Every year at CSA's annual conference, I make a point of chatting to as many of the crew as possible, to ask them what they've appreciated most about CS in the past year. And, every year, the most common answer is 'the leaders', especially the way they interact, mentor and stand beside those coming up through the ranks.
"The leaders and the people who've been on the camps have really encouraged me to pursue that calling God has placed on my heart," says Judah from CS Coffs.
Steve Biddulph, the Aussie psychologist & best selling author of Raising Boys in the 21st Century, has quite a bit to say about this:
"From about fourteen years of age, boys need mentors - other adults who care about them personally and help them move gradually into the larger world... If there are no mentors around, then a young man will fall into a lot of potholes on the road to adulthood."
In his follow-up book Raising Girls, he sees similar issues:
"Although teenage (girls) are naturally drawn to mentors, role models, “cool aunties”, and so on, there aren’t as many adults in kids' lives today. Girls probably spend 80% less time with older women than they used to. So it becomes a kind of ghetto.”
And, in the book of Titus, older woman are implored to set an example to the younger women, training them in behaviour, kindness and love.
For years Christian Surfers has led the way in shaping, mentoring and leading its young people in our local missions. For many, it's their first step into a life of leadership.
Currently, we have two epic programs specifically designed to mentor & train young people. We hope you enjoy reading about our fantastic training programs that raise great leaders and hearing from what our young people have to say about CS.
Blessings - Tracey Kirkland (CSA Board Member)
Judah & Lillie (Coffs ) + Josh (Gold Coast) share about their favourite experiences doing New Swell in the past.
NEW SWELL: New Swell is a week-long intensive program aimed at growing young leaders in their relationship with God and helping to steer their journey into ministry. The event includes sessions and experiences to equip them with resources, wisdom, direction and connection to the wider CS community, to encourage and grow their impact in their local, national and international surfing communities.
We asked Sam to tell us what he thought about his decision to join CSalt in 2019 as a media student.
CSALT: CSalt is a one year ultimate adventure of experience, personal growth and faith formation. Taught in the classroom of the big wide world, students travel together to many amazing surfing locations, whilst undertaking fully accredited learning and on-the-job, front line training. In 2020, CSalt students will be able to enrol in a “Diploma in Leadership, Ministry, Business, Screen and Media or Music Industry" fully accredited through Alphacrucis College Australia. CSalt will offer three extracurricular electives that are designed to produce leaders in their subsequent vocations: CSalt Media, CSalt Sounds and CSalt Pro.
Raising future leaders is vital in preparing CSA for the future... and it's so exciting to see the work God is doing in our young men and women.
Any funds raised this month during our Support Your Tribe campaign goes directly to the vital work of CSA, including these awesome programs.
Please give generously and help us continue the work God has called us all to do.
Let's support this mighty tribe. Let's let the surfing community know that Jesus has come FOR THEM.
From all the CSA family, thank you so much to all who give generously.
May God bless you richly.