Workshops
TAKE NOTE! Watch for these content categories below each workshop title:
Club Life – pertaining to anything relating to GEMS and club life.
Personal – includes topics that are geared for personal enrichment and spiritual growth.
Teaching Techniques – topics that will help you as you teach girls in your club.
Spiritual Formation – workshops that will guide you as you develop girls' spirituals lives.
Crafts/Activities – includes activity and hands-on oriented workshops.
New – appropriate for New GEMS counselors or First Time Conference Attendees
Seasoned – appropriate for GEMS counselors who have taught for several years and have attended multiple Conferences.
Theme – will be helpful in weaving the 2012-13 theme through your year.
Club Level (Awareness, Discovery, Advanced, CIT, Club Coordinator): if the age level is noted next to the workshop title this workshop is recommended especially for those who teach that age group.
Many workshops cover multiple topics and are appropriate for a variety of GEMS counselors. If you are attending the Conference with more than one counselor from your club, we encourage you to divide your team up and take in as many topics as possible so you can share ideas.
Friday
100 Leading the Way for the New Club Coordinator Club Life, New, Club Coordinator
Presented by Jan Boone and Linda van Kampen
Are you a new Club Coordinator and uncertain about where to start? Join us as we walk through everything you need to know about leading your club, encourage you as you enfold your counselors, and discuss all the essential checklists, calendars, and tools you need to successfully lead! This workshop will be presented in two sessions this year, session one will be instruction and encouragement and session two will immediately follow and is a working lunch session. This workshop is a MUST for all first-time Club Coordinators!
101 Loving Awareness Level Girls! Club Life, New, Awareness
Are you NEW to the Awareness Level? Your first through third graders are excited and eager to be in GEMS! As a new counselor we will help guide you through the variety of Awareness Level curriculum choices, the badge options, how to incorporate Sparkle Magazine, and provide fun and interactive ideas for you.
102 Weaving your way through the Discovery Level Club Life, New, Discovery
This workshop is for NEW Discovery Level counselors who are teaching fourth through sixth graders. Join us as we walk through a typical club night, show you how to use SHINE brightly Magazine and the Discovery Place Badge Book, explain ways to incorporate crafts-with-a-purpose, discuss great tips for developing relationships, and much more!
103 Beginning with the Basics for the Advanced Level Club Life, New, Advanced
Presented by Amanda Verhoeven-Bulthuis
Are you a NEW Advanced Level counselor? Advanced Level girls face intense peer pressure, complex relationship issues, and untold challenges. You have the unique privilege to positively mentor, encourage, and build relationships with these seventh and eighth grade girls! We will take an in-depth look at all the curriculum options and offer advice for great relationship-building opportunities. Welcome to a NEW year of fun teaching the Advanced Level!
104 Wild Rides for CITs CIT
Presented by Lenee Grebow
Do you like roller coasters? Have you ever noticed that life is like a roller coaster? Sometimes we are riding high with our hands in the air and other times we hold on for dear life. Why do we lift our hands and who is it that we hold on to? As a high school girl leading in GEMS, we will discuss how to model and teach our GEMS girls to live daily for Jesus. Together, we'll look at various relationships in the Bible to discover the characteristics we need to model and we'll look at the qualities of those who mentor us.
105 Leading Our Girls in Worship Club Life, Spiritual Formation, New, Seasoned
Presented by Grace Moes
As a ministry, we have the amazing opportunity to help girls meet the Savior in worship that is God-honoring and life-changing! In this session we'll share how to use the existing GEMS music resources and more to create meaningful worship experiences in our clubs. GEMS worship leaders—new or seasoned—prepare to be encouraged and equipped!
106 "Dear Lizzy…" Club Life, Teaching Techniques, Personal, New, Seasoned, CIT
Presented by Melanie Benes
If you have ever read SHINE brightly Magazine you have seen some of the heart-breaking
questions that girls post to Lizzy (or in the past Kate/Emma). Join us in this workshop as we address the top concerns of our GEMS girls, help better understand these concerns, and provide suggestions and advise as you encounter these issues in club.
107 Money Management Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Ryan and Debbie Ohm
Do you and your spouse fight about money? Are you single and frustrated by others who try to provide "helpful" suggestions on how to manage your money? If you can answer "Yes!" to either of those questions we invite you to join us for a discussion on money management. We will learn helpful tips for creating and living within a budget, note how to converse with children about saving, tithing, and spending, and discuss the importance of modeling a money management lifestyle for children.
108 Walk with Me Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Kathy Brace
What does it mean for you to walk with God—to spend time with Him? Seriously. Stop and think about it. How do you interact with the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of life? Come to discuss ways to breathe new life into your faith as we talk about prayer, personal devotions, and growing the most important relationship you'll ever have.
109 Waiting on God: Windows of Hope Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Maggie Rowe
Does your view of life need some reframing? In this session we will take a look through the window of Scripture into the lives of some famous ladies-in-waiting of the past—Hagar, Michal, and Mary. This teaching will be based on Romans 8:24.
110 Bullying: What Can I Do? Club Life, Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by LaSoundra Gordon
Awareness of bullying is growing in our media, schools, and programs for kids, but children and young people continue to hurt and be hurt every day. Do you know what policies your local schools have in place to handle bullying? Do you ever wonder whether there is something you can do to help? Do you know how to spot the signs of bullying for both boys and girls if you encounter it? Let's come together, tackle this topic, and see what we can do to start putting an end to bullying! Workshop will be offered twice.
111 Navigating Motherhood in the 21st Century Personal
Presented by Kass Cooper
Guilt, stress, technology, frustration, exhaustion, entitlement: What's a mom to do? We will discuss the importance of how our self-care impacts our family, our daughters, and ourselves. Workshop will be offered twice.
112 Cultivating a Life Club Life, Spiritual Formation, New, Seasoned
Presented by Julie Novalinski
Our GEMS girls face a future filled with unlimited opportunities. Parents, extended family, teachers, and many other outside influences are impacting their lives and decisions—including YOU. Being a GEMS counselor gives you the privilege of touching the life of each girl you encounter. YOU have the opportunity to make a lifelong difference, to build confidence, and grow girls' self-esteem. Join Julie as she shows you the wonderful way you are sowing seeds in the lives of girls! Workshop will be offered twice.
113 Fit for Life: More than just Diet & Exercise Personal
Presented by Emily Fedyski
We often talk about making changes to our diet and exercise when we think about living a healthy lifestyle. When you contemplate making healthy lifestyle changes, do you also consider how sleep, stress, hydration, and other factors impact your overall health? Join us in this workshop as we focus on healthy living tips beyond just diet and exercise changes. Workshop will be offered twice.
114 The World of Digital Kids Today Club Life, Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Amy White
The cultural context of children and teens is constantly changing as media and technology continue to evolve. Recent research indicates that the average 8–18 year olds spend 7+ hours with media each day! Media education is needed to help youth develop healthy practices, set boundaries, and educate parents and youth workers about the role that media plays in children's lives. Join us as we look at the emerging world of media and technology, how media is influencing and shaping kids, and a biblical response to these new realities. Workshop will be offered twice.
115 Make-It, Take-It Theme Banner Club Life, Crafts/Activities, Theme, New, Seasoned
Presented by Wendy Branderhorst
In this workshop we will make a full-sized banner of this season's theme: Think Right: Win the Fight! for you to take back to your club. Learn to walk through the pattern from the Theme Resource Book. Workshop will be offered twice. Limited to the first 30 participants/session. Cost: $25.00 will be collected at the beginning of the workshop.
116 Think Right: Win the Fight! Theme Crafts Life, Crafts/Activities, Theme, New, Seasoned
Presented by Susan Middel
You will Think Right and Win the Fight! with GEMS theme-related crafts. In this workshop you will receive great craft ideas with detailed instructions while having the opportunity to create and take home one of the craft ideas! Workshop will be repeated three times. Limited to the first 30 participants/session. Cost: $6.00 will be collected at the beginning of the workshop.
117 Small Club, Big Mission Club Life, New, Seasoned
Facilitated by Cori Dykhouse and panel contributors
As a small GEMS club you face a unique set of challenges that may include: financial, volunteer recruitment, congregational support, and growing your membership. Join us in this workshop as we share experiences, brainstorm new ideas, and learn from other small clubs who have successfully managed these unique challenges.
118 Stepping into Urban Ministry Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Renee Bacon
Come learn about the new urban ministry opportunities at GEMS Girls' Clubs! This workshop is designed to provide information about outreach ministry and will identify opportunities to expand GEMS into urban communities. It will challenge you to think critically and socially about how to approach outreach ministry. You'll develop a sensitivity and passion for improving the lives of girls in urban settings, and we'll answer questions and brainstorm ways you can get started in urban outreach in your community.
119 Establishing a Culture of Prayer Spiritual Formation, Club Life, New, Seasoned Facilitated by Henrietta Reinders and Mary Jo Vis
GEMS Clubs where prayer is an intentional and purposeful priority report the sweetest things happening in the lives of their women and girls. Do you long for something deeper in your club? If so, join us for this panel discussion where we will talk about what club life can look like when prayer is the primary focus. We will offer ideas to make prayer a more integral part of club life.
120 Exploring Badges that Connect Teaching Technique, Theme, New, Seasoned, Discovery
Presented by Alexandra Brown
There are numerous badges in the Discovery Place Badge Book that will relate well to the 2012-13 Theme Think Right: Win the Fight! We invite you to join us in this workshop as we overview these badges and specifically take a look at three of them: My True Identity, Creative Writing, and Obedience. We will walk through each of these lessons and discuss how to guide your girls through these theme-related badges this year.
121 Fun, Focused, and Fantastic Games! Club Life, Activity, New, Seasoned
Presented by Terri Kaiser
This workshop will focus on providing ideas for spur-of-the-moment space fillers, teaching object lessons, or relationship building opportunities. You will discover why maximizing games in ministry is important, secrets for creating new games, and tips for using games as a teaching tool.
122 Rediscovering the Family Personal, Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Leah Travis
What does "family" really mean? Come together to discuss the redefining of what family is in today's world, and how that affects ministries reaching out to young women and their families. We will identify some of the many shapes that family can take, and discuss some of the challenges we have faced connecting to our community.
123 The Invisible Battle – Part 1: Exposing the Enemy Club Life, Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Stephen and Susan Kepley
The Bible teaches that there is a spirit world and that we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world (Ephesians. 6:12). What does this really mean? What does this battle look like in real life? Who is the enemy and why should we care? Part two of this discussion will take place on Saturday in workshop #203. It is HIGHLY suggested that you take part two as well! Workshop will be offered twice.
124 Cooperating with the Girls in your Small Group Club Life, Teaching Techniques, Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Penny Drown
Have you ever felt like you spend more time trying to maintain control of your classroom than you do teaching lessons and building relationships? In this workshop we will talk about building positive relationships with your class based on mutual respect and trust, establishing clear expectations, and creating a cooperative atmosphere. You will learn great tips to leave you feeling like you are managing well! Workshop will be offered twice.
125 When God Seems Far Away Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Mac Wiener
We all go through rough times in life when prayers do not seem to be answered, and when God seems distant. Through Mac's personal story of three difficult life events (involving romance, career, and family) and through a look at God's Word, you will receive much needed encouragement for your journey. Workshop will be offered twice.
126 Guiding the Journey of the Strong-Willed Child Club Life, Personal, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned
Presented by Kendra Smiley
Have you been blessed by the presence of a strong-willed child in your home, school, or GEMS Club? Are you wondering how the words "blessed" and "strong-willed child" can appear in the same sentence? Take heart! Kendra will help you discover important skills for yourself as the mother, teacher, or counselor of a strong-willed child. In addition, you will learn how to guide that child so that she will not only survive, but also thrive as she grows in Christ. Workshop will be offered twice.
127 A Greater Vision for Growing the Kingdom Now! Personal, Club Life, Spiritual Formation, New, Seasoned
Presented by Rev. Mike Laird
What does it mean to live a radical life for Christ? How can God take our ordinary, everyday lives and use us to reach others for Christ? Join us as we discuss the importance of living out the great commission in our lives, TODAY! Workshop will be offered twice.
128 Great Opportunities for Large Clubs Club Life, New, Seasoned
Facilitated by Cheryl Boer and panel contributors
As a large GEMS club your opportunity to plant seeds in girls' lives is exciting, but your large numbers can present some unique challenges. Join us in this workshop as we share experiences, brainstorm new ideas, and learn from other large clubs who are successfully mentoring and ministering to their girls.
129 Gardening Badge Teaching Techniques, Discovery, New, Seasoned
Presented by Cindy Visser
Encourage your GEMS to love the world God gave us, and gain a better understanding of gardening! We will be walking through teaching the Gardening Badge and the Earth Stewardship Badge. We will also be looking at how God wants us to use our resources in our most creative ways. If you've ever contemplated gardening or planting flowers or herbs or want to teach this to your girls, join us!
130 WOW: Women of Worship Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Colleen Reinders
If you enjoy raising your voice in praise before the Lord, then why not be part of the Women of Worship? Simply check the box on your registration form to indicate your interest AND list this workshop as your number one chsoice! The Women of Worship team will join Colleen and Grace for part of the Sunday morning closing worship service.
131 Goal Setting 101 for Girls Club Life, Personal, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned
Presented by Julie Novalinski
Successful people set goals. Teaching goal setting to kids will help them build confidence and make setting and achieving goals a natural part of life. In this workshop we will learn basic steps on how to teach kids to set, move toward, and reach their goals. Being a goal setter will help your GEMS grow up with confidence and skills to achieve and understand God's special purpose in their lives.
132 Come and Explore the Call to Zambia Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by The Zambian Training Team
Come and learn how God's Spirit is working through the GEMS ministry in extraordinary ways—using girls and counselors in all kinds of ways. In this workshop you will: experience the Zambian culture—even learn to dance African style, hear what other clubs are doing—how being involved has changed girls' hearts and focus, and be given new ways to get your club involved as well. Who knows? Perhaps the Holy Spirit will direct your steps to join the next work team to The Esther School!
133 Transforming Craft Time into Worship Time Crafts/Activities, Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Karinda deBoom
Crafts are an exciting and fun part of club for girls but can be a chaotic and stressful time for counselors. Come discover and experience how to transform craft time into a more meaningful time of reflection and worship toward our wonderful Creator. We will spend time creating a beautiful hands-on project during this time of worship. Limited to the first 30 participants. Cost: $7.00 will be collected at the beginning of the workshop.
134 The Armor of God Workout Personal, Activity
Facilitated by Alethea Mshar
WholyFit is a workout program that focuses on exercise through worship concepts and practices. If you find it difficult to establish a habit of exercise and Bible study, this DVD workout is for you! The Armor of God workout is a semi-intense program that will arm you with the spiritual weapons of warfare as you put on the armor of God piece by piece: Belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, peace shoes, shield of faith, and the helmet of salvation. You'll enjoy this unique workout/worship experience!
135 Fresh Eyes Unearthing Hidden Treasure Personal, Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Leanne Morter
As architects dig to unearth precious treasure buried underground, so too can we unearth hidden treasure in the most precious gift of God's Word. In this workshop we will learn to dig in to the Bible. You will discover how to use Bible tools to better understand what the Bible says. Fresh eyes will give you a clear understanding of how to study Scripture from the cultural context of when it was written.
136 HospitaliTEA: What God can do in an Ordinary Home with an Open Door Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Ingrid DeJong
Most of live busy lives. We work, run our kids to activities, eat fast food, and hide behind our locked doors and windows. What would happen if we slowed down, ate around the table, and invited everyone who walked in to join the meal we are eating? What would happen if we asked God to place people in our path and then welcomed whomever it was that stood in front of us to join us for dinner? Over the last ten years Ingrid’s family has lived with open doors, and God has shown Himself in some unusual ways. Join us as we discuss how we can change our communities by living with open doors and hearts.
137 Life Lessons Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Jerrianne Iseley
As women, we often get caught up in our frantic to-do lists. As a result, how often do we miss out on the everyday moments when God speaks to us through other people, places, or events? Learn how to become a lifelong learner and a lover of the people God brings across your path as you discover how God provides teachable moments through everyday life experiences.
138 Building Your Dream Club Club Life, New, Seasoned, Club Coordinator
In this workshop counselors discover three wise choices necessary for becoming a dynamic club: finding the right team members, intentionally inviting community girls, and choosing curriculum that fits your club’s needs. This workshop is a must for moving your club from good (or not so good) to great! This workshop was featured at the 2010-11 ACTS Fall workshop and was a requested conference topic. If you did not experience it at your local workshop, come join us!
139 Wire Words Club Life, Personal, Crafts/Activities, Theme, New, Seasoned
Presented by Julie Ball and Lynn Huizingh
The Think Right: Win the Fight! theme will challenge you to focus on thinking right in whatever circumstances you find yourself. Join us in this workshop as we spend time creating a whatever wire words wall hanging that you can display in your home, office, or GEMS room. Workshop will be offered twice and will be limited to 35 participants in each session. Cost: $5.00 will be collected at the beginning of the workshop.
140 “I Get Being a Counselor!” Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Amy Brooks
In this workshop we will discuss effective teaching methods, scripture memorization, Titus 2 training, and mentoring girls/CITs/younger counselors. Designed for seasoned counselors and newbies alike you will examine 12 practices that will help you gain both a big picture understanding as well as provide missing details needed to serve powerfully and effectively. “I Get Being a Counselor!” will be your declaration as you leave this class. This workshop will be offered twice. This workshop was featured at the 2011-12 ACTS Fall workshop and was a requested conference topic. If you did not experience it at your local workshop, come join us!
Saturday
200 Threading the Theme Throughout the Season Club Life, Theme, New, Seasoned
Presented by Lenae Bulthuis
This workshop is packed with ideas for how you can weave the theme into arrival, praise and worship, Bible lessons, snack time, games, and more. It's an interactive, practical workshop filled with laughter and learning. Come, share, and pack your mind with ideas that will challenge and inspire your club in the season ahead! For the first time, the ideas presented in this session will be available in your 2012-13 Theme Resource Book.
201 Reaching Girls the Way they Learn Best Teaching Techniques, Club Life, Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Audrey McGregor
Come and marvel at the amazing way God created the female brain! In this workshop we will discuss the research that points to the amazing differences between the way boys and girls learn and how we can celebrate a girl's learning style.Our goal will be to translate the brain-based theories of gender differences into daily strategies and to assist in reaching and mentoring girls to grow and learn in a more successful manner.
202 Payday on Your Investment: Making the Most of SHINE brightly In and Out of Club Club Life, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned, Discovery, Club Coordinator
Presented by Kelli Ponstein & Nicole Zaagman
The GEMS magazines are so much more than a publication your girls receive once a month. There are stories, Bible lessons, and activities in print, video blogs and podcasts, and an entire website just for girls. Join us as we explore how to make the most of SHINE brightly and its resources by getting creative and bringing the lessons to life.
203 The Invisible Battle – Part 2: The Battle, the Deliverer, the Call Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Stephen and Susan Kepley
A continuation of workshop #123, we invite you to join us for this continued discussion. We will address the question of how Jesus engaged in the battle He faced, what weapons He has given us, and how we can use them in our day-to-day lives. You are either a soldier or a casualty in this battle–there are no civilians–which one are you? Please do not register for this workshop if you have not registered for Part 1 - workshop #123.
204 Understanding your Child's Spiritual Gifts Spiritual Formation, Personal, Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Cindy Vander Laan
God has gifted your child with a unique gift mix—equipping him or her to find their place in God's story. While children's gifts may become more pronounced as they grow, they have a unique set of gifts that can be used to serve right now! In this workshop we will take a look at the spiritual gifts assessments that are available to help parents and children understand how God has uniquely created them and help them understand how to use those gifts for Kingdom service.
205 Growing Deep Roots in the Hearts of Early Teen Girls Club Life, Spiritual Formation, New, Seasoned, Advanced
Presented by Becky Vande Kamp
Your Advanced Level girls are at a tender, influential stage. Learn how your small group of early teen girls can experience real deepening of their faith. Gain needed tools to understand this age group and their unique culture and pressures. Discover fun and practical ways to root, build up, cultivate, and grow these dear disciples.
206 Developing Kids' Love and Understanding of the B-I-B-L-E Club Life, Personal, Spiritual Formation, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned
Many girls love Magic Tree House, Judy Moody, and Twilight books. But do they have the same love for the Bible? Could they sit for hours reading the stories of God's love for His people? Join us as we discuss how to engage girls and help them understand how to work their way through the Bible.
207 "Google It!" And other words that didn't exist when you were born and why you need to know them Personal, Club Life, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned
Presented by Kathy Brace
Our world changes with amazing speed and our girls are caught up in that change. The challenges and opportunities they face are radically different than past generations. In this workshop you will learn what characterizes 21st century kids and principles that will help you navigate the high-tech world they live in.
208 Engaging Girls in Worship using Creative Movement Club Life, Teaching Techniques, New, Seasoned
Presented by Paulette DeWeerd
Your girls love movement, motion, and opportunities to be enthusiastic and active in their worship. Whether it's flags, motions, the GEMS creative movement DVDs, or other resources your worship time is sure to be enhanced by taking time to learn what your girls love to do. Join us as we learn new movement and motions for songs that will enhance your GEMS season!
209 Recipe for a Positive Attitude Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Kendra Smiley
The Bible tells us we are to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus. That means making choices that line up with His Word. In this workshop you will discover several of the ingredients that can lead to a more positive attitude and be encouraged to follow the recipe and enjoy the outcome.
210 Soul Care: Re-lighting the Candle Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Renee Bacon
Do you feel like you are burning the candle at both ends? On the brink of being snuffed out completely? Women today run in all directions doing ministry and taking advantage of a variety of opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus. And, there is the family that is a precious priority, work that demands 100%, neighbors who need to know Jesus, and parents that may needcaregiving. At the end of a day or week it can feel overwhelming! Join us in this workshop as we explore soul care—finding and receiving the life-giving nourishment we need from the Source of Light.
211 How to be a Healthy You Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Pam Jansma
First Corinthians 6:19-20 will be the framework for the discussion in this workshop as we talk about women's health concerns. Join us to better understand how your mind and body work together to make a healthier you.
212 Praying God's Word for an Intimate Prayer Life Personal, Club Life, New, Seasoned
Presented by Bobby Adrian
In order to pray with authority you have to understand all the power that is available to you through your relationship with Jesus. Join us as we learn how to pray God's Word for an intimate prayer life—being confident that God hears and ANSWERS your prayers. God wants to use you when you call on Him.
213 Stoking the Holy Spirit's Flame in your Marriage Personal, New, Seasoned
Presented by Kathy Roosma
Whether you're newlyweds or have spent years together, this workshop is your chance to stoke the Holy Spirit's flame in your home. We'll talk about how to communicate, differences between men and women, how to pray for your husband and children, and how to develop intimacy for a lifetime.
214 From Couch Potato to 5K Personal, Activity
Facilitated by Lia Leenstra
Have you ever wanted to make a change in your workout routine but can't seem to make your way off the couch? This session will help you begin, or enhance, a routine with the simple activity of walking. We will discuss the importance of setting and working toward goals. We will look at basic warm-ups, focus on a variety of walking techniques to shape, tone, and get you active. We will also provide suggestions for starting a basic running program. Appropriate for all fitness and age levels.
215 Walking Together: CIT/Club Coordinator Share Session Club Life, Club Coordinator, CIT, New, Seasoned
Facilitated by Wendy Deurloo
Elisha said to Elijah, "As surely as the LORD lives and as you live, I will not leave you." So the two of them walked on (2 Kings 2:6). In this share session, Counselors-in-Training and Club Coordinators will learn fun and meaningful ways to walk together in their mentoring relationship as they encourage one another and serve their club.
216 Table Talk Share Sessions Club Life, New, Seasoned
Facilitated by Room Leaders
An invaluable time awaits you as you meet together with other counselors to brainstorm and share ideas. Use this opportunity to glean ideas and to share what is working in your GEMS Club. Discussion topics will vary by room based on subjects such as students with special needs, fundraising, special events, curriculum levels, crafts, and more!
217 Counselor Team Planning Sessions Club Life, New, Seasoned
Facilitated on own
Are you here with your counselor team? Looking for a time to take everything you've learned throughout the weekend and brainstorm together? Here is your chance! Designated rooms will be available for teams to meet and begin planning your 2012-13 GEMS year. Or, perhaps you just want time to share some of the ideas and suggestions you've learned through various workshops. Handouts and discussion ideas will be provided.
Sunday
300 Personal Reflection Time Led by YOU!
The Conference is full of resources and challenges and your time in Chicago will fly by. We learn a lot about how we can be a better GEMS counselor, tips to take back to our classrooms and clubs, and how we can better support our team of counselors. But, we also take away a lot personally. God speaks to our heart about ways we can more intimately live with Him. He challenges and nudges us. But, too often we don't take the time to stop, reflect, and determine how we will live differently because of the challenges God has whispered to us through the weekend. This time has been set aside for personal reflection–a time to be intentional and commit to living a changed life.