SU VOLUNTEER TRAINING
BEING LEADERS
YOU WILL NEED
A PowerPoint Projector
The PowerPoint Slideshow “SU Training Being Leaders”
Chart Paper
Printed Handouts “SU Training: Being Leaders – Scenarios”
Printed Worksheet “SU Training: Being Leaders” one for each participant.
Note: Some elements in this resource are drawn from CYCAS training available at max7.org
WELCOME
This summer we are hosting a summer camp. Our aim is to help the children have fun,
develop skills, make friends, and encounter Jesus. Let’s look at the ways that we, as leaders,
can make this possible.
ACTIVITY - OPPOSITES
Get into groups and brainstorm 10 things that a camp leader should NOT do (e.g.
texting friends). You have 5 minutes.
Once the 10 things have been written down, have groups switch their lists. Teams
race to see who can be the quickest at listing the preventative measures for each of
the 10 things on the list (e.g. to counter texting don’t bring cell phones to camp).
Review results.
The role of a camp leader is very important. The children look to leaders for direction and
follow their example. We’ve just created a list of things that we should or shouldn’t do while
at camp. Let’s look at some qualities of a good leader.
RELATIONSHIPS
A good leader builds relationships. Take time to get to know each child in your group. Here
are some ways to connect:
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Listen – it could be about how tight their shoes are or what they had for breakfast.
You may not find it interesting – but it means so much to them when you pay
attention.
Share – tell them something about yourself e.g. what you had for breakfast!
Ask Questions – “What did you have for breakfast?”
Meet their parents – at the end of the day they’re going to want to show you off –
make sure you say hi to mom/dad/guardian.
PAIR AND SHARE
Find a partner. One will be the speaker, the other will listen. Answer one of the two
questions on the board.
1)
2)
What was a special present you received?
What was an important day in your life?
What were some signs that your partner was listening to you? Let’s consider six signs of
good listening.
ACTIVITY – FAMILY FEUD
The rules are similar to the game show, Family Feud. However, the PowerPoint isn’t
set up to work properly. You will need to administer and keep points yourself.
How to Play:
Divide into two teams and come up with a “family” name
One representative is selected from each family. Have the two
representatives at the front seated on a chair, side by side. Explain that the
first person to stand up may answer the question.
Ask “What is a sign of a good listener?”
The first person to stand up and correctly identify one of the six signs gets
to choose whether or not their family gets to play on or pass. If they don’t
pick a correct sign then the other family gets to choose whether or not
they will play or pass.
The family that plays must identify all six signs without getting three
strikes. If they get three strikes, the other team gets a chance to win the
game by naming one correct answer.
At the end of the game discuss the answers. Please build on the answers with the
information below:
1) Eye contact – making eye contact with a child is important. Don’t stare the
child down and don’t look away for long periods of time.
2) Same height – When you’re standing you’re usually taller than the children and
it indicates you’re going to lead. When you bend down, crouch or sit it indicates
you want to connect at their level and are ready to listen.
3) Side by side/90 degree angle – You don’t want to be right in front of a child
(face to face) –it’s intimidating. When you’re alongside the child it will feel more
comfortable.
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4) Reflecting emotions – respond to their emotions through your facial expressions
and with verbal confirmations e.g. “That’s exciting!” “You must have been
scared!”
5) Body language – leaning forward, head nods, a hand on a shoulder to offer
comfort are some suggestions.
6) Asking questions – avoid closed questions that are answered with just one word
(e.g. Do you like basketball?). Instead, ask open questions that a child can
answer with a sentence (e.g. Why do you like basketball?).
PAIR AND SHARE PART II
Go back to the partner you first discussed the two questions with. Switch positions – the
listener is now the speaker. If you are the listener, demonstrate the six signs that you are
listening.
Relationships are built by getting to know the children and making them feel loved. We want
to share Jesus with the children and their families. Relationships are needed in order for you
to share your faith.
ROLE MODEL
You are cool. What you do matters! What you say and do, your attitude, and how you
interact with people will be mimicked by many of the children. This is why you need to:
1) Be involved
 Participate energetically and enthusiastically in all the activities. Even if
you’re not leading an activity, take part in it as if you were a camper. Don’t
sit on the sidelines when a game is being played (when you’re not involved
kids are more inclined to pull away from an activity and come and sit with
you).
2) Watch what you say
 They’re listening!
 If you gossip or speak poorly about another leader or camper the children
will pick up on it and reflect the feelings.
 If you say, “This game is so lame. I can’t believe we’re playing it again!” the
kids will think it’s uncool and maybe not want to do it.
 Show your excitement and find positive ways to encourage each other and
the kids – this will create a fun and safe environment for everyone.
3) Respect other leaders.
 You may not be friends with everyone – but at camp we are all one big
team.
4) Model what you want the children to do.
 “Do as I say and not as I do” will NEVER work at camp.
 If you want the children to respect each other – respect them and your
peers. If you want the children to participate in an activity – you should do
the same.
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ACTIVITY – SENARIOS
HANDOUT: BEING LEADERS SENARIO
Get into groups of four and act out the following scenarios then discuss or act out the
solutions.
1)
Camper Mark doesn’t want to sit on the floor for devotions. Volunteer Ted gets up
from his chair and says, “Mark you need to sit on the floor” and then returns to his
seat.
This was a common problem at camp. We expect the volunteers to sit on the floor with the
children. Not just sitting on the floor, but sitting amongst the children.
2)
The SU coaches start a game of huckle buckle. Camper Ashley doesn’t want to play
and so she stands on the sidelines with volunteer Michelle.
Get involved! If you cannot participate for a particular reason speak with the SU Coach
before camp so that they can find something for you to do that will not be a distraction or
undermine what’s being done.
3)
The SU Coaches are leading devotions in the gym. Some of the volunteers are in
the kitchen next to the gym cutting up freezies and telling hilarious jokes that have
them laughing uncontrollably . . . the kids can hear them.
You are at camp for the children! We want you to have fun but please always be considerate
of the camp activity. If you’re in a room nearby preparing for the next activity don’t be a
distraction – close the door and speak quietly. If you’re in the same room and talking to your
neighbor – you are a distraction! Sometimes adults are the worst at this – they stand at the
back of the gym during devotions and chat. Voices carry and children are easily distracted.
4)
Camper George is always the last to find a partner and eats lunch alone.
Be aware of children who do not make friends easily – actively find them partners for
activities or partner with them. As you become this child’s friend you can pull them into
activities with the other children.
ACTIVITY - THE BEST LEADER EVER
Tell a partner about the best camp leader you ever had (90 seconds each).
In groups of 4 brainstorm and list the characteristics of a great leader.
What are some additional qualities you hope to have as a leader this summer?
In your small groups please look over the list of qualities that you wrote down. Let’s pray
that God would help us be the leaders we need to be this summer. Pray too that the children
will have a great time and encounter Jesus.
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