CSSM MB Summer Missionary Manual - Friendship 2
FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE
FIRST NIGHT OF CAMP (SUNDAY)
The purpose on the first night is for the campers to see themselves in a positive way. There are two extremes in life: one is a low self-esteem; the other is too high an opinion of themselves. Both extremes are wrong. The best is to cultivate a healthy attitude of self-acceptance and self worth. Follow the activities listed here and later read the suggested Bible passages.
ACTIVITIES
1. Go around the circle and give every camper and cabin leader the opportunity to respond to this question "What is the thing that pleases me most about my physical appearance?" A camper may say that he likes his hair and likes to comb it. They may say they like the color of their eyes. Another may say that they like their teeth because they are straight. Do not permit them to say "I like my teeth because they are straight not like so and so." Remember it is a positive look at themselves and not at others.
2. The second time around the circle, allow each camper and staff to complete the phrase "One of the things that I like about my personality is ...." One may say that they like sports and can play them well. Another may say that they are quiet and can read books quickly. Another may say that they like to laugh and find other people usually laugh easily with them. Another may say that they enjoy talking and like to carry on conversations.
3. Share with your campers that it is important that we learn to know that each one of us is different but each is a beautiful and wonderful person. Each person carries with them something that they do not like about themselves. However, what we may see as not being very good other people really like in us.
BIBLE PASSAGE
1. Romans 12:3 says "For by the grace given me I say to everyone of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
2. Matthew 22:39 "...love your neighbour as you love yourself God requires or ask us to love our neighbour in the same way that we love ourselves. How then can we love our neighbour if we do not love ourselves.
PRAYER:
This activity in the cabin is brought to a close in prayer. You can follow the same manner of going around the circle and those who wish to pray out loud may do so. Give an example of the prayers that they may wish to pray at this time. Such as: "Thank you Lord for loving me so very much"; "Thank you Heavenly Father for taking special interest in me and making me the way I am"; "Heavenly Father help me to show love to my neighbour as I love myself