Activities such as camping, sports, service projects, and outings provide leadership opportunities for teens. These kinds of adventures create a bridge between men and boys.
Sometimes the chat by a stream or the discussion around the campfire becomes a time of deep sharing or soul searching in the lives of individuals as they come to know each other better. Of course, experiences such as climbing a mountain, canoeing a river, giving a program at a home for the elderly, touring a factory, or visiting a historical site, round out what might otherwise become a humdrum routine.
Older teenagers appreciate experiences that open up educational or vocational opportunities for them. A visit to a college may help a young man set his educational sights. Touring a shop or industrial plant may influence a boy’s vocational direction. Especially significant for boys from minority groups is seeing a man of their ethnic background in an occupation they may have thought unreachable.
Service projects take boys beyond themselves and help them understand the meaning of self-denial. Service projects can bring boys face-to-face with people whom Christ loves and wants to love through them. Christian commitment thus becomes a matter of practical reality. Teen leaders who share in planning and leading such projects have opportunities for increased personal growth.
Today’s teens are not only the source of tomorrow’s leadership, many are setting the pace for their generation right now! Young leaders learn from watching others. When guided by concerned Christian men, their vision and abilities can be put to work for Christ. Helping a group of committed junior high and high school boys develop in Christian leadership and outreach is what Battalion is all about.