INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION AT THE TEENS MENTORSHIP CAMP

Last week, we held a successful holiday mentorship camp which brought together overt 50 Teenagers from different schools. This was more than just a one day gathering; it was an investment in the hearts, minds and futures of our participants. The camp brought together teenagers, mentors and parents with one shared purpose: to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, values and confidence they need to navigate life successfully. The parents showed their support by ensuring their children attended, mentors volunteered their time and knowledge and the teens themselves arrived eager to learn, grow and engage. This collective effort reminded us that shaping responsible young people is a shared responsibility. 

The camp created a safe and welcoming space where participants felt comfortable expressing themselves, asking questions and sharing experiences without fear of judgment. Many of the sessions addressed sensitive but necessary topics, giving young people practical tools for real life situations. Learning was interactive, engaging and deeply relatable through group discussions, games, storytelling and reflection.

Our first session was on life skills which was broken down by the acronym STOP which stands for Stop, Think of options, Observe consequences and Pick the best choice. This simple framework helped young people understand that every decision has consequences and that taking a moment to pause before acting can change outcomes. It empowered them to make intentional and responsible choices in their daily lives.

Leadership was another key focus where our young people learnt that leadership is not about titles or positions but about service, kindness, influence and the impact one makes. They were encouraged to see themselves as leaders in their homes, schools and communities, understanding that leadership begins with everyday actions such as listening, helping others and leading by example.

We also had an honest conversation on peer pressure and this session revealed how easily people can be influenced to do things they do not truly want to do. Through real stories and open dialogue, participants learned that peer pressure can be positive or negative. While friends can encourage growth and good behaviour, they can also lead others into harmful choices. The key lesson was to think carefully, choose friends wisely and have the courage to say no when something does not align with their values.

Online safety was another critical topic which helped teens to understand the risks of the digital world like including cyberbullying, hacking, scamming, identity theft and online harassment. They learned practical ways to protect themselves such as using strong passwords, verifying messages, protecting personal information, blocking unsafe content and reporting harmful behaviour. This session emphasized that being safe online is an essential life skill.

We had a session on self-branding which encouraged participants to reflect on how they present themselves to others, both online and offline. They learned the importance of knowing their purpose, choosing a positive digital footprint, surrounding themselves with the right people and living according to strong values. The powerful reminder that “your brand is your story, own it wisely” challenged them to be intentional about their actions.

We also had a session on respect for elders and those around us. The session emphasized respect as a foundation for strong relationships and personal growth. Young people learned that respect means listening, speaking politely, honouring parents and elders and treating others well. The speaker shared biblical teachings which taught us the value of respect and how it leads to blessings, character development and opportunities.

Participants got to learn about their body autonomy through the session on childhood sexual violence which helped participants understand what abuse is, the different forms it can take and the importance of personal boundaries. They learned how to identify safe and unsafe spaces and were encouraged to speak up and seek help. This session empowered young people with knowledge, awareness and confidence to protect themselves and others.

Another powerful session focused on positive parenting and making wise life choices. The message that “life has no spare parts” reminded young people to be disciplined, alert and discerning especially in the digital space. Parents were also encouraged to guide and support their children intentionally. We had an exciting activity of the “What Would You Do?” game, where teens worked in groups to solve real life scenarios. This game promoted teamwork, collaboration, critical thinking and healthy communication while making learning fun and practical.

We believe that the impact created would extend far beyond the day. The teens left feeling empowered and inspired, mentors felt fulfilled and parents were reminded that investing in young people is investing in the future. Together, we are nurturing the next generation of leaders who are confident, informed and ready to create positive change in their homes and beyond.