Creating a Kindness Commercial

I just returned from a city elementary school, where the 5th grade girls in the group I work with each week are very excited about a project. I asked them, "What is one thing you wish kids in your school would do differently?" and "What is one thing you've learned in our group this year that you wish you could teach other kids?"

Their responses used different words but had the same message: They wish that kids would stop bullying, picking on, and spreading rumors about other kids, and instead start treating each other with respect and kindness like we do during group time.

The girls then started working on developing slogans to promote kindness and respect to their classmates, and developing a role-play "commercial" that they're going to present to other classes. As we left the group, girls were talking excitedly about plans to write a song or a rap over Spring Break to promote their message of respect.

As we brainstormed slogans, one girl looked at a slogan that read, "Fighting takes you down the wrong path," and said, "Yeah, that's right! I used to do that but I don't anymore." In these girls' world, where fighting is an acceptable solution to many problems, that is a major victory!

I'm excited that not only are these girls really getting and owning the message about kindness and respect, they're ready to spread the word. In "youth development speak," this project is helping the girls develop school bonding - a sense of belonging and empowerment in their school. School bonding may not be something we think of often, but researchers like the Search Institute have identified it as a powerful asset that helps kids succeed.

Thank you for helping SCYM be present in groups like this! There is more we would love to do, and so much opportunity. Pray that God would continue to open doors and provide resources to help even more kids "crush the odds" through these groups.

Faith Bosland
Executive Director

New Opportunities for Mentors

Have you wanted to mentor a Springfield child or teen, but have a changing schedule, or only have time on weekends or evenings? SCYM now has opportunities for mentors on a flexible schedule. Mentors need to be 18 or older, and be willing to commit to a one-year mentoring relationship.

To get involved, contact our office at SCYMinistries@gmail.com, or (937)325-6183. There is no better way to impact our city's kids, than one kid at a time!

Offering forgiveness

Last fall I began meeting with a group of 5th grade girls at a Springfield school. These girls are considered at-risk of not graduating because of their low state-mandated test scores. Each week we talk about respecting and listening to others, setting goals, and other activities designed to help them learn social and emotional skills and bond with their peers and school.

I soon realized that a girl named "Danae" was what I call a "pot-stirrer". Disruptive and confrontational, she often made the group challenging, and once made another girl cry during group time. I had several talks with her after group about how her behavior was hurting others, and how she could do better.

As the months went on, I began noticing Danae softening, and while she was still disruptive at times, she often had a positive attitude and much healthier things to say in her "disruptions".

After Christmas break, we met again, and as we were working on an activity, Danae said, "Ms. Faith! Ms. Faith! I did one of the agreements during break, and it's one that I never usually do." The agreements are principles that our connector who co-leads the group has written on the board - such as respect, no put downs, responsibility, etc.

Danae told me that the agreement she had acted on was "Amnesty - offer forgiveness." She went on to tell me that last year, her cousin had shot her uncle and killed him. The family went into turmoil, taking sides with different family members, and Danae was part of this drama. Over Christmas break, the family had been together, and Danae chose to forgive her cousin for killing her uncle.

First of all, what amazing things is God doing in Danae's heart. Second, how much does this story reveal about the circumstances that have made Danae the way she is. Please join me in praying that God will help her do a "180" and channel her leadership potential in the right direction! And would you also pray that we will find a mentor for Danae, who can walk with her and provide stability in her life? We are so privileged to be "in this" for kids like Danae!

Faith Bosland
Executive Director

How God brought me to SCYM

A big shalom to you from here at Springfield Christian Youth Ministries. My name is Tyler Worley I'm the new associate director at SCYM and director of the STARS program. Before coming to SCYM I was a chaplain with Public School Outreach for Christ(PSOC). The main school I served at was Simon Kenton Elementary. I really appreciated my time at PSOC and the opportunity to serve with Erv Holland (Chap), founder of PSOC, as well as other great chaplains to bring the gospel to the city schools. This past fall God, in His wisdom, had new plans for me. I talked with Chap about leaving PSOC to come over here to SCYM and he and I felt peace with it and he blessed the move. I started my new job here January 10, 2011 and have had a great time getting to know Faith and Tim and the great kids God has entrusted to us in the programs. My wife Krista, my one year old son Cyrus, and I are truly blessed to continue serving the youth of Springfield in Jesus Name!

+ thanks
Tyler

2011 SCYM Spring Dessert

Please join us for our annual spring dessert! This is a great opportunity to get caught up with what's new at SCYM, meet staff and kids, hear from guest speaker David Mahan, and enjoy some delicious desserts provided by local restaurants. There is no charge for the event, but there will be an opportunity to donate toward SCYM's work with Springfield youth.

When: Monday, March 21st. 7:00pm

Where: Courtyard Marriott, 100 S. Fountain, Downtown Springfield

Who: David Mahan, CEO of Frontline Youth Communications



For the past 14 years, David's passion for reaching his generation has led him into the front lines of the war over the hearts and minds of today's youth. He impacts thousands of teens each year while serving in the trenches of schools, churches, detention centers and city streets, both in the United States and abroad. His message about leading teens into personal responsibility is one no one should miss.

RSVP to: SCYMinistries@gmail.com or (937)325-6183, by March 14. We hope to see you there!

WiseGuys Mentoring

I have the privilege of working with about fifteen 7th and 8th boys at Schaeffer Middle School along with Tim Voltz. We have had some incredible times of sharing as we eat lunch with these guys. Occasionally our former Wiseguys will ask to join us.

During one of our sessions, I asked one of the returning 8th graders to share something he learned last year in the program. He said "well, I learned about making wise choices for myself, and I learned that it costs a lot to have a baby (the average is over $2o,ooo in the first year). I am definitely not ready to be a dad yet."

WiseGuys is an early fatherhood prevention program that focuses on teaching young men to make wise choices. Our activities focus on respecting others, especially girls, peaceful conflict resolution, and setting short and long-term goals for yourself.

We are happy to be partnering with the Springfield City Schools. The feedback we are getting from principals and school counselors alike is "we need more of this kind of thing, and we really appreciate what you are doing in the lives of our students." That's encouraging.

Jeff Nelson

WiseGuys Mentoring

STARS gets off to a great start

STARS After - School Program

At the beginning of October, we were excited to start back up again, with a good number of returning students, and some smiling new faces as well. For the STARS kids, opening day couldn't come soon enough. Thanks for all your prayers as we have worked through transportation issues and a few other obstacles.

This year we have formed leadership teams at both of our STARS churches, and they are starting to take more active roles in running the program along with STARS Director Jeff Nelson.

This is a short post, but we wanted to show you some pictures of what God is doing in one of our programs. Thanks for partnering with us.

Jeff Nelson

STARS Director

Working on a craft project

Hanging out during free time

Ashley and Jennifer are two former STARS students who are involved as volunteers again this year. They often help and encourage Jean in the kitchen.

Several of our former STARS students are back to help us as volunteers, and it is encouraging to see them take on more responsibility.

It has been great having Shannon Barker and her family join us as active volunteer leaders. Shannon has been leading chapel as well as our special projects.

Amy, pictured below in the yellow, is one of our returning Wittenberg students who helps as a mentor and volunteer.

Also pictured are two of our new students playing pool together.