Collective Students | Building Bridges

Because of our commitment to intergenerational community, Collective is building a bridge between Collective Kids and our Senior High and Young Adult leaders. ​As we launch our fall program, we hope to create a pathway for youth to continue to have meaningful experiences at Collective by developing a strong sense of belonging, engaging spiritual/contemplative practices, and creating a safe space for articulate their own beliefs, experiences, and doubts.

The two primary programs we are developing to meet this need are a bi-monthly weeknight program and an intergenerational focus during one Sunday service per month. 

1) Each bi-monthly session would include a free dinner, hangout time, mindfulness/yoga practice, and programmatic content. The focus would rotate between fun/social time together, community service/social justice, and hands-on activities led by guest speakers from the Collective and DeLand community. Examples of fall sessions include: • Team-building Games • Share Your Favorite YouTube Videos • Create a “What Collective/Community Statement Means to Me” Video • Art/Crafts • Volunteering with the Interfaith Kitchen at First UMC • Toastmasters/Improv Comedy • Environmental Education/Outdoor Recreation • Community Garden Project • Rock Climbing at Aiguille Rock Climbing Center

2) One service each month will be developed for intergenerational engagement. Collective Kids and Students will stay for the first half of the service, including music, the community statement, readings and/or videos, the first 5-7 minutes of sermon introducing basic concepts, and discussion. Then, Collective Kids will go across the road for games, noodle yoga, and fun on the play ground. Middle Schoolers (ages 11-14) will go to Berryville with Caitlin for frozen yogurt and guided discussion about the service theme.
 
Though the development of this program was not included in the current budget, we're seeking these specific resources to launch this needed programming in Fall of 2017 until we can make it a part of the annual operating budget.
 
Proposed Budget
$1200     Bi-Monthly Program Supplies & Dinner | $150 per Session        
$300       Berryville Breakout | $50 per Session              
$900       Fall Retreat | Warren Willis Camp & Life Enrichment Center            
$200       Interfaith Field Trip                    
$400       Fun Day                             
$100       Service Day    
$500       Promotional Materials and Volunteer Gifts
$3600    Total Budget

SUPPORT THE STUDENT BUDGET

As always, both what we do and how we pay for it is transparent and open for questions and clarification. If you have specific questions about budget line items or general questions about program elements or leadership, please contact our Director of Connection and Formation, Caitlin | Caitlin@WeAreCollectiveChurch.Com. 
 
As Caitlin forms and pastors this new group of students and leaders, we’re asking for our congregation to support her by funding this special budget, and by encouraging this necessary new program; helping lead and support it, or simply celebrating with us as we see it come to life. ​