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.