Great Ideas for Youth

36 Children Injured in N.D. Sled Accident
MINOT, N.D. (AP) - Thirty-six children were injured in a sledding accident during an all-night New Year's Eve party hosted by a religious organization.
Three of the children were hospitalized, but all were in stable condition Saturday, hospital officials said. The others were treated and released.
Police Sgt. Winston Black said more than 100 children ages 12 to 19 attending a Youth for Christ event gathered at a high school around 4 a.m. to slide down a hill using sleds built out of cardboard boxes.
The children and Youth for Christ staff piled eight to 12 passengers on the sleds, then went down the hill in quick succession, Black said. "The sleds struck rocks, a light pole and each other," he said.
Stenson said parents of the injured children "were gracious."
"They know that it was an accident," he said. "I think most of them believe our intent with kids is to love them, help them - help kids grow mentally, physically and spiritually."

I had some other creative ideas youth workers can use to "help kids grow mentally, physically, and spiritually."
1) A marathon through dowtown Detroit for 3rd graders with $100 bills strapped to their backs.
2) A mission trip too Afganastan for Kindergartener's to play "find the minefield".
3) A contest for "weight challenged" 5th graders on a nearby pond to see who can find the thinnest section of ice.
4) A living display of Daniel in the Lions den starring 1st graders and real lions.
5) A bike-a-thon for the homeless down the local interstate for your Jr. High Group

Feel free to share other great ideas! And remember--- always ask before planning any activity, "What would Jesus do?" and pray parents are gracious.