Youth Group Reflection

By Rachael Botting, Ph.D.

You can download this resource (PDF format): Youth Group Reflection

This is an example of a reflection tool for your youth group. The goal is to help facilitate an intentional time of reflection over the summer months and help transition back into the more routined life of the school year with God at the center.

Welcome back! I am so glad that you got to experience a week at camp, and I can’t wait to hear about it. I know that God shows up in powerful ways at camp, and I hope you were able to experience His love for you while you were there. As you get back into your normal routines, I’d love to hear more about your experience and how it impacted you so that I can continue to support you as well.

Scripture Focus: “After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves... Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here...’ [Then] Jesus came and touched them. ‘Get up,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them...” — Matthew 17:1-2, 4, 7-9 

TRACK A: If You Went to Camp This Summer

Take a few deep breaths. For the next few minutes, challenge yourself to sit in the quiet, just like the times of stillness practiced at camp. Use these prompts to check in with your heart, your summer, and your faith.

• The Mountain-Top Moment: Was there a specific moment at camp where you felt God’s presence? Describe it in detail—what were you doing, who was around you, and what did you feel?
• The Shift: At a Christ-centered camp, it can feel incredibly easy to focus on God because of the community, the daily schedule, and the beautiful environment. What is the hardest part about trying to keep that same focus now that you are back home in your “normal” life?
• New Habits: What is one small faith-forming habit you started or practiced at camp (like a morning devotion, a prayer ritual, or a scripture challenge) that you want to stick with this month?
• Stepping into Leadership: Camp often pushes us to grow in our independence and confidence. Looking at your family, your school, or our youth group, where do you feel God calling you to step up and lead or serve?

TRACK B: If You Stayed Home This Summer

Use these questions to look back on your summer so far and see where God has been at work in your everyday routine.

• Summer Highlights. Looking back at the last few months, what has been the most meaningful or joyful part of your summer so far? Who were you with, and why did it impact you?
• Finding God in the Ordinary. Even without traveling or going to camp, God is constantly moving around us. Where have you noticed a “God sighting” in your normal routine recently (e.g., in nature, through a friend, during a quiet moment, or through a family member)?
• Growing Through Change. Summer naturally changes our schedules and rhythms. In what ways do you feel like you have grown or changed as a person since the school year ended? What is something new you’ve learned about yourself?
• Looking Forward. As we head toward a new season, what is one area of your life where you want to invite God to guide you? It could be a relationship, a personal goal, or a habit you want to build.

Final Thought for Everyone

Whether you spent your summer on a physical mountain top at camp or in the familiar spaces of home, Jesus is with you in the valley of everyday life. Write down a one-sentence prayer asking Him to help you live out your faith right here, right now.