New Jr. High Parent?
If this is your first step into the world of junior highers, have no fear. The Edge is here to talk you through it. This article will address some questions you might have about Elevation, your student's Sunday morning worship service, now that he or she is leaving 5th grade.
What if I don't FEEL old enough to have a child entering jr. high?
That's normal. You don't LOOK old enough, either!
Is my child ready to be with 7th and 8th graders? They look huge!
Maybe not, but he soon will feel right at home. Eighth graders think that the 6th graders are "cute", but tend to leave them alone. Seventh graders will be distracted trying to show how mature they are compared to the new 6th graders. So, the new 6th graders will have time to figure things out without much interference.
Why is it so loud in there?
Students this age like it that way. Each week, a rock band leads worship to help students praise the Lord teen-style. But they also know how to slow things down for some mellow, thoughtful worship time. It's not always loud.
Do they really stand on their chairs during praise time?
Yes, they do. Somehow, it makes them feel as if they're at a concert. It also helps them see the stage, where other junior highers and high school musicians are playing. In the words of one 7th grader, "It's just cool". Jen Gulbrandson, junior high Connect director (girls), offers another benefit for their concert-going behavior. "Believe it or not, it helps them participate in worship of singing," she said. "They become more engaged while standing on chairs."
When do they go to their small groups?
Due to space limitations, junior highers don't have small groups on Sunday morning. There just aren't enough classrooms available. Also, Elevation is meant to be a mini-worship service. It incorporates announcements, music and a message, much like the adult services. Students are encouraged to attend Extreme on Sunday nights, when they can experience small groups.
Why does Elevation meet only during the 11 a.m. service?
Jen says students tend to prefer the 11 o'clock time slot and are more awake for it. Seven years ago, a 9 a.m. junior high service was offered, but attendance was very low.
When I was growing up, kids dressed up for church. What do they wear at Elevation?
It's not unusual for students to dress casually, in jeans and other school attire.
What do I do if my student doesn't want to go to Elevation?
Keep things positive. If you believe it's important for your child to attend Elevation and make connections with other junior highers, tell him or her to try it for at least a month. Many students will overcome any uncertainties during that time. Encourage your child to bring friends from his school if finding familiar faces is a problem.
How can I help my student find friends at Elevation?
Mark Began, student ministry pastor, and Jen hang out at the desk near the Back Room where Elevation happens. They would love to help introduce your student to some likely friends. Also, a welcome team made up of junior highers is available to greet new students and introduce them to regular attenders.
When does the transition from elementary to junior high happen?
Current fifth graders will begin attending Elevation instead of going to their elementary classes on June 1. To help make the transition easier, a special event is planned just for incoming 6th graders. They are invited to go bowling with the junior high staff on Sunday, June 8. This will give them the opportunity to get to know their new leaders and other students who might attend a different service. They will meet at the church at 12:30 p.m. for lunch, games and prizes, and then go to Gladstone Lanes to bowl.
Calming Summer Camp Fears
Summer isn't here yet, but chances are your junior higher is already talking about going to The Peak in August. If you're not sure whether to send your student to this week-long adventure at Cascade Camp and Conference Center in Yelm, Washington, read on.
"It was the greatest experience of my life," said Cameron Gregson, an eighth grader. "You can learn a lot about God. It will impact you spiritually."
That's not all Cameron and others like about camp. With several hours of morning elective time each day, students can choose from a variety of electives including basketball, tennis, fishing, canoeing, Capture the Flag, crafts, frisbee golf and more. And those are just the morning choices!
In the afternoon, campers get to enjoy the water at Alder Lake.
Innertubing, blobbing (your son or daughter can describe it), waterskiing, wakeboarding and swimming provide perfect summer fun for anyone who loves to get wet. Students take a swimming test when they get to camp to make sure they're capable of participating in water activities.
If your student is more of a landlubber, he or she can play sand volleyball, hang out at the grassy camp waterfront, play sports or board games, go horseback riding, get a a snack or coffee beverage, try the waterslide or just hang out with friends. New this year is paintball, and it's sure to be a popular option.
Of course, the thought of going to camp with a bunch of new people can make some kids apprehensive, especially if they don't have close friends going with them. Jen Gulbrandson, junior high Connect director for girls, said staff members and leaders work to match up compatible kids. Students aren't confined to small groups all day long at camp, so they have time to explore different friendships. However, guys and girls have their own areas at camp and aren't allowed to visit each others' living quarters. If your junior higher invites a friend to camp, they will be placed together as long as the friend is of the same sex.
Kelly Bartz, another student, has this advice for kids who aren't sure about The Peak, "I would encourage them to go. That's how I made my friends. The bonds are indescribable!"
Cameron agreed, saying, "You never feel alone."
"My advice is you shouldn't be worried at all," said student Samantha Farwell. "If you're not going with friends, there's no way that you couldn't make a friend there. I've made some of my best friends there."
Several students mentioned how much they enjoyed the worship and messages last year..
"I really love the night worship time," said Samantha. "We have so much fun. You get to sing and dance and be crazy. The talks are really good."
If a conflict with sports is making your junior higher hesitant to
attend The Peak, consider speaking to the coach and asking him or her to make an exception. Boys who are playing football, for example, can tell their coaches that they will need to miss a week of conditioning. Coaches have responded with flexibility and understanding to such requests in the past, even for such a critical time of practice.
