A group of Som Youth headed to Ngaruawahia earlier this month for the Transformers Camp. Here is what Jill Kayser had to say about the weekend.
You have so much to offer!
We’ve just returned from our 15th and largest Transformers – Raising Up Young Leaders camp in Ngaruawahia. 60 young leaders in training (LITs) age 10 to 13 years explored who Jesus is and how he calls us to be transformed and to transform. The Transformers code for leading and living is informed by five interactive and creative Jesus stories.
We created the Transformers initiative in 2008. We heard churches lamenting their lack of leaders for their children’s ministry. When we suggested to one church that they mentor their Kids Club leavers into leadership, they were keen but asked how? We agreed to create a mentoring and leadership programme for them to pilot and our first Transformers RUYL camp happened in Oxford in 2009.
We were also aware that hundreds of young people were leaving our churches during their intermediate years. Many were bored in “Sunday School”, but not yet old enough for youth group. Children’s gifts are recognised by schools and they are given lots of opportunities to serve, so why not in our churches?
Our second Transformers’ code is: “I will put others needs first” and is undergirded by the story of the little boy who offers his lunch to Jesus to feed 5000. We end this story on top of a mountain at sunrise by handing around loaves and chocolate fish and saying to each other “Name, you have so much to offer!” By the end of our Transformers camp every participant (leader in training) emphatically believes this and departs with enthusiastic anticipation to serve back in their churches.
Now seven years on from that first camp we are welcoming back some of our first participants as group leaders. This really excites us! It’s proof that it’s working. These young people have stayed in their churches, are being mentored and discipled and are contributing their gifts and leadership.
Says Aisling Lauder one of new generation of leaders from Somervell Presbyterian: “I first attended Transformers Camp five years ago and now I’m a small group leader. I lead worship, run games, encourage others. It’s an amazing experience. I can’t wait to be back next year!”
Jill Kayser
Kids Friendly Coach