VBS: Day 2
by Ted Slater on 06/02/2009 at 9:00 PM
I've spent a second morning as "adult crew leader" over eight great kids so far this week. And, as I was yesterday afternoon, I'm tired. And my legs and arms are sore from lugging affectionate and rambunctious 9-year-olds from activity to activity and during singing. At times, one in each arm. Or one in one arm as another seemingly trying to collapse my windpipe and he dangled on my back.
I'm not complaining. I'm just saying.
I am concerned about something. I'm concerned that I may be acting more like Jack Black in "School of Rock" than the more disciplined teacher I prepared to become during grad school. Ah, well, the kids' playfulness with me, and their friendly respect toward me, tells me that I'm doing all right.
I close my eyes and see these kids' faces, their mannerisms, the way they speak, the way they interact with me. I look forward, sincerely, to tomorrow morning, when I don't have to close my eyes to enjoy them.
1. BDB said the following at 10:34 PM on Jun 2:
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The next time you lead worship at church, half your brain will be telling you to do hand motions...
2. Leah said the following at 12:04 AM on Jun 3:
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We're not allowed to pick the kids up :( Well unless there are extenuating circumstances like they are sick/injured, or unless the leader knows the family well. But as leaders we've all taken this "Child Safe" course and as part of it one of its guidelines is that leaders do not hug/pick up kids. It's difficult coz kids love to be hugged/picked up. We can give them a brief hug back if they hug us, but we're supposed to try and end it quickly. Also not allowed to be alone with a child anywhere. It's a sad fact that male leaders in particular need to be really vigilant about these guidelines.
There's a difference between being a teacher and being a kids' ministry leader. However, one way to pick whether you're being too "Jack Black"ish is (as you implied) the respect thing. Often the whole climbing-all-over-you-dangling-off-limbs can get out of control and kids will start to become more disrespectful. We had this issue at our kids' club at church. The younger boys loved climbing all over their leaders, which itself is ok, but it got to the point where they thought it was funny to be as difficult as possible to stop the leader from walking by clinging to his legs, or try and tackle him to the ground (ok if they're playing a game; not ok if they're supposed to be paying attention to something else). We haven't put a complete stop to the leader-climbing, but we've greatly limited it.
Hope Day 3 goes well! :)
3. Scottie in WI said the following at 5:47 AM on Jun 3:
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Keep on Keeping on Ted! It sounds like you're doing a great job!
I'm really glad you're able to learn with them. The nice thing about being bigger than them is that you can handle multiple kids (physically) all at one. Thanks for sharing your developments with this.
Scott (farm kid near Green Bay)
4. BDB said the following at 11:51 AM on Jun 3:
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Like Australia (#2), we aren't supposed to pick up kids in California, either.
5. DannieA said the following at 12:19 PM on Jun 3:
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Yup the unfortunate matter is, the church is liable for the safety of the children so during orientation before VBS, we go over what is appropriate 'touching' and what is not. The church conference also does background checks.
CA is very vigilent in this regards.
6. Morghan said the following at 3:19 PM on Jun 3:
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I don't think the kids respect you any less for playing with them. I work in the toddler Sunday school class at my church and one of their favorite things is when the other teacher and I kick off our shoes and dance and run around with them. At their age we don't like to pick them up unless they're crying (they get clingy), but playing is part of the ministry, if you ask me. To me, its just another way to represent Christs unconditional love :D