Small
Groups
Small groups enable us to explore our theme more fully and allow for a change in group dynamics. Some children (and adults too!) find it easier to express themselves, verbally and artistically, in small clusters. It can also be a nice time for adults as Resource Leaders to get to know some of the children in a more relaxed environment.
Small Groups usually consist
of three, sometimes four separate groups, which meet for three times during the
course of the weekend. A different colored “dot” is assigned to each group
and is affixed to each child’s nametag as the retreat begins. A list of the
Small Groups and their leaders appears in the Staff Notebooks as well. One or more Resource People, with responsibility for sharing
a specific topic, leads each group. Each
cluster of children remains intact throughout the weekend and moves on to a new
topic and different Resource Leader in each new group.
If all this sounds confusing, just follow the young people, they know
what they’re doing!
Adults with either expertise
or interest in certain aspects of a theme usually offer to provide leadership.
Because I am primarily responsible for the development and approach to
our retreat themes, I try not to lead a Small Group whenever possible,
believing that it’s better to see where others take a given topic once it’s
launched. I also may ask a Resource Leader ahead of time to lead a Small Group.
In addition to the color
coding, Small Groups are “named” according to the topic that they cover.
Specific information for each Small Group is either sent out with the Staff
Notes, or is available in your Staff Notebook when the retreat begins.
Small groups run for at lease twenty-five minutes but not more than 45 minutes
in length. Each cluster of children
is different too, with varying amounts of energy, input and approaches to the
subject. Sometimes, what
“works” nicely in one group may “crash” in the next! Staff consistently
reports that they have more energy with the first two groups, and less with the
last. I suggest starting each group with a brief period of worship, mediation,
reading or gentle song, which helps to center, and relax their racing little
bodies. Staffers are encouraged to
let their individual styles unfold, making the group “their” own!
Each Small Group is provided
with a Small Groups Bin of paper, markers, pencils, and cardboard squares for
writing surface, scissors, etc., should they be needed. Some leaders use them,
some not. It’s generally helpful
to read out-loud the names of each child who is expected to be in any given
Small Group. This helps the leaders to know who might be missing, and to make
sure that a child has not wondered in to the wrong location.
Thank you for your generosity of time and love on behalf of our children. We are truly blessed.