ROLE MODELS

Life lessons: how to shave, importance of hygiene Life lessons: creativity and expression, God's love for us

ROLE MODELS TEACHING LIFE LESSONS

More than 100 local boys and girls had the opportunity this summer to not only learn about Jesus' life and teachings but also be nurtured in their identity as men and women.

"We've noticed over the years that boys and girls have different cognitive and emotional needs than each other," said Caitlyn Howell, director of Appalachian Ministries (AM). "The little boys crave the attention of male figures, especially attention that has to do with skills and accomplishments. Little girls care more about whether they know deep down that they are loved and cherished."

So, for the second summer in a row, AM included "split time" in their summer curriculum. It's a half hour set aside for both genders to split up, boys with boys and girls with girls, and learn more about what it means to be men or women of God. The college students on the AM team were pleased and humbled to lead the kids in activities and be Godly examples for the kids. "This time is about investing in the next generation," said Will Daugherty, a graduate assistant in AM. "Even teaching something small is important."

Mahala Rude, a junior, was thankful for the new experiences split time gave the girls she led.

"One activity was baking. Some of the girls had never baked before," she said. "Besides teaching them how to make a delicious treat, it showed them how, like we chose our ingredients on purpose, God chose every bit of how He made us with a special purpose."

The children seemed to love split time as much as they enjoyed large group time. The boys played and learned basic life skills like how to shave, and the girls did arts and crafts and bonded with each other. And, most important, every kid learned more about what it means to be a man or woman of God. Overall, the summer was a blast, all thanks to God's blessings, AM's hard work, and the donors who support AM and make all this a reality.