Junior Leader in Training Summer Academy 2014
A partnership between Tall Turf Ministries, Madison Square Church, & Oakdale Park CRC
“Learn Together, Serve Together, Play Together, Pray Together”
Program Description: Students who have just completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade will have an opportunity to discover their gifts and serve in their ministry and community this summer through the Junior Leaders in Training Summer Academy. After years of success in developing older teens as leaders, we are eager to pass the gift of leadership down to younger leaders using the gifts of teens and adults. This summer, we are going to raise up Middle Schoolers to be leaders in our ministries now.
This year’s theme is: TRANSFORMERS!
Our goal is to help our youth realize that developing godly character and a heart for service is necessary to their spiritual and personal growth. We want to offer them opportunities to live out Romans 12:2:
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.”
Program Dates: July 1-August 7. The time commitment will be from 1-5pm. Please dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty as we will be doing service projects.
What are the Requirements?
Ø Just completed 6th, 7th, or 8th grade
Ø Desires to serve, become a leader, and grow in your faith
Ø Available Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, 1-5pm
Structure of the Program: Leadership Development, Service, & College Visits
Committed Christian young adults and seasoned grown-ups from each ministry will work together to lead our youth in developing their character and their serve for the glory of Jesus Christ. Older teen interns will serve as positive role models who are living out the lessons that teens are learning. The interns will also provide prayer support and mentoring to each participant. Youth will be trained in leadership through: biblical teaching, experiential learning, leadership development, college preparation, and service opportunities.
End Goal: We envision ministries where the gifts of children and teens are valued and given an opportunity to thrive. We hope that opens doors for them to be invested in and grow in their faith so that they can be equipped and empowered to give back to their community and go out to change the world for Christ!
Cost: $100 + camp fees for the entire 6 week program! (All fees are non-refundable.)
How do I get Involved? Families interested in enrolling their child in this program should contact:
Ø Madison Square: Contact Darrell Delaney at or 204-0736 for an application. Apps will also be available at the info desks at the Square and the Ford.
Ø Oakdale Park: Contact Javonna Allen at or 980-6284 for an application. Apps will also be available at the church.
Ø Tall Turf Ministries: Contact Miriam DeJong at 452-7906 or for an application. Apps will also be available at the firehouse at 816 Madison SE Grand Rapids, MI 49507.
***Please note that space is limited and applications are due to your site’s coordinator by June 6, 2014.
Junior Youth Leaders in Training Summer Academy 2014 Schedule
a partnership between Madison Square Church, Tall Turf Ministries, and Oakdale Park Church
“Learn Together, Serve Together, Play Together, Pray Together”
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Most days, we will meet from 1-5pm at the location indicated.
Madison Place is at 1401 Madison Ave SE
Tall Turf Ministries is at 816 Madison Ave SE
Date / Topic We Will Learn / Special Event/NotesThursday June 17 @ Madison Place / Parent Registration Meeting @ 6pm / You will need to bring your signed permission slip, fees for the program, health info, and a shot record, birth certificate, or passport etc. to verify age for your camp registration.
Tuesday July 1 @ Madison Place / Leadership Training #1
Wednesday July 2 @ Madison Place / Team Building & Ropes Course at Camp Roger / Make sure you wear tennis shoes! You may also want to bring bug spray and sunscreen.
Thursday July 3 / Service Project/Leadership Training
Monday-Thursday
July 7-10 @ GRASP / Service Week with Grand Rapids Area Service Project (GRASP) / See GRASP flyer for information.
Tuesday, July 15 @ Madison Place / Leadership Training #2
Wednesday, July 16 @ Madison Place / Leadership Training #3
Thursday, July 17 @ Madison Place / Leadership Training #4
July 19-26 @ Camp Tall Turf / CAMP WEEK @ TALL TURF!!! / Meet at CTT at 1:30pm – a parent must check every student in. Parents are welcome to come to camp for Honor’s Campfire. Students will return at 11:30am.
Tuesday, July 29 @ Madison Place / College Visit Preparation
Wednesday July 30 @ Madison Place / College Visit Day #1 / Dress in appropriate clothing to visit a college campus.
Thursday July 31 @ Madison Place / College Visit Day #2 / Dress in appropriate clothing to visit a college campus.
Tuesday, August 5 @ Madison Place / Final Sumer Evaluations & Debriefing
Wednesday, August 6 @ Madison Place / Closing Group Activity / Details to be announced.
Thursday Aug 7 @ Madison Place / Closing Celebration w/ Parents @ 6pm– Ice Cream Party!! / Come ready for a family fun night complete with an ice cream buffet, honors recognition and games. Please dress to have fun!
***Note: Program details may be subject to change. We will do our best to notify parents in advance of any changes.
2014 Junior Leader in Training (jLIT) Summer Academy Application
1. What ministry are you applying through to participate in this program? (Check one.)
Madison Square Church
Tall Turf Ministries
Oakdale Park Church
2. In what ways, if any, and for how long have you been involved in that ministry?
3. The Junior LIT program runs from July 1 through August 7. Are you available for the entire period? If not, please explain.
4. Why do you want to be a part of the Junior Leader in Training Summer Academy?
5. What are some of your previous experiences leading or serving at your ministry, school, and/or community?
6. In your own words, what does it mean to be a leader?
7. What are some things that you think you are good at (strengths)?
8. What are some things that you think you can improve (weaknesses)?
9. How would you describe your relationship with God?
10. Below and on a separate sheet, if necessary, write a brief autobiography. Include information on your family; school; spiritual journey; etc.
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REFERENCES
The reference section is an important part of the application. Complete this section thoroughly and accurately. Use additional pages when necessary. We will contact your references by phone and/or mail. Please include both home and work phone numbers for your references where possible. References can be your pastor, mentor, youth leader, teacher, neighbors, etc. Please do NOT list personal friends or family members.
Reference Name: / How do you know them: / Business Phone: / Home/Cell Phone: / E-mail:1.
2.
I certify that all statements on this application for are made truthfully to the best of my knowledge. I authorize the references listed in this application, and any prior educational institution, or any other persons or organizations to give any and all information concerning my previous educational accomplishments, disciplinary information or any other pertinent information they may have, personal or otherwise, and release all parties from all liability for any damage that may result from furnishing same to you. I hereby, waive written notice that information is being provided by any person or organization. I also acknowledge that I understand that all fees for this program are non-refundable.
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Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date
2014 Junior Leader in Training Summer Academy Leadership Expectations
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech,
in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I Timothy 4:12
Spiritual Expectations:
- I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord of my life.
- I desire to serve God with my whole life.
- I am committed to spiritual growth through individual and group Bible study and prayer.
- I am willing to be involved actively in my church through attendance and attitude.
- I am committed to the community of Tall Turf, Oakdale, and Madison and realize I am only a part of the whole.
Behavioral Expectations:
- I am serious about my lifestyle choices because I know it tells other people about my commitment to Christ.
- I am committed to a lifestyle made up of choices that please God (no sex, drugs, alcohol, etc.).
- I am willing to remain teachable and willing to grow in my faith.
Leadership Expectations:
- I will attend all required trainings and events.
- I am willing to meet with an adult mentor on a regular basis.
- I understand and am willing to work within the program’s mission and vision statements.
- I am committing to a positive role in the program in my behavior and attitudes.
- I am committing to completing all required paperwork on time.
- I commit to being on time and calling when late or when sick.
- I understand that I am only allowed to miss 3 days of the program and must inform my supervisor in advance.
- I commit to follow all of the program policies.
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jLIT Signature Date
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Permission to Participate in Activities in the 2014
Junior Leader in Training Summer Academy
Student Name ______Phone # ______
Address ______Zip Code ______
Birth Date ______School ______Grade ______
Parent/Guardian Name ______E-mail ______
Emergency Contact Name ______Phone # ______
Physician Name ______Phone #______
Health Insurance Carrier ______Policy #______
Student Release: Please list the names of individuals to whom the student may be released:
Health Information: List any health problems that we should be aware of for your child: (asthma, seizures, diabetes, heat troubles, allergies, etc.)
Does your child have any previous operations, injuries, physical limitations or current infectious diseases of which we should be aware? If so, please explain:
Does your child have any mental and/or emotional considerations of which we should be aware? If so, please explain:
List any medications prescribed for your child to take: ______
______
Are shots/immunizations up to date? ___Yes ___No
Transportation:
___I will provide transportation for my child(ren) ___My child(ren) will need transportation
Permission/Authorization (This completed form may be photocopied for field trips, etc.).
I give permission for my child, ______to participate in the 2014 Junior Leader in Training Summer Academy.
In case of emergency, I hereby give permission to the administration of Madison Square Church, Oakdale Park Church and Tall Turf Ministries to secure proper treatment for my child, including hospitalization, anesthesia or surgery and/or routine, nonsurgical medical care, if so needed in the opinion of an available or attending physician at the time. I understand that administrators of these programs will make every effort to contact me.
· I consent to allow Madison Square Church, Oakdale Park Church and Tall Turf Ministries to provide my child with transportation to and from camp and on field trips during this program and I understand that my child needs to be prompt in arriving at the program.
· I acknowledge that Madison Square Church, Oakdale Park Church and Tall Turf Ministries is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged personal property that my child brings to the program.
· I certify that the above information is true to the best of my knowledge.
· I give permission for the use of photographs, videos/DVDs, and recordings including my son or daughter to be used by Madison Square Church, Oakdale Park Church and Tall Turf Ministries for publicity and/or publications.