What is the Midwinter Advance? top
Almost fifty years ago, just as the church structures were being challenged by the turbulence and change of the Fifties and Sixties, a group of South Jersey pastors sensed a need for evangelistic action for teenagers. They organized what is now known as the Midwinter Advance - don't call it a retreat because we're moving forward! Although the organizers were Methodist pastors, the retreat is not a denominational phenomenon: Its purpose is that teenagers hear the gospel of Jesus Christ, accept the atoning work of Christ crucified, and commit to a new life in the resurrected Christ as Savior and Lord.
Over the years, the Advance has been located at a variety of camps from the Poconos to the Pine Barrens, from the beach to the mountains. We look to provide teens with accommodations that offer plenty of activity and comforts along with seclusion and quiet.
The evangelistic work of the Advance is done through teams of students from Christian colleges as a part of their recruiting, training, or missions efforts. The teams, usually ranging from six to ten in number, engage the teens in fellowship singing, sports and games, and a combination of skits, scripture, messages, and testimony. They offer themselves as a living testimony to the Christian lifestyle. The weekend messages focus on commitment to Christ. There is an invitation to the altar so that everyone has the opportunity to dedicate his or her life to Christ.
We feel very strongly about the role of the youth leader and the counselors who accompany their teens to the Advance. For this reason, this booklet is designed to prepare you and your staff to meet the needs, both physical and spiritual, of your youth group.
What is the Weekend Schedule? top
Our schedule has undergone little change, modifying to suit the limitations or opportunities found at the individual camp. America's Keswick offers many amenities for both spiritual and physical recreation. Groups arrive and register Friday evening. We prefer that they arrive before 8 o'clock to check in to their rooms and receive guidelines for the weekend. Between 9 and 10, teens meet the team at the first assembly where they also receive the ground rules for the weekend.
Afterwards, they meet as grade-level groups for devotions with a team member assigned to them.
Saturday morning, devotions with the same leader meet before breakfast, and after breakfast there is assembly in the chapel followed by discussion in grade-level groups. Teens attend two topical seminars or become involved in group recreation or worship singing before lunch. After lunch, tournament games such as volleyball and ping-pong are open for groups to sign up teams.
Otherwise, teens and counselors are free to rehearse with the weekend choir, roam the grounds, or swim.
After dinner comes a long-standing tradition of the HAPPENING. Youth groups or individuals present short skits, music, drama, or some level of talent in a variety program. All churches are encouraged to participate. If time allows, multiple entries are permitted. The HAPPENING is followed by the evening assembly, which offers an altar call and an opportunity to accept salvation through Christ or to advance in Christian commitment. At 10:30, snacks are available in the gymnasium. Devotions that evening are led by counselors with their dormitory groups, males and females separate unless otherwise arranged with the Dean.
On Sunday, after team devotions and breakfast, churches pack and gather to assess their weekend experience. Worship is held in the chapel, followed by a time of appreciation and farewells for the team and the staff. A boxed lunch will be made available for the ride home.
What is my role as counselor? top
The Advance requires one counselor for every seven same-sex teens. We recommend that you know your seven teens by name and by face; make certain they are present at every assembly and in attendance at seminars, discussion or devotion groups, and meals; and in their rooms by curfew. We would hope that you would also assume responsibility for their spiritual well-being, praying for each of them, monitoring their behavior, and being aware of their response to the events of the weekend.
Counselors do not attend the devotion or discussion groups with teens, but you should make certain your teens are in attendance. On the other hand, we do encourage you to attend the seminars, games, and choir with the teens so that you are aware of what word of instruction they hear and so that you can share in their experience and form closer bonds.
At meals, all tables must have at least one adult, so make certain your teens have some counselor or team member at their table. If a team member supplants your place at the table, there is always room at the staff table. At assembly, sit among your teens and engage them in the program as much as you can.
On Saturday night, we ask that you work with any teens from your group who go forward to the invitation. Also be mindful of those who remain in the pew, being particularly sensitive to those who are restless while others are taking care of spiritual needs. Dismiss the disinterested or those whose spiritual needs have been met to the gymnasium for snack, and be certain one of your staff is with them. After Saturday evening's program, counselors are responsible for leading devotions with their same-sex group, and on Sunday they lead the discussion time after morning worship with their whole group. If you prefer to have a whole-church devotion Saturday night, please arrange a meeting site with the dean. Do not presume to meet in dorm rooms with a mixed-gender group.
At all times make certain the camp property and rules are respected!
Each church must send one representative to the Staff-Counselor Team meeting on Saturday after lunch to serve as a liaison while other counselors monitor the teens' activities. We ask that you make certain that at least one counselor is also looking after your group while your church's representative is at the meeting.
Trust us on this one: Unless a teen is ill and has been seen by our nurse and advised to rest, don't let anyone sleep Saturday afternoon! A teen who sleeps in the afternoon will keep you up again that night!
For tournament recreation, one counselor should submit the names of team members from that group to register for games.
At least one counselor should be responsible for the group's involvement in the HAPPENING. Please make certain the skit doesn't involve food or beverages. All audio needs should be arranged with the technicians in advance this includes use of microphones and amplifiers, playing tapes or CDs, and use of the projector.
All counselors need to stand ready to pray with teens at the altar or any time across the weekend.
Morning devotions are offered for counselors coincidentally with the devotions for teens. Make certain your teens are where they should be; then take advantage of time in prayer and scripture with other counselors.
The schedule for the Junior High weekend is sometimes altered slightly to accommodate the special energies of the junior high youth. Please be flexible in your planning.
Be available for your teens across the weekend, but also be aware of your responsibilities to the entire group and the Midwinter Advance staff. Make any suggestions for the Team known through your church's representative to the Staff-Counselor-Team meeting.
What do the teens need to pack? top
The weather is almost always cold and the assembly rooms are almost always warm. Have comfortable clothing that is appropriate for a spiritual weekend - we prefer not to see T-shirts advocating un-Christian values. Bikini bathing suits are not permitted for boys or girls; girls' two-piece suits must be covered by a long T-shirt. Better yet, suggest a maillot. Please advise teens to bring their own towel for swimming. Where gyms are carpeted, black-soled shoes are usually not permitted. Have a Sunday-best outfit for Sunday morning worship. Bring a Bible and writing materials, a flashlight, an alarm clock, and all toiletries. Bedding is provided.
Various soda and snack machines are available to the teens, but be sure to bring lots of change! You are welcome to bring your own snacks and soda to keep in the room. However, please respect camp property and clean up after yourselves!
The offering at Sunday worship supports Dave Bailey Ministries for troubled teens. Please encourage your teens to be generous.
Any medications or special supplies you will need to bring yourself since no one is permitted to leave the premises. All medications must be registered with the camp nurse along with a permission slip from parents with dosage specifications.
Teens may not bring radios, personal listening devices or games, or televisions. The use of cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol will not be tolerated! This might be a good opportunity to help someone quit these habits. By all means, bring a sense of humor, creative ideas, and a heart open to the Lord.
What do counselors need to pack? top
Apart from the guidelines set out for the teens, counselors might also wish to be prepared for all events. While we usually have a weekend nurse, we recommend that counselors be ready for "little" emergencies just in case!
Remember that the law mandates that medicines be administered by a registered nurse. If there is a need for First Aid medications such as aspirin or non-aspirin, cold remedies, or allergy medication, please see the camp nurse. Teens with prescription drugs must have a signed note from parents indicating dosages. You may wish to pack Bandaids, bandages with tape, athletic bandaging, and feminine hygiene products. By all means, be certain to see the nurse for any injury or illness, due to all the legal complications for the camp and Staff involving First Aid treatment. There is a medical facility nearby. Please be certain each of your teens have complete insurance information and necessary cards in their possession, and that you have a list of home phone numbers for each of your teens.
Other incidental helpful supplies might include a sewing kit, safety pins, pencils and note paper, rubber bands, and an alarm clock to spare. It's also our experience that you will need a box of tissues or two. If you find you have need of other supplies, please see the Dean about visiting a nearby market.
Never leave the camp without the express permission of the Dean. The Midwinter Advance is accountable to the camp directors for your presence. In case of emergency at the camp or at home, you must be available.
How do I best serve as a counselor? top
First, include your pastor on all plans and arrange for a service of dedication before you leave and / or a service of recognition upon your return. Be certain someone is praying for you personally.
On this weekend, your teens are hearing the gospel day in and out. It's an opportunity for you to spend time one-on-one in discussion. The teens are also being given a chance to let loose and be themselves. It's a good time for you to be accepting and candid about yourself and others. Be with your teens while waiting for meals, sitting at tables, at night, and sitting at gatherings. Take time to listen - really listen - to them. Here are a few tips on Proactive Listening - the easiest form of counseling:
Ask questions. If asked a question, answer it simply, then pose one of your own. Avoid yes-or-no questions.
NOT: "Do you believe in God?"
BUT: "So where do you see God in your life?"
Listen to the answers and make sure you understand what the teen is saying by using a technique called sayback:
"So what you're saying is..."
"So you are saying that..."
"It sounds to me like..."
Make no critical comment or evaluation unless invited to:
NOT: "That's awful! Don't be so mad. Calm down."
BUT: "It sounds like you're angry about this."
NOT: "That's stupid. How can you say that?"
BUT: "I'm sure it must seem that way to you."
NOT: "I don't think that's a good idea."
BUT: "Well, as long as you asked me what I think, I'd have to say that's not a decision I would make."
It's especially important not to take sides in arguments, but to call in both sides and practice these techniques in arbitration.
On Friday and Saturday evenings, be the last one to bed, making certain that all your teens are tucked in and quiet. Count heads!
Be selfish in prayer. Spend prayer time on each youth and on yourself YOU WILL NEED IT! Pray with other youth leaders if you get the opportunity.
The Advance offers a chance for you to meet with other youth leaders. No one knows the ins and outs of youth ministry like other youth leaders. Take advantage of experience or lend your wisdom to newcomers. Help the Advance Staff to build a community of leaders.
Finally, we've learned that if the counselors model the behavior they expect from their teens, there are few problems over the weekend. Obey the rules yourself and make it a priority to see that rules are obeyed. We need you to shepherd your group so that the weekend is a success for everyone.
It may be your regrettable task, at the Dean's discretion, to phone the parent of any offending teen to come retrieve their child. Please support the Advance Staff in this disciplinary measure.
How can I prepare myself and my teens? top
The training event is MANDATORY for all churches involved, and attendance is taken. Each counselor needs to be familiar with the Staff and their expectations, with the retreat site, and with the theme for the weekend. Even if this is not your first Advance, you must attend this meeting you are accountable to all others attending your weekend.
At this time, you will need to be certain the balance of your registration costs are paid. You should have with you, printed on 3x5 index cards, the name, grade, and church group of every person attending the Advance weekend. These cards make up our Prayer Partner list. During the training session, take a number of cards representing other churches attending your weekend equal to the number of cards you left; distribute these to your other counselors and your teens, who will covenant to pray for the person whose name is on the card received. When you arrive at your weekend, seek out your Prayer Partner and try to discover who's been praying for you.
We recommend that you plan a special Advance preparation meeting for all persons attending the weekend from your church group. At this time, give out the Prayer Partners, a packing list, the rules of the camp, and the rules of the Midwinter Advance. This would be a good time to plan your HAPPENING presentation, form tournament teams, and assign counselors to teens to get to know one another. You may wish to hold a discussion, prayer, or devotional time where each counselor leads the group of seven teens for whom he or she is responsible. It is recommended that you hold an informational meeting for your counselor staff and meet with them regularly to pray for the Midwinter Advance.
How do I carry through with the work once the weekend is over? top
Be aware of who made a commitment at the altar and know what type of commitment, whether first commitment or rededication. You will be meeting With your whole group that Sunday after morning worship. You may wish to ask teens to share a word of testimony. It is good for them to vocalize the experience to make it real to themselves and to others. This enables the teen to fix a moment of accountability, the first step in a life of discipleship. Some groups like to have teens write themselves a letter describing their weekend and their new goals, then turn the letter in to the counselor who will mail it back to them at a later date at Easter or midsummer, for example.
Begin programming for a 5-point discipleship: reading the Bible, attending church, praying, meeting with other Christians their own age, and sharing their faith with others through testimony and service. This is often a good time to decide what major project the teens would like to accomplish within the next year to strengthen their spiritual commitment.
Affirm the commitments that were made by planning to report back to your congregation. Set a time upon your return to have the pastor meet and talk with the teens. Then use the momentum of their spirit by planning a special event within the next week or two.
When you get home, contact each of your teens personally to talk about the weekend one-on-one. Check up on them and give them reassurance and support. They will need your guidance and experience as well as your spiritual maturity.
How can I help the Midwinter Advance Staff? top
The Staff is always in need of seminar leaders for Saturday. Consider conducting a Bible study, a special teaching seminar, or a program that has been successful with your own youth group. The Staff asks that you forewarn your teens not to sign up for your seminar if they have had or will have the lesson at another date.
Over the weekend, you will have an opportunity to meet with the evangelism Team and the Staff to voice concerns or questions and to make suggestions. Try to approach your assessment of the weekend in terms of all the teens attending, not just your particular group. For example, you know that Saturday afternoon activities are mostly physical. If some of your group is not interested in games or sports, you may wish to prepare an activity for them, but it is impossible for the Staff to plan for such special interests.
You can also pray for the Staff, the Deans, the Evangelism Team, and all who have worked to make this weekend the spiritual event it is.
This booklet is prepared by Ef Deal for the Midwinter Advance. Its contents are the exclusive property of Ef Deal, ©Talespinner 1998. Permission to reproduce is extended for the purpose of training for the Midwinter Advance provided the following information appears on all reproductions:
Permission to reproduce for Midwinter Advance; material composed by Ef Deal, ©Talespinner1998.