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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
| Hoosier United Methodist News |
June 2001 |
Leadership builds a team for Senior High Institute summer program
By Patti Splitgerber
Hoosier UM News Correspondent
In an effort to strengthen the North Indiana Conference Senior High Institute camping program, the leadership team met at Epworth Forest for an overnight group-building retreat May 11-12. The team consists of two deans from each of the nine districts, the keynoter, members of the band and drama troupe, and selected members of the Epworth Forest staff.
The retreat was led in two parts by the Rev. Derek Weber, pastor at Fort Wayne Covenant UMC, and Kim LaRue, a job trainer from Columbus, Ohio. Weber introduced the daily themes and presented a synopsis of his keynote talk for each day. LaRue led the group in some experiential activities designed to build the team using their creativity and problem solving abilities.
LaRue's task was not only to build the team through these activities, but also to connect the activities to the daily themes. According to LaRue, who usually does her presentation with corporate groups, this is a group of "good people to work with - [They] are not afraid to try these things," unlike the corporate groups who can be a little hesitant to participate. "This group has a lot of wild, free spirits," said LaRue. She experienced that spirit first-hand when, at the end of one exercise, she stood in the center of the group and asked to collect the three dozen foam balls they had been using in the exercise. She was immediately bombarded with them from all sides. "I've never been pelted with the balls like that before," said LaRue with a smile.
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"This group has a lot of wild, free spirits." |
Pastor Weber believes this retreat was important because it gave the group a sense of teamwork. Now, he is watching movies, listening to music, reading, doing Bible study, talking to as many youth as he can, and just trying to get the feel of the youth culture in preparation for his keynoting.
The Rev. Mike Butler, associate pastor at Kokomo Grace UMC, serves as secretary for the Dean's Task Force. Three years ago, as a novice dean, Butler served as the convening dean of the first week of Institute; a daunting task, according to Butler. "That was the first year that the task force held this retreat. And because of the retreat, we were all on the same page and knew what we needed to do," said Butler.
"Not only do the deans get connected with each other, but it is an opportunity for the task force to familiarize themselves with the band and drama troupe," added the Rev. Paul Burris, associate pastor at Auburn UMC. Burris serves as the chairperson of the task force.
Everyone involved believes that the upcoming program and the youth who attend will be the biggest beneficiaries of the time spent at the retreat.
Last updated on 01/14/2004