Teen volunteers

[nana]

Hi all,

I wanted to use teens last year for my crew leaders, etc, but my co-director didn't think it was a good idea. This year, I couldn't find a co-director, so I decided it was a good time to implement my idea. I'm planning to have some of the boys help with the video/audio stuff, but they will only be busy during opening/closing. There will also be others that will have lulls in their schedule. If I had a lounge area where they could hang out, that would be great, but I don't. What should I plan for them to do when they aren't busy??? I want them available if something comes up, and I don't want them to be bored. These are high school kids. HELP!!
Nana

[flutist14_99]

Our VBS couldn't run withouth teen volunteers! I don't know how you made it. First, make sure you have a special meeting that is just for teens so that you can explain what you expect of them. You might even what to go as far as to present a dress code of things to wear and not, just depending. What I do if some of them have lulls in their schedule is to set some of them patroling the halls to make sure any kids are where they are supposed to be and then they can help with a discipline issue in a class if it comes up.
If they're just busy during the opening and closing ceremony? Could they be assigned to groups to travel around with them? This can be a great help to kids to have someone to look up to in their group with them all day.
Just some ideas!

[kimbak]

I agree. We couldn't function without the youth helping. 95% of them are wonderful and do a great job, just a few are maybe a little bit less mature and want to play more than help. i would have them float, maybe go to the different centers asking if there's anything they need, and being the gophers as needed. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by their efforts. they have been a true blessing to our VBS.

[TrinityJen]

We also use allot of teens, this year 6th grade and up can be helpers. They will be assistant guides in the group. Each will be assigned 3-5 kids they are specifically in charge of. The past years some felt they weren't needed and were not much help. Hopefully assigning them there own kids will help that. And older teen or adult will be in charge over all. I am hopping this will also help if the groups are big.

My teens hope for down time, as long as kids are there, there isn't down time. Some get cameras to take pictures, or they do general gopher duties. The main area with down time is snacks and the snack lady is in charge of what they do, usually delivering snacks around to the teachers who don't get a chance to get to the kitchen. Another duties is walking the halls ringing the bell to tell the teachers it is time to rotate. I always think I will make time for that, next thing I know I am in the main office doing the newsletter and the classes have already rotated.

I am defiantly doing a training session this year. Last year a few of the rooms were left messy on Friday and I had to stay to pick up papers and turn in lesson books. The teachers, guides and teens are in charge of leaving the last room they are in clean, the tables they eat at and the pews they sit in.

[Josh1]

Teenagers are definately a great resources to use for your VBS program. Just use your disgression on what job you would like each teen to do. From my personal experience, it's not good to let junior highers be floaters. They need more direction than that. I hope this helps.:)
God Bless,
Josh:rolleyes:

[TrinityJen]

Teenagers are definately a great resources to use for your VBS program. Just use your disgression on what job you would like each teen to do. From my personal experience, it's not good to let junior highers be floaters. They need more direction than that. I hope this helps.:)
God Bless,
Josh:rolleyes:

Josh - you are a testament to what a teen with a love for VBS can do! If only we all had 1 of you in our church!

[kidstime805]

I just checked in the Director's Guide and there is some info about how to use teen helpers. Check it out!

[nana]

Thanks for all your suggestions. These helpers have just completed their freshman year, we have an off campus program for grades 6, 7, and 8. I know they will be great help, lots of them have wanted to help long before they were old enough, thats why I really need to find something that will make them feel needed and valuable. I have lots of ideas now, thanks again! God Bless!
Nana