Teen Camp Workbook

8/12/2019 Teen Camp Workbook

1/16

FORWARD

Welcome to S.T.E.M. Summer Camp. This week you will experience and be a part of enrichment

that you will remember for the rest of your life. I realize at this point, you may think thats a bit of

anexaggeration. However, I can personally assure you that its not.Youre at the start of a newadventurewhere you will see, hear, touch, taste, and feel the growth inside yourself. Once youve

experienced that you will be forever changed.

Every one of us at S.T.E.M. wants you to have an amazing, incredible,beyond-belief time this

summer as you learn about yourself. To help you on your journey of discovery and improvement

wevecreated daily devotions. Theres one for each day of your camp experience.

Its going tobe a great camp experience, so get ready to BE ALL YOU CAN BE.


2/16

2

What do I expect?

1.

._______________________________

2. ._______________________________

3.

._______________________________

4. ._______________________________

5.

._______________________________

6. ._______________________________

OUR RULES


3/16

3

DEVOTION DAY 1: MYSELF

Look at the titlemyself. Hey, this devotion is all about you! Sort of. Talking about yourself can

beinteresting to say the least. There are some things you probably really like about yourself

and some thingsthat you might not prefer, or even absolutely despise!

So heres an exercise. Take one minute to list as many things aspossible about yourself that you

dontlike, be honest. Ready? Go!Now that youre minute is done, look back through the list.

What surprises you about what youvewritten?

OK, ready to switch things up? You now have another full minute to make a list of the things you

likeabout yourself. Ready again? Remember be honest. Go!Again, look at what you wrote.

Whatsyour very favorite thing out of all the positives that you justlisted?

Many people have a hard time finding the positive in themselves. Its just a lot easier to be

negative. Anddespite lots of hard work, our most stubborn faults are often hard to fix or remove.

Jesus had a greatperspective about himself. Maybe your response to that is, Well, of course hedid he was God! Butthat wasnt it. In factit was just the opposite. And his wisdom and insight

gives us a great pattern tofollow regarding how we should see ourselves.

Read John 5:19. So Jesus explained, Itell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He

doesonly what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. (NLT)

Jesus perspective on himself was it wasnt about him. It was about God. Everything abouthis

ownself-identity came from knowing God, and doing his will. And the more we do thatseek after

God andnot after ourselvesthe more our list of things we like will grow, and the parts we dislike

will fade. Notbecause of me but because of Him!

Discussion Questions

1. Using 100 percent as a total, how much time do I spend thinking about God vs. thinking

about myself.Try to give it your best, most accurate number.

2.

What steps would I need to take to increase Gods percentage? (Try to come up with at leastthreethat you could actually do.)If I did that, what would be different about the way I see

myself 6 months from now?

Now, share this with one other person and ask them to keep you accountable doing the things you

listed above.


4/16

4

What is a Habit?

List 3 good habits List 3 bad habits List 3 that dont matter

1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2.

3. 3. 3.

Sow a thought, and you reap an act;Sow an act, and you reap a habit;Sow a habit, and you reap a character;

Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.

On the next page is a chart with numbers from 1 to 54. Your challenge is to find each number on the

chart, starting at 1, then 2, then 3 and so on, all the way to 54. Take 1 minutes and see how many

numbers you can find. There are no missing numbers or tricks. Ready. Set. Go.


5/16

5


6/16

6

Your Paradigm

Its how you see things. Your perception.Your point of view.

How do you see yourself? With the distributed newsprint, draw a full body self-portrait. Do your best, no

one is expecting a Picasso.

Principles


7/16

7

Being Proactive

Proactive and Reactive BehaviorWhat other things does reactive and proactive behavior

remind you of? Draw or write them below.

REACTIVE BEHAVIOR IS LIKE . . .

Example: A volcano

PROACTIVE BEHAVIOR IS LIKE . . .

Example: A bottle of water


8/16

8

REFLECTION

Successes: What have been your greatest successes so far in your life? What factors

contributed to your success?

GREATEST CHALLENGES: List what you have found most challenging?


9/16

9

The Circle of Concern versus the Circle of Influence

7 Habits of Highly Effective Teen

Where does the idea come

from?

The circles represent the two areas

where you can focus your time and

energy. Many people spend time

worrying about things in their circle of

concern. These represent things in life

that we cannot change or things over

which we do not have any control.

Highly effective people think and act

primarily within their Circle of

Influence. They forget about the

things over which they have no control,

preferring to focus their time and

energy on issues where they can

actually make a difference. By doing

this, they gradually expand their Circle

of Influence as they earn more power

and respect.

How is this relevant to me as an individual?

As a teen, you might sometimes feel like there are insurmountable obstacles in your path and this

can be very frustrating. Today you have had the chance to reflect on your successes as well as

challenges. In your life, you will find that there are many things that are outside of your circle of

influence. It is important that you understand and acknowledge this and that you do not allow these

things to dictate what you do. It is also very important to acknowledge that these will be different

in every life context.


10/16

10

REFLECTION TEMPLATE

Consider the challenges you identified

earlier.

Identify which fall in to your circle of

concern and which fall in to your circle of

influence.

Consider what actions you might take when you go about your daily routine:

1. _______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

2._______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

3._______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

4._______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________


11/16

11


12/16

12

DEVOTION DAY 2: MYFRIENDS

Do you think your friends are awesome? Most people do. Heres something to think about. You like your

friends, but you probably dont prefer everyone elses friends. But, those other people really like their

friends. So whats up with that?

What do you think are the reasons that you like your friends? Try to list at least five reasons. Have you

ever had a time when someone said they were your friend, but they turned out not to be? Write down or

share some details about that situation.

Jesus had many people who said they were his friends. We dont know much about thembecausetheir

stories didnt make history. They were the people that surely ran around town saying, Oh Jesus?Yea, I

know him were pretty good friends.Or, Jesus? I could call him and get him to heal you. Hesmy

friend, you know. All those peoplenot true friends. Maybe they were nice and polite to Jesus, and

smiled when he was around, but when the tough times came, they disappeared.

Read Luke 23:48-50. And when the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, theywent home in deep sorrow. But Jesus friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee,

stood at a distance watching.

1. What do you think made Jesus friends different from all the other people?

2. Do you think your friendships are like or unlike the ones in this passage? Explain why.

3. What are some of the amazing stories that the true friends of Jesus could tell when they got old?

(Open up your Bible to the book of Acts if you need some help.) Friendships that are grounded in a

common Christian faith are hard to beatand hard to stop, too. That doesnt mean that youll be

bestfriends with every other Christian. But it does mean that when you develop true Christian

friendships,theres nothing that God cant do through you. Its an unstoppable force. And thats

something thatyou can experience through your upcoming mission trip. Great friendships will

develop that will belong-lasting, based on common faith, and full of great stories to tell. Enjoy it!

And a final thought toconsider

4. What steps can I take to deepen my friendships with other people going on the trip? Try to come

upwith at least three things that you can actually do.


13/16

13

DEVOTION DAY 3: MYFAMILY

Now heres a hot-button topicFAMILIES! They can be weird, wacky, wonderful, or way-too-complicated.

Andthey are often full of people that we may never pick to be our friends. Yet, somehow, were stuck with

themfor our entire lives! But if youre going on a mission trip with your youth group, your family shouldnt

be anissue, right? Wrong! Today, families come in all shapes and sizes. Big, small, traditional, broken, re-

connected,adoptive, dysfunctional, awesome, and disappointing are some categories that people have usedto describetheirs. How about you? What is one word that you could share that would sum up your family?

Well, to go on a mission trip means you have to leave from somewhere, and most of you dont live at the

church. You get your stuff together at a place you call home and with people who are, for better or worse,

considered your family. They are important peoplepeople that can be a huge support for your upcoming

mission trip. Your family can be there for you to help you deal with details, issues, finances, and most

importantly, to celebrate what God will be doing in your life. Just like a good friendship, family relationships

take a little work. And its probably even harder work than what youre going to do on your mission trip.

Think about thisGod wasnt off on vacation when he placed you into your particular family. He did it on

purpose, and Gods purposes for you are never bad or mistaken. They are always meant to give you

somethinggood.

So as you prepare for your mission trip, take some time to strengthen your family ties. And whether you

have big or small family issues (or anything in between), theres some great advice in the Bible on how to

make things better.

Read James 3:13-18. If you are wise and understand Gods ways, prove it by living anhonorable life, doing

good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealousand there is selfish

ambition in your heart, dont cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy andselfishness is not

Gods kindof wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For whereverthere is jealousy and

selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdomfrom above is first of all

pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is fullof mercy and gooddeeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers willplant seeds of peace

and reap a harvest of righteousness.

1. When you read that passage, what is the most challenging or difficult thing that stands out to you

aboutimproving your relationship with your family?

2.

What would it look like for you to do that thing, and what would the benefit be?

3. What if you tried, but the other people in your family didnt react well or even care? Then what?

Rightnow, pray that Jesus would speak to you and give you direction about your family. Go ahead.

Take yourtime.

4.

Now, write down at least one thing that Jesus said to you during your time of prayer. If possible,

share itwith a friend to help keep you accountable to act on Gods direction.


14/16

14

DEVOTION DAY 4: MY PAST

Whether or not we are aware of it, our past has a powerful impact on who we are and how we view life.

What went before and the wounds we acquire can affect us in both positive and negative ways, It can also

be a significant influence in our choices, decisions, goals and aspirations. Hurts that are left unhealed can

cause a person to become excessively controlling orpassive; become a bully orsomeone who jumps atshadows. Our history colors how we react to positive or negative experiences. For some of us, the struggles

with our past have driven us to commit life-changing decisions that can build or destroy.

Most of us have experienced a violation of our trust by another person, and the pain of such an experience

can make it very difficult to ever trust again. Many of us are disappointed or have the circumstances of our

life change. It can be a time of growth but usually we allow it to bury ourselves in regret and steal our

confidence and belief that God made us in His image.

Many years ago the phrase Let go and let God was coined. Its so simple to say, but why is it so hard for us

to do? To truly let goand let God? Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own

understanding, Proverbs 3:5 reminds us. If we cant trust people or what we know how can we trust God?

Does God want us to trust Him?Absolutely!Does God understand the hurts from our past? Completely!He

wants to heal our hearts so we can be all that He has created us to be. But how do we get there

1. Think of the things that are in your past, one a sheet of paper write down all that actions and

experiences that make you fill less than.

2. Today start a journal of daily positive actions. Some good happens to each and every one of use

each day.

3. Tonight take your past hurts and throw them in the fire. Fire can destroy but it is also a method of

rejuvenation.


15/16

15

4. DEVOTION DAY 5: MYFUTURE

The future. Its out there. What in the world will it look like? Not things like flying cars and teleporting. Sure,

that would be nice. But when you think about the future your future what wouldyou want it to look

like? Take a few minutes to answer that question. If the future came right now, what would you be doing,

where would you be working, what would your family look like the whole works? Go ahead and describe it.

If you recall in your Day 3 Devotion, My Faith, we looked at John 6:47.That verse is in the middle of a

passagewhere Jesus was saying some controversial things about himself in a synagogue setting. In other

words, thetraditional religious people were getting pretty upset. Grab a Bible and read the passage. Its

John 6:22-65.

After the whole episode, people started to split. Rememberthats what fake friends do. They take off when

things get difficult or uncomfortable. And many people did just that. When things began, there were people

all aroundlistening to Jesus battle of words with the synagogue leaders. But when Jesus started to say

thingsthat were hard to believe, everyone scattered. Except the 12 disciples. They stayed. And at that point,

theirfuture began.

Read John 6:66-69. At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.Then Jesus turned to

the Twelve and asked, Are you also going to leave? Simon Peter replied, Lord, towhom would we go? You

have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the HolyOne of God.

What did the disciples know about their future right then?

If you had been there, do you think you would have stuck it out with Jesus or left? Why?

Heres what we dont know. We dont know what hopes and dreams thedisciples had before they met

Jesus.Maybe they wanted to be doctors or lawyers or travel or have lots of kids or WHO KNOWS???

But heres what we do know. After being around Jesus, they didnt know much about their future. But they

were content to say these words, Lord, to whom else would we go?They could have chosen a different

future. One that was more secure or safe. But they chose Jesus as their future. To whom else would they

go?

If Jesus showed up right now, what would keep you from saying those words to him?

If you could say those words to him right now, how might your future look different from how youimagined

it earlier?

Youll be on your way to your mission trip soon. May your prayer be as you go and serveand long after you

come homeLord, to whom else I could go?


16/16

16

DEVOTION DAY 6: MYFAITH

The word faith is thrown around a lot about a bunch of different topics. We have faith in people, our own

faithful and trusty dogs, see people of faith head off to worship on the weekends, hear about faith-based

organizations doing good things around the world, and maybe even listen to Faith Hill on the radio. Faith

must be everywhere!

Yet, in regular, normal conversation, the word faith is rarely used. When is the last time you actually used

faith in a common sentence about family, school, work, or whatever? Youre probably having a hard time

coming up with an answer. So lets not talk anymore about others definitions of faith. What about yours?

What does faith look like in your life? And how would your life be different if you didnt have your faith?

Being able to say and know that you have true faith may be the most important thing youll ever know. Ever.

To help wrap your mind around that statement, you should know what faith isnt.

Right now, take one minute to list as many facts about Jesus as you possibly can. Ready? Go!

Look back at your list. None of what you wrote is actually faith, because faith isnt head knowledge. Likeknowing who the first president is. Thatsgood to know, but it doesnt do very much eternal good. In the

same way, knowing facts about Jesus is nice, but it wont give you what youre looking for.

Faith, like a good friend, also isnt temporary. Like those quick prayers, we pray before a really hard test that

we forgot to study for. Lord, please help me with this test, and I promise Ill never say another bad word.

Or whatever. Thatsjust a kind of faith that is looking for some quick assistance. Can you think of something

that youve prayed that was for a quick fix? Thats not faiththats a Christmas list!

True faiththe kind of faith in Jesus that lasts for all eternityis what happens when your knowledge about

him turns into belief in himand in what he did for you on the cross. Thatsfaith.

Read the words of Jesus in John 6:47. I tell you the truth; anyone who believes has eternal life.

If those words dont quite make sense to you right now, or if they feel right, but youd like a refresher, heres

an assignment for you. Grab a Bible thats easy to read, or go online to a website like

www.biblegateway.comand head to the book of John in the New Living Translation. Just read it. Yes, the

book of John. Its relativelyshort, and it tells the story of Jesus in a way thats easy to understand. Youllget

the scoop about who Jesusreally iswhat he didand what hes asking of you by believing in him. If you can

put the book down, or shutoff your computer screen, and quietly say yes to Jesusyour life will never,

ever be the same.

So what things about Jesus are hard for you to believe?

Pray, asking God to help you with your areas of unbelief.

Documents

Teen Camp Workbook