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Junior Youth
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For children in years 6-8 at school, the group aims to be fun-packed and spiritually stimulating and to give each child a comprehensive grounding in what it means to be a Christian in the real world. Based on the "six-steps" which cover four levels of growth (all beginning with 'E': Evangelising, Establishing, Equipping, Empowering), the aim is that by the end of year 8 each child will be thoroughly grounded in being the leader God wants them to be. Hence the name of the group: Leader-In-Training-E4.
The group can operate on Friday nights during school terms, starting at 6.30 pm and going till 8.30 pm or later, depending on the activities. The program generally alternates between an outing one week, and a local based fun activities night the other week. All activities are designed to complement and help teach a set curriculum each year. Leadership tries to implement three key words when designing activities: FUN, ORGANIZED, GROUP. Wherever possible, the activities/games are designed to be 'different' from what the youth would normally experience/do, however this is not essential. The time frame is generally from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, however for outings etc., the finish time may extend to 10 pm, with parental approval.
A general curriculum has been devised by the grace of God, which lays all the necessary foundations for what it means to be a Christian (see LITE4 Curriculum Framework). The aim is that the essential truths contained in Genesis 1-12, Isaiah 61 (The prophecy of the messianic kingdom), Luke 4 (the prophecy of Isaiah 61 fulfilled in Jesus), and the Six Steps to Abundant Life, are covered and imparted to the youth. In a four term year, it is hoped that by the end of Term 3 every year, enough ground work has been laid so that many (if not all) of the Year 6's will come to open up their lives to Jesus Christ and become born again. Other aspects of Biblical truth, such as the Law and the Ten Commandments, can be imparted in personal conversation with the youth either during youth group times or in casual meetings which youth leaders have with the youth during the week. (The Law and its right use come up a lot of the time due to the necessity of exercising discipline for these youth!) Note that in every aspect of the curriculum, reference can be made to Jesus Christ because He is the fulfillment, solution, 'type', &/or enabler in our lives of each truth addressed.
The same general curriculum framework (but with varying activities) can be followed every year, but as youth progress from Year 6 to Year 8, they are given increasing levels of responsibility in the youth group!
Year 6's, in their first year in the youth group, are basically given exposure to the whole curriculum, and they have no real responsibility in the group. They are there to learn and have fun!
Once Year 6's get to Year 7, they become helpers in implementing the decided plan for that week's activities.
Once Year 7's get to Year 8, they are the planners and 'leaders' of the group (under the supervision, oversight, and authority of the adult leaders). These planning meetings will most probably occur either during the week or during school holidays.
So in summary, it is envisioned that Year 7's will be Year 8's helpers in preparing and putting into practice a great youth night which all Year 6, 7, and 8's will enjoy! In this way, not only is the curriculum covered three times by a youth group member during her/his time in LITE4, but one progresses from being the recipient to the teacher, thereby maximizing learning and leadership abilities.
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