So, what is CHALLENGE?
So, what is CHALLENGE?
As we get closer to TeenPact CHALLENGE I am asked this question quite a bit. Six years ago it was an idea born out of a debate at National Convention. Some have even labeled it a camp for boys to learn outdoor skills. It is more than just an idea and certainly more than just a boy’s camp to get a way for a week.
CHALLENGE is an intense learning experience for our young men. Every activity, every mission is built around principles to help the young men for the mission at hand as well as for the future. Every activity is a multi faceted learning experience. Whether the squad is problem solving an obstacle, crossing thick brush in the “Jungle” or preparing a “wounded” squad member for evac, they are experiencing the growth of teamwork in their lives.
What I appreciate about CHALLENGE is the chance for the students to learn and display leadership. Each student during the week will lead his squad in an activity and in some instances this will push him out of his comfort zone. The success of his squad will fall upon the decisions that he makes or does not make. This is so important for our young men as they mature and grow in the Lord knowing that others are looking to them to provide godly answers and responses to life’s issues. CHALLENGE in its own way helps young men prepare for those moments.
Another great aspect of CHALLENGE is the fact that it is conducted outdoors. It is great to spend the week in the woods sleeping in a shelter that you created along with your squad. Through hot weather and cold our CHALLENGE students have “toughed” it out in the Alabama woods learning to make do with the tools at hand. They have experienced some great times from sunrises on an early morning PT run to sunsets on a mission deep in the “Jungle”. The outdoors add just the right ingredient to keep the unexpected in our program.
At CHALLENGE the staff over the years has borrowed some aspects from the U.S. military to help enhance the program. We use military PT for our morning exercises, have active military Dads lead us in drill and promote the teamwork and camaraderie that the military has come to personify. Through all of this we are not a “militia” but a program to help our young men be responsible leaders in their homes and churches. One of the best aspects of the military that we borrow is the principles of attention to detail and a sense of urgency. If a student can grasp both of these during CHALLENGE week he will do well in the program. Attention to detail is needed in our young men’s life and we work hard to reinforce this through the week in hopes that this training will carry over into their future.
This is just a small window into what CHALLENGE is. There is so much more that we do and the practical training that we receive is worth the time and effort spent. I hope to see you there!
First Officer Stewart
As we get closer to TeenPact CHALLENGE I am asked this question quite a bit. Six years ago it was an idea born out of a debate at National Convention. Some have even labeled it a camp for boys to learn outdoor skills. It is more than just an idea and certainly more than just a boy’s camp to get a way for a week.
CHALLENGE is an intense learning experience for our young men. Every activity, every mission is built around principles to help the young men for the mission at hand as well as for the future. Every activity is a multi faceted learning experience. Whether the squad is problem solving an obstacle, crossing thick brush in the “Jungle” or preparing a “wounded” squad member for evac, they are experiencing the growth of teamwork in their lives.
What I appreciate about CHALLENGE is the chance for the students to learn and display leadership. Each student during the week will lead his squad in an activity and in some instances this will push him out of his comfort zone. The success of his squad will fall upon the decisions that he makes or does not make. This is so important for our young men as they mature and grow in the Lord knowing that others are looking to them to provide godly answers and responses to life’s issues. CHALLENGE in its own way helps young men prepare for those moments.
Another great aspect of CHALLENGE is the fact that it is conducted outdoors. It is great to spend the week in the woods sleeping in a shelter that you created along with your squad. Through hot weather and cold our CHALLENGE students have “toughed” it out in the Alabama woods learning to make do with the tools at hand. They have experienced some great times from sunrises on an early morning PT run to sunsets on a mission deep in the “Jungle”. The outdoors add just the right ingredient to keep the unexpected in our program.
At CHALLENGE the staff over the years has borrowed some aspects from the U.S. military to help enhance the program. We use military PT for our morning exercises, have active military Dads lead us in drill and promote the teamwork and camaraderie that the military has come to personify. Through all of this we are not a “militia” but a program to help our young men be responsible leaders in their homes and churches. One of the best aspects of the military that we borrow is the principles of attention to detail and a sense of urgency. If a student can grasp both of these during CHALLENGE week he will do well in the program. Attention to detail is needed in our young men’s life and we work hard to reinforce this through the week in hopes that this training will carry over into their future.
This is just a small window into what CHALLENGE is. There is so much more that we do and the practical training that we receive is worth the time and effort spent. I hope to see you there!
First Officer Stewart
posted by TPC STAFF at 13:40
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