Information

'Reaching and Keeping Tweenagers' (10- 14 year olds)
This book focuses on young people aged 10-14 ( school year 6-10). It is avalible from the Youth Team- please contact Church House-0191 2704152 . The analysis concludes with the following observations:

This age group sticks together . They wish to work together, relate to each other. The bunching together,going as a group is to be encouraged.Tweenagers herd together and need to be reached that way.
Girls lead boys. They mature faster. The research explored their positive desire for friendship and wish to care and help in practical ways. A question for us -how can we find ways of enabling them to be actively involved in projects of various kinds associated with the church?
Reach Tweenagers while they are young. An early experience of Church life ( e.g in Sunday School) is critical. Do they have good relationships with particular people?
The importance of grandparents. Grandparents often come into the stories of this age group. Could your church offer 'foster granparents'?
Fun is a core value. This translates into much more interaction and participation. This could mean meeting mid-week rather than on a Sunday when 'fun' could be introduced so much more easily.

Andrew Shipton 18th June 2007