Keeping our youth engaged year-round

By: Dawn Dawson Canada East Mission Centre Co-President

Our summer youth camping season is coming to a close, and the cooler days of fall are upon us. It’s time to reflect on the success of our camping season. The large number of young people participating fills us with positivity for the future. However, we now face the challenge of maintaining the spirit and engagement of these young people within our community throughout the year.

Keeping our youth motivated and active in church life is a struggle we all share. Various activities—athletic, academic, and social—engage the youth and often draw them away from church events. Those just beyond secondary school are finding new paths in post-secondary education or employment. The question we’re all grappling with is how to keep these age groups engaged with our church community.

One significant step, though sometimes difficult for current leaders, is to find times that are more relatable and convenient for the youth. This could include after-school programs, weekend events, or even late-night gatherings. Being flexible with the timing of youth groups, like Peace-makers, can be challenging but necessary. For instance, holding meetings directly after school could ease parents’ concerns about their children being unsupervised between school and supper. For slightly older youth, including a meal like spaghetti—which is both economical and easy to prepare—could foster fellowship. The shared experience of a meal and taking turns cleaning up could recreate some of that camp duty atmosphere.

Empowering the youth to take the lead on weekly events is another way to motivate them. When they’re enthusiastic about something that interests them, they’re more likely to invite friends, helping the group grow. Engage them by asking what topics they’d like to discuss in youth groups, such as anxiety, environmental concerns, or local mission projects. Even simple activities like gathering on a Saturday morning to help a neighbour pile winter wood are still meaningful here in the North. Using their terms of reference, like "paying it forward" in such activities, encourages forward-thinking and community-minded behaviour.

High school students often seek volunteer hours to graduate. Consider posting opportunities for outdoor jobs, such as preparing the church for winter, like raking leaves or garden work, on social media for high school volunteer hours. Once the youth feel comfortable with a location or the people associated with it, they may be more inclined to attend future events. The fear of the unknown keeps many youth from experiencing wonderful opportunities, so creating chances for these nerves to dissipate is essential.

Even small connections or brief interactions are valuable. Keeping lines of communication open, no matter how or when, is highly beneficial. A Facebook Messenger chat group, for example, can be a great way to share ideas and stay connected. Our youth are out there, navigating a world that needs them, but many are lost in the chaos. Together, let’s find ways to create positive, mentoring, and meaningful experiences for our youth. Checking in with them a couple of times a year will help them remember their summer fun and build deeper relationships for years to come.