As I mentioned last week, my volunteer organization offers numerous workshops, activities and seminars – especially for young volunteers. My most favorite event is called “Boarding Now” and takes place every year in the beginning of the winter semester in September or October. I used to attend this event every year during my 6 years of leading a Jungschar group.
This one afternoon offers 12 different workshops for over 150 Viennese Jungschar group leaders, including a party in the evening. Each workshop takes about one hour and every participant can choose the seminars they are most interested in. Last year, some of the topics covered during the workshops were: (Katholische Jungschar, n.a.)
- Authority (the use of positive authority with children)
- Children’s rights (getting to know legal and privacy issues together with the children)
- Exploring the bible with children
- Singing – Screaming – Dancing
- Theater and role plays
- Feedback (how to give each other feedback)
- Etc.
Every year, different workshops are offered. My most favorite workshop, which is also now one of the most popular ones, was always “singing and screaming games”. As my Jungschar group consisted of 10 to 20 boys (sometimes 2-3 girls), we needed many games and activities where the children could use all their energy. The games we learned during the workshops were really useful and very creative. Some of the games turned out to be “our” children’s most favorite ones.
The “Boarding Now” event is a great opportunity for all Jungschar leaders to get new ideas, to meet new people, to share and discuss problems and thoughts and to experience team spirit. The dinner and party after the event were always a great place for socializing and exchanging ideas, experiences and opinions.
I can absolutely recommend volunteer workshops in general, as they provide volunteers with great creative input, fascinating experiences and new friends.
See you next week,
Bettina
References:
Katholische Jungschar (n.a.). Boarding Now. die Startveranstaltung der Jungschar Wien. Available from: http://wien.jungschar.at/index.php?id=655 [Accessed 9 March, 2010]
