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| Our church has done the groups both as intergraded and split by age. I am new to this church so I hear some say this was great or that was great but was curious what other's experience has been to help figure out which way to lead our folks. Thanks in advance.
Rev. George Smith
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| | Our church has done it both ways also. I really LOVE mixed age group. The main reason being it does away with "clicks" in the older age groups. These "pre-teens" aren't around their friends--so they don't have to "impress" anyone. They also get to be "big helpers" by helping out the younger kids. It is a win-win for everyone! PS--Nice website.
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| | We have done the mixed groups for several years and we love it. It gives the kids a chance to get to know different kids and build relationships. I even do mixed age groups on Wednesday night, which is really working out great. The older kids have become role models for the younger ones. Good luck to you!! Susan Brown Brookwood Baptist Church Shreveport, La |
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| | Pastor George, I have done the mixed age group since I was introduced to Group's VBS (1999) and it has worked seamlessly all the time. I would say that is also true for most who have done it this way since Group continues to get repeated and new directors every year. There is a dynamic in the mixed age groups that creates a valuable experience for the kids and crew leaders alike. Here are some of the things I have noticed it promotes: 1. Fellowship (kids really enjoy interacting with each other becuase there is less "same-age" pressure) 2. Leadership (older kids help younger ones and serve as role models) 3. Responsibility (It has been amazing to see how children help one another and take their Crew Jobs so seriously) 4. Compassion (the most rewarding experience for me is seeing how the help one another during the games and crafts and especially if one on the team gets hurt!). Anyway, I think Group is right on target when they describe this dynamic on page 30 of the Leader's Manual. If you get a chance read it. But just don't take Group's word or mine for that matter. You will most likely read from many more who have successfully adapted this system and have been pleased with the results.
Science and the Bible - The Bible is not a Science Text yet it is consistent with scientific facts.
Science - Even today, scientists admit that they do not know how many stars there are. Only about 3,000 can be seen with the naked eye. We have seen estimates of 1021 stars, which is a lot of stars!
Bible - Jeremiah 33:22
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| spumckids (1/13/2008)
Our church has done it both ways also. I really LOVE mixed age group. The main reason being it does away with "clicks" in the older age groups. These "pre-teens" aren't around their friends--so they don't have to "impress" anyone. They also get to be "big helpers" by helping out the younger kids. It is a win-win for everyone! PS--Nice website. Awesome idea!! Do you do individual cl or all as one group? We do Sunday AM Children's Churcg from ages 4-10 all together. Do you split up into cl with mixed ages? If so, what do you use a teaching material for your teachers? We also do mixed age groups for VBS and that works great. I'm like you, it takes away the clicks and a lot of the behavior problems. God Bless
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| We split the age levels having k-1, 2-3, 4-5 together and ended up intergrating bc one group got so LARGE. So we are mixing them this year.
 ~Misty from Indiana
Non-conformist!! Romans 12:2  Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth!
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| | We use mixed age groups which gose well with anouther program at our church our 5th-8th graders train to be Jr helpers. they work shifts in the nusery and the preschool rooms after a four class traing. so the last year at vbs they are my crew leader helpers and each is in a different crew. It works real well and they dont feel as bad about the last year to participate. Of course the mom in me  found it hard when it was my Daughters turn but last year as a Jr Crew leader see was awsome with her preschool charges. And because she knew the ropes and had been helping the little kids for years.
 Lila
Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Psalm 122:1
I rejoiced with those who said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD." |
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| | Mixed age crews work great IF you have enough crew leaders. We are a small church and struggle to get enough help. Last year I was short at least four crew leaders for the number of kids I had but I won't turn kids away from hearing God's Word. I had crews with 10 + kids and it was a challenge for my leaders. But in the past I have also had it where I only had 3 kids per leader and they absolutely loved the opportunity it gave to build relationships with the kids. Don't shy away from it! My older kids love helpin the little ones. Jennifer |
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