Property Maintenance Crew

Since it's a cool 96 degrees this afternoon, there are more kids out and about than usual.  These guys and gals agreed to pick up trash on the property in exchange for a reward.  I think I did hear one of them mutter under his breath, though, "It better be something good!"  After gathering some snacks and juice, I watched from inside until I could tell they were almost finished and then went out with the treats.

If the windy monsoon weather continues as predicted, we can probably give this crew a job every afternoon!

2 + 2 = ?

Under normal circumstances, one wouldn't think that a problem like 2 + 2 = ? would generate much discussion.  However, in a room full of teenagers, you never know.  Some argued the answer was 4, while others wanted to make it 5.  I suppose the arguers-for-5 liked the idea of a math problem not always having the same right answer.  It would certainly make test-taking much easier.

Continuing in the book of Daniel for the 3rd week, Darrell told the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego yesterday evening.  He challenged teens with SM&A's determination to stand up for their beliefs, but then focused on the source of those beliefs, asking the probing question, "How do you decide what is right or wrong?" 

Then came much lively discussion (2 + 2 included!), with Darrell sharing about absolute truth vs. relative truth, obedience vs. compromise.  It was timely, much-needed truth for these teens to hear.

Josh McDowell has long been a champion for truth, especially in sharing it with the next generation.  This article in The Christian Post was published a year ago, but it's definitely worth reading today. In it, Josh McDowell identifies the one thing that he believes is attacking teens' belief in absolute truth more than anything else.  He also proposes three ways to deal with the problem:  model truth, build relationships, and use knowledge.

Data

The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released their 2012 KIDS COUNT Data Book.  It contains reports of their research of the educational, social, econonomic, and physical well-being of children in the United States.  They have ranked Arizona 46th (out of 50 states) in child well-being.  For a quick glance at how all the states fared, check this out:

Interactive Data Wheel 

On the Kids Count website, you'll find specific information for each state.  As you poke around, you will find that this is just a sampling of the topics they have researched :

- Percentage of children living in poverty (this number has been on the rise!)

- High school students who don't graduate on time

- Number of children in single-parent families

- Teen birth rate

- 4th grade reading levels

- Grandparents responsible for their grandchildren (would you believe that Arizona is at 44%?!)

- Percentage of children who receive food stamps

I believe data such as this is helpful for getting a "big picture" glance at the culture today, especially as it relates to children and teens.  Then, begin asking yourself or your church or your friends, "What can we do to make a difference in that area?"  How can the body of Christ put feet to their faith and reach out to a teen mom, a grandparent, a struggling student, a poor family? 

Teen Camp Photos

As promised, here are photos from Teen Camp -- nearly 400 of them!  All photos courtesy of Sandi Shipley.  Enjoy!

Create your own free digital slideshow

Closing out July

This will be a bit of a catch-up post to highlight some of the end-of-July happenings around Aim Right.  Darrell began a Bible study about the life of Daniel with the teens yesterday evening.  He challenged youth to live differently in their culture just as Daniel did.


 Several of us ladies and young ladies attended the Girls of Grace conference in Phoenix on Saturday.  It was a great time of learning "beautiful truths" about our value and worth to God, how he wants us to use our words and clothes to honor Him, and how to have God-honoring relationships.  The music groups were a bit hit, too.  Most of the group: 

 When Stephanie and I attended a promotional meeting for the conference several weeks ago, they had given us goodie bags.  We saved them for the conference and were able to hand out music CD's, bracelets, and t-shirts to the girls who came.

Evan, Laura, and Tiffany have completed or are nearing the end of their internships, so teens and volunteers were invited to an appreciation / farewell gathering for them on Friday evening.



 Part of the fun was a Scavenger Hunt at a local mall.  Groups of teens ventured throughout the mall to find 5 disguised persons that they would normally know. 

Babylon VBS concluded on Wednesday evening.

 And...finally, a photo from teen Impact Group 2 weeks ago.  Caleb led the study about worry and challenged the teens to focus on what God wants them to do today.

One more thing:  Aim Right (i.e. Caleb and Evan!) is headed to the Conservative Mennonite Conference August 2-5 in Goshen, Indiana.  Aim Right is scheduled to give a presentation to the Sr. High youth on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.  If you have Aim Right connections or want to learn more about the intern program, summer missions opportunities, or just want to say "Hi," I'm sure Caleb would love to talk with you!

Expressions

To bring a little light-hearted fun to your Thursday, enjoy these expressions from staff at Aim Right's Teen Camp.  Photos courtesy of Sandi Shipley (and more camp photos coming soon!)



In the month Aim Right has been without a van, we have either had to rent or borrow vans, or get creative in how we do transportation.  Fortunately, it is summertime, when some of our weekly programs take a break.  However, as we begin to prepare for the start-up of fall programs such as Kids Klub and Teen Night, the urgency of replacing the van is....well, urgent!

We were blessed to receive a settlement from our insurance company, but it is not very close to the amount that is needed to replace our 2001 model with something that is a bit newer, with lower mileage, and in good condition.  The replacement van also needs to be reliable and sound enough mechanically to take teens to camp in Colorado over the next few years.

Would you consider donating to this cause?  You'll find more info. below, including the target amount we would like to raise for the Van Fund.  To make a donation online with your debit or credit card, click "Donate Now," (and be sure to include a designation of "Van Fund") or mail your gift to 1013 N. 13th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006.  And would you pray that God supplies this need?  Thank you!