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Cencouyouca 2007 kicked off in high gear at Camp Verley under the
theme “Wrapped in His Word”. The objective of this year’s session
was to make youths aware that whatever their engagement they can
immerse themselves in the God’s Word.
 In
his opening address to the Senior Camp participants Pastor Ivor
Harry, Director of Youth Ministries at Central Jamaica Conference,
made the youths aware of the importance of being “Wrapped in the
Word” of God.
“Youth and leaders should get back to the Word because without it we
are triflers,” he said.
To
ensure that the objectives of this year’s summer camp were met,
forums and activities were implemented for both the Junior and
Senior campers which addressed the specific needs of each group.
“The
theme of this year’s camp was reflected significantly in the
devotional aspect. The forums for Junior Camp looked at grooming,
fashion and relationships, while spirituality and youth involvement
was the focus for senior camp,” Pastor Ivor Harry, Director of Youth
Ministry at Central Jamaica Conference said.
He
also pointed out that the objectives of Cenconyouca 2007 were met
successfully.
Veteran camper, Ken Wright, emphasized that youths should
participate in programmes such as summer camp which contributes to
their spiritual and moral development.
“It
encourages them to live with others and compromise in a positive
way. The corrective discipline has transformed youths and the bond
created over the years is a plus,” he said.
One
cannot deny the life skills that youths learn at camp as well. Some
of the craft activities included bamboo craft, screen printing,
paper making and craft as well as food sculpture. In speaking about
the benefits of these activities Ken Wright pointed out that he
knows people who make a livelihood from learning camp craft such as
Hezekiah Meade of St. Mary who makes a living from string art.
The
craft exercise is in tandem with the Master Guide and Pathfinder
Programmes and craft projects are done in an attempt to complete
honors.
There is grave concern however that not much emphasis is being
placed on aspects of Youth Ministry such as the Senior Youth
Training Programme, Pathfinder and Master Guide Programmes in some
churches.
“We need to understand that these programmes help the youths to
develop leadership skills that will enable them to serve the church
effectively”, Ken Wright remarked.
In an attempt to revive youth ministry in CJC, Pastor Harry revealed
that plans are in place to modify the Senior Youth Leadership
Training Programme for relevance and to enable interested
participants to access the programme at a time that is convenient
for them.
“Timing is deterrence for the youth leaders and we are planning to
introduce the programme in modules and these will be accessible on
the Youth’s Page of the (CJC) website. The trainees can complete
them individually or collectively and return them to the department
for marking,” Pastor Harry explained.
He
also pointed out that the primary objective of Youth Ministry is to
make disciples for Christ by impacting the youth. In so doing, they
will not only be ready for the Second Advent of Christ but well help
in preparing others for Jesus’ soon return.
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