Training for the Journey to Adulthood (J2A) Youth program are our most popular events...so our training calendar fills up quickly. If you have a specific weekend or event where you'd like to offer J2A training, call us and get time reserved for your training.
Even if you are not sure about scheduling an event, the first step is to contact us and let us know how we can help. We can send an experienced trainer to you or we can even do phone consultations ($30/hr).
WHAT DOES TRAINING INCLUDE?
Your trainer will work with you to specifically tailor something to meet your needs, but whether you're looking for first-time Basic training, Advanced or something in between, you can count on topics that will help both new and experienced J2A leaders better understand the theological and developmental theories that support J2A, as well as practical tips about working with teens, planning lesson plans or activities, calendar suggestions and more.
COST
You will be responsible for the training fee, plus travel, meals and housing, paid directly to the trainer. The basic training is 1½ days. Call or e-mail us with prospective dates, and we can find a trainer who will help you set up the right training for you. We can also send you a sample contract, to give you an idea on pricing which varies according to what you want done and which consultant you choose. Parishes often co-host and share expenses or you might ask your diocese for help.
TIMEFRAME
Schedules can be specifically adjusted for your group. The 1 1/2 day format is usually either a Friday evening piece (for parents, vestries, committees, etc.) plus an all-day Saturday training (usually approx. 9am to 3pm) for teachers/youth leaders, or it can be all-day Saturday, plus a Sunday morning. Your consultant can offer Adult Forums, Q&A sessions, meeting with teens or even preaching at your morning services, which is probably the best way to get your whole parish excited about youth ministry!
SPREADING THE WORD
We will list your event on our Facebook page and in newsletters. We encourage you to share your event details with other churches or your diocesan office because there may be others in your area who are also looking for J2A training. If you open the event, it is standard to charge $25-$40 per person for people outside your home parish, which can help defray some of your expenses.
SET UP
We suggest a room large enough where participants can preferably sit at tables since so many people like to take notes. You will receive via email our J2A Workshop kit and you will need to make a copy of that packet for each participant. It's also nice if you can have available some extra pens/pencils and you may wish to have name tags available. If possible, it's helpful to have some sort of writing board or a flip chart to use during training, but it isn't essential. Check with your trainer for any other special needs.
FOOD
Usually the host church will provide coffee and maybe light breakfast pastries or fruit as people arrive. You will also need to decide how to handle lunch. Most churches (sometimes a group in the parish like ECW or Menaeus group or even the vestry) provide a simple meal for everyone there at the church and you and your trainer will figure out a time to break for 30-45 minutes to eat lunch. If you are in an area with several different restaurants close by, you can dismiss the group for lunch on their own (provide maps, addresses or phone numbers of restaurants if possible) but this isn't usually recommended as it will necessitate a longer lunch break and you may lose some people.
[ITEMPRICE]