Youth Week Recap
This past week we held our second ever Youth Mission Week. The idea is behind it is to introduce youth to mission work around central Iowa in a fun day-camp format with the hope of discovering something they are passionate about. This year, each day had a different theme and purpose.
Monday was Water/Earth Day. We drove through Jester Park and played Mini Golf. Then we walked trails around Big Creek state park before swimming. This day was designed to get the kids out into nature and understand why conservation is important.
Tuesday was Animal Day. In the morning, we volunteered at the Animal Rescue League in Ankeny where we re-bagged food, cleaned out horse stalls, and cleaned up rescue kennels. In the afternoon we visited the Coffee Cats Café in Valley Junction. This day was designed to teach the kids about responsible pet ownership and get them some cuddle time with some cats.
Wednesday was Church Day. We completed a few projects around the church like washing the church bus, picking up trash around the grounds, painting the 3rd floor landing, and some VBS Prep. This day was designed to get the kids more familiar with how the church functions on a day to day basis.
Thursday was Art Day. We did art projects at the church before walking around the sculpture park downtown and then going to the Des Moines Art Center. Students were given the task of picking a piece of art that would be the cover of their autobiography. This day was designed to show the kids how to interpret art and how it can inform the world around them.
Friday was Food Day. We did a packing shift at Meals from the Heartland, had lunch at Grey’s Lake, and sorted food at DMARC. This day was designed to teach about food insecurity around the world and close to home. In Iowa, 1 in 4 students face food insecurity. We averaged just under 16 students each day of Youth Week. That means, statistically, 4 of them wouldn’t know where their next meal is coming from.
Finally, Saturday was Family Night. We offered discounted tickets to a Des Moines Menace soccer match. This night was designed to get the kids and their families together to have fun and close out a great week.
