2018 Beach Retreat Leader Manual

3. STUDENT INTERVIEW TIPS AND TRICKS:
• HOW DO YOU START THE CONVERSATION?
• Cody – I start by asking questions that help
us find a common interest. We talk about
that for a while before I transition to the
spiritual conversation.
• Ken – For me, knowing how to start the
conversation begins on the bus ride to Beach
Retreat. I’m around my students, and I listen
to what they say and how they interact with
other students. I make notes about what
they’re interested in. It helps me break the
ice more quickly during our interview.
• Dara – I usually start by just asking them
how Beach Retreat is going. If that doesn’t
get them talking, I’ll add small talk about
their friends, family, church, and other
interests.
• Heidi – Before I interview a student, I read
their bio and pray for them. The bio is an
amazing tool for knowing how to direct the
conversation before you even talk to them.
• HOW DO YOU TRANSITION TO THE GOSPEL?
• Cody – I ask them if they go to church
and how often. This shows me a little bit
of how much they know about God. Then,
I ask them if they think they are going to
heaven. I also always think it is important
to emphasize what the Bible says even in
light of what I tell them I believe. I want
them to see and know what the Bible says
about being saved. So, I’ll open it up and
show them.
• Dara – At some point in the conversation,
I will ask, “On a scale of 0% - 100%, how
sure are you that you are going to heaven?”
That generally opens it up and it all goes
from there.
• Steve – For me, it depends on the kid. If
they are saved, I will ask them about their
walk with Christ and whether or not they
are spending any time in the Word daily.
If they are not, or I am not sure if they
are saved, then I jump into questions that
lead me toward asking if they have ever
trusted in Christ as their Lord and Savior.
These questions may deal with church or
LIVE attendance, how they feel about their
relationship with God, or even what they
think about God.
4. WHAT ARE SOME WAYS IN WHICH YOU ENGAGE
YOUR CONDO, EVEN THE OUTCAST STUDENT?
• Ken - I take control before I ever allow them
to enter the condo. We stop at the door and
pray. Then, I bring them in and we sit around
the dinner table, eat snacks and talk as long as
they want to talk. I make them read the rules out
loud, and we discuss each one.
• Heidi - You, your co-leader, and your group of
students are a team. I approach the week in
that way and try to set the tone from the very
first night in the condo. It really helps everyone
come together as a group. As the leader, you
set the tone. Your energy and excitement will be
contagious! Having games to play or even nail
polish and manicure sets (for a spa night) seem
to help out as well.
• Henry – As far as the “outcast” goes, if someone
isn’t receiving any love, I just talk to them a lot.
Usually, if I show interest in them, so will the kids
at that point.
• Dara – I think it’s important to show yourself and
make yourself available at all times. I’m always in
the living room or kitchen. Usually, someone will
come sit and talk to me. The rest normally follow
right along.
5. WHEN HAVING TO DISCIPLINE SOMEONE
IN YOUR CONDO, OR EVEN YOUR ENTIRE
CONDO, WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN TO BE
SUCCESSFUL?
• Heidi - Discipline can be tricky. Good
relationships are key to the students putting
their trust in you, respecting you, and respecting
themselves enough to do what they should do.
Clearly outlining your expectations from day
one is critical to avoiding a mutiny. You need to
say what you mean clearly and mean what you
say. Follow through, but don’t go overboard. You
can’t fight drama with drama.
• Dara –I immediately tell the students the rules
when we first arrive at BR, and let them know
that if they can follow the rules, we will have a
great time.
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