In a few months your graduates will be off to college – a whole new world complete with dorm room (or apartment), rent, and responsibility.
Plan now to meet your seniors (suddenly back at the bottom of the totem pole) wherever they end up (even if it’s still in the same town!)
1. Sometime over the summer, write a personal letter (not e-mail, not text, not Facebook) letting the senior know how much you care about them. When possible, include personal stories from your years together. And close with a blessing or encouragement. They will read it – they will keep it – and many of them will hang it in their new abode!
2. Sometime a few weeks before they leave home, give them something tangible and offer a time to talk. Take by a box of homemade cookies or even a roll of quarters (they’ll need it for the laundry room) and give them a chance to share excitement…and trepidation.
3. As they get ready to take flight, get their new address from mom or dad (on the DL). Send a ‘welcome’ card or gift. Be sure to include a Bible verse about having courage or never walking alone.
They may have graduated high school, but they have not graduated your influence. Don’t miss the opportunity to continue speaking truth, hope, and love as they go off on a new adventure. It’ll insure you hold that role for a lifetime.
Everyone's Called to Youth Ministry 