What is Building Christian Kids?

Building Christian Kids is an organization that exists to purposefully engage our youth through fun activities and programs while keeping the focus of the Truth of Christ Jesus. It can be considered an alternative to other Christian based programs, such as the YMCA Adventure Guides. Having said that, any Adventure Guide Group can make this part of their focus and gain all the other benefits of the YMCA. This can also be referred to as "going renegade with a purpose".

From a spiritual standpoint, we focus on training our sons and daughters in the principles of Godly character. In this way, they will grow to be pillars among their friends and peers, and be the salt and light that we are ALL called to be by living as fully devoted followers of Christ. In everything we do, as we should with our lives, we put the focus on Him.

From an activities standpoint, BCK mirrors much of what other organizations do. The idea here is to do service projects, campouts, and socials while keeping that focus on Him. With the short amount of time we have to build into our children's lives, it is critical that we take this opportunity to help our children to be trained in the virtues of being a fully devoted followers of Christ. Because of the lack over overhead and administration, In addition, there are no costs associated with this organization...other than camping fees, etc.

The dads run this program an make the group what it is. One or two usually take the lead by setting out the calendar and character traits and communicating with the group. This website serves as a tool to help groups get started and manage their groups.

The campouts are the focal point for the group. For each campout, the character trait that will be studied is agreed upon. Typically, one of the dads will be in charge of the lessons, although this could be shared between dads. There are group lessons and quiet times that happen throughout the weekend, but the key is application during the fun times. The dads continually focus on how that trait is revealed in their and other sons throughout the weekend. When the trait is displayed, the dad makes mention of it and it is discussed during the group study later. This really ties the trait to real life application.

There are no age requirements, but right now this is geared toward K-6. Groups typically start in Kindergarten and go indefinitely. new ideas will be posted here as the ages increase. Other programs end after three years.

New groups generally start in the summer before Kindergarten. Parents begin to communicate regarding sports teams, etc. This is the time to start talking to other dads that will want to partner with you in this effort. Men are likely to follow you if you have a plan and a sincere heart for kids. At the end of the day, one can instill these efforts in any group they join. The key is whether you want to go against the grain as part of a larger organization and incur more costs or do this on your own and incur fewer costs. In the end, it depends upon the dynamics of leader and the group.

For more information, contact David Silva at dsilva1963@yahoo.com.

Sample Calendar

Summer
July - set the Fall calendar of events

Fall Semester
Social Event - 3rd Weekend of September
Campout - 3nd Weekend of October
Service Project - 2nd Weekend of December
December - set the Spring calendar of events

Spring Semester
Social Event - 3rd Weekend of January
Service Project - 3rd Weekend of February
Campout - 3rd Weekend of April

You set your own calendar. You are not limited to this, but this is good at a minimum. Communicate with coaches and sports leagues to coordinate as much as possible. If you get the calendar set early, you are much less likely to incur conflicts. Having said that, not everyone can always participate, and that is okay.

Sample Campout Weekend

FRIDAY
4:00 Leave Home Location
5:00 Grab Dinner on the Road
7:00 Arrive at Camp and Get Settled
8:00 Campfire, night game and announce character trait
9:00 Kids go to bed

SATURDAY
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Lesson and Quite Time
10:00-12:00 Morning Activity
12:00-1:00 Lunch
1:00-5:00 After Activity/Free Time
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Dad testimony, recap, and smores
9:00 Kids go to bed

SUNDAY
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Lesson
9:30 Pack up and leave at leisure

Number attending should be finalized a month out. Reservations at a state park should be done by then as well. Expect 2-3 tents per sight. Retreats should be scheduled 2-3 months out.

Dads should pair up on meals (volunteer or assigned by the Leader).
A dad should bring smores for at least one night.
A few dads should bring wood.
Make sure everyone brings a check book to settle up for the weekend costs.

Tips for a Successful Group

Get all dads involved. Some cook, some lead hikes, some teach lessons, some plan non-campout events.

Plan ahead...getting on everyone's calendar is key.

Inform coaches of expected campout dates. They may request a bye that weekend or sports games may be rescheduled to a Sunday.

Funnel communication through the Leader and limit email overload.

For Girls Only

Many dads attend special banquets or dinners with their daughters each year. Dads can do the same thing on their own. This is about dads and daughters...not about girls with girls.


Here are a few ideas....

Take your daughter to her favorite restaurant.

Rent out a room with other dads at a nice restaurant and have dinner.

Have the moms cook a special meal and let them serve the group.

Godly Character Traits

Character Traits

Here are a few to get you started.

Loyalty
“For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6)

Servant-Leadership
“Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27)

Kindness
“What is desirable in a man is his kindness.” (Proverbs 19:22)

Humility
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself.” (Philippians 2:3)

Purity
“Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:12)

Honesty
“Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you, with his neighbor, for we are members of one another.” (Ephesians 4:25)

Self-Discipline
“Have nothing to do with worldly fables…On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)

Excellence
“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)

Integrity
“He who walks in integrity walks securely, but he who peverts his ways will be found out.” (Proverbs 10:9)

Perseverance
“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9)

Event Ideas

CAMPOUTS

STATE PARKS/RETREATS
Tyler State Park
Lake Ray Roberts State Park
Lake Mineral Wells State Park
Dinosaur Valley State Park
Sky Ranch
Pine Cove

SERVICE PROJECTS
For the Love of the Lake - Cleanup White Rock Lake
Greet the Troops - at DFW

SOCIALS
Lake HIghlands Football
Mesquite Rodeo