved in the program. I am content to proceed on the trip as I wish. Photo Release: I give permission to use my photo and/or video image in any Camp Jubilee promotional material (i.e. newsletter, social media or other related publication). Name of School/Organization: Signed this Signature: Last Name: First Name: Street: City: Prov/State: Postal/Zip Code: Age: Sex: Phone Yes, please send me special offers and Camp Jubilee news by ! Number: ( ) - Emergency Contact: Relationship: Phone #: For Participants under the age of 19 Parent/Guardian Parent/Guardian Please list any health conditions or medical issues that we ought to be aware of (previous injuries, medications, allergies, dietary needs, etc..) Camp Jubilee Retreat & Conference Centre