Sunday, February 20, 2011

National Youth Workers Convention - Dec 2010

On December 2 - 5, 2010 I travelled to Toronto to attend the Canadian National Youth Workers Convention.  It's sponsored by Youth Specialties, an organization that just loves Youth Ministry and Youth Workers.  I always enjoy going to these Conventions for the following reasons:

1.  The obvious break from regular ministry : ) 
2.  The chance to meet others of like mind in the Youth Ministry "business"
3.  The chance to hear amazing speakers that YS lines up for each convention.  Some are controversial and I like that.  They challenge youth workers in their ministries to think outside the box.  
4.  The chance to listen and hear what God is saying in my life as I progress in my career as a Youth Pastor.  


I've put a couple of pictures at the beginning so you get an idea of where I was for the 4 days, and then I'm going to talk about some of the seminars I went to and how they affected my thinking on Youth Ministry.  I hope you enjoy reading, and as always, if you have a comment, either email me at youthpastor@calvincrc.ca  or leave a comment on the blog itself.  






 Every YS convention is placed at a nicer type of hotel.  A chance for Youth Workers to feel a bit of pampering.  This convention was held at the Doubletree by Hilton right near the Toronto Airport.  



 Here's a picture of the hotel room I stayed in. 
Quite comfortable.  



 The other side of the room.  


 Looking down from my room onto the parking lot.  The airport is just past those towers.  


 Planes landing and taking off were the norm as you stayed in your hotel room.  I like watching planes, so I was fine with that.  : ) 


 The restaurant where breakfast and lunch and dinner  were served.  I went out to Perkins the first night, and then discovered that this restaurant served amazing food for pretty reasonable prices.  I had the best ever chicken linguine over a luncheon meeting



 Here's where we registered for the conference.  Everything was enclosed in one place, which was so nice since it was a cold week.  



 Before the official Conference began the Ontario Youth Workers from the CRC met for a time.  Interestingly the meeting was held in the Ottawa room.  :  )  



 This meeting time was unique.  We were priviledged to have a bit of up close and personal time with  Canadian Brett Ulman







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