Hanging with the Hollands: VSU BCM Leadership Retreat

Early last week, Caleb and I had the privilege of attending the BCM Leadership Retreat. We had such a great time! Jeff and Clarissa (both campus minister's here) provided excellent training for the student leaders, and Caleb did a great job facilitating the team building games and activities. It was so fun to be able to spend time with the students and get to know them better. We learned a lot, and we had a lot of FUN! Here are a few pictures that highlight our time together:

This team building game was "Banana Surgery." Students were instructed to cut a banana into five pieces and make some type of picture using the banana pieces and peel. Above: Chase, Matt, and Allen are contemplating their design. Next, students were asked to put the banana back together in the peel using scotch tape and sewing pins. They were so creative with their designs, and did a great job putting them back together, too! Below: Sam, with her team's banana....somehow, her hands got taped to the banana:)!

We met in this conference room for most of our time together. This year's leadership team is composed of about 30 students. The students are divided into different teams with certain responsibilities. Throughout our time, the teams got together to brainstorm, plan, and pray together (oh yes, and there was the trip to the dollar store to get props for video clips & then then making those clips!). The heart's desire of these students is to reach their campus for Christ and to help students grow in a discipleship relationship with Him. It's very encouraging to see these student-leaders so willing to help others, but still be teachable themselves! We also enjoyed some relaxation time at the pool & a movie!

And, don't forget a favorite game "Ninja"! I had never played this before, but the students were sweet to teach me! Participants stand in a circle and strike a Ninja pose. The object of the game is to try to hit the person's hand next to you (which puts them out of the game), but not leave your hand in a position where it can get hit by someone else. You've got to be quick for this game. I'll have to practice in slow motion for a little while longer.

This game was similar to "telephone, " but pictures were used instead of phrases. The student in the back of each line was given a picture (hand drawn by Caleb himself!) and then had to "draw" that picture on the person's back in front of him or her. This pattern continues until it reaches the person at the front of the line. Then that person draws what the felt on their back, on paper.