Navigating Instagram’s Teen Accounts: A Guide for Parents and Youth Workers
(USMB NextGen is NOT affiliated with Meta or Instagram in any way. This is just a helpful article for anyone who works with teenagers). This post is not about the access social media should have with teens; that is a decision for each family and church, but this is more about what it is, the
- Published in Adult Volunteers, Ideas, Parents, Resources, Senior High, Technology, usmb nextgen
10 Youth Ministry Websites for Youth Workers
Are you starting out in youth ministry? Maybe you’re just a volunteer and have no idea where all these other youth workers get ideas. I would love to tell you we all are just that creative but the honest answer is we “steal ideas” from each other all the time. Stealing might be too harsh,
- Published in Games, Ideas, Leadership, Resources, Teaching, Tech Tips, Technology, Training, usmb nextgen
10 Terrible Tips for Recruiting Adult Volunteers for Youth Ministries
Recruiting adult volunteers for youth ministry can be a daunting task. It requires careful planning, lots of encouragement, and a welcoming attitude to build a strong team. There are so many lists of good ideas. What if you hear some of the worst ones? If you want to struggle in ministry alone, limit your impact,
- Published in Adult Volunteers, Ideas, usmb nextgen
Effective Tips For Short-Term Mission Trips (Tips 11-15 | During The Trip)
(Here is part three of our list of tips for short-term mission trips. CLICK HERE for part one and CLICK HERE for part two) The initial set of tips I’ve shared focuses on pre-trip preparations and ensuring your team is ready and able to reach your destination. Now, I’d like to pivot to advice for
- Published in Ideas, Training, USMB, usmb nextgen
Follow Up to ASCENT 2024
ASCENT 2024 is now in the books. We have heard many wonderful stories and comments on this year’s camp. In following up this year we have two options for youth workers and leaders. First, if you have any good pictures from ASCENT, please share them by adding them to our Google Drive by CLICKING HERE.
- Published in ASCENT, usmb nextgen
J-Time (Morning Devotions)
J-Time Is Our Morning Devotionals At ASCENT Start your day with J-Time (Jesus Time), our morning devotional session at ASCENT camp. Join us at 7am each morning by the firepit near the Snack Shack. Bring your Bible or Bible app and be guided by Joanna through a reflective journey in the scriptures. Everything will be
- Published in ASCENT, usmb nextgen
WIFI & Cell Signal
Important Update for ASCENT Camp 2024 We are thrilled about our new location for ASCENT camp at Camp W.O.W. in Stuart, OK! Some of the key highlights of these new changes are Exclusive use of the entire camp (no more sharing with other groups) Air-conditioned in ALL buildings! Extra space for workshops, sessions, and prayer
- Published in ASCENT
Effective Tips For Short-Term Mission Trips (Tips 6-10 | Before The Trip)
(This is part 2 of a series about mission trips; if you are looking for tips before the trip, CLICK HERE) Embarking on short-term mission trips can be a transformative experience for the communities you aim to serve and for your own spiritual and personal growth. These journeys, often filled with moments of challenge, learning,
- Published in Adult Volunteers, Ideas, Resources, Training, usmb nextgen
What Leaders Need to Know for ASCENT 2024
Getting ready for ASCENT? Here is everything you need to know to make sure your group is ready. THE PACKING LIST Here is everything you need to know about what to bring to ASCENT. Feel free to send this to your group. Try to remember to pack your trailer or bus with one side, males
- Published in ASCENT
ASCENT’s Camp Map
This is the map of Camp W.O.W. in Stuart, OK. All groups will enter from N 382 Rd and take a LEFT when you enter the camp; check-in will be near the Cafeteria and Party Barn.
- Published in ASCENT
Effective Tips For Short-Term Mission Trips (Tips 1 – 5 | Before The Trip)
You’re likely here because you’re either gearing up for a mission trip or contemplating one. I’m eager to share the insights from my own journeys with you. With 20 years in youth ministry under my belt and participation in over 15 short-term mission trips—11 of which I led—I’ve amassed considerable experience. I am not trying
- Published in Ideas, Senior High, Student Leaders, Training, usmb nextgen, Youth Worker Life
The ASCENT 2024 Packing List
A packing list might seem straightforward, but overlooking even a small item can lead to significant issues. Here’s our suggested list. Keep in mind, that individual churches/groups may modify or add to these essentials based on their needs. However, we strongly advise including these items for your ASCENT trip. Expect daytime temperatures in the 80/90’s
- Published in ASCENT, usmb nextgen