SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - More than 100 middle and high school students filled Schofield Barracks' Bowling Alley with dancing, trick-shots and laughter, as they made friends during Club Beyond's annual kickoff, "Knockout," Aug. 15.
Club Beyond staff members, a team of volunteer youth workers, and two dozen high school student leaders threw the high-tempo, prize-filled event that drew scores of military teenagers.
Youth attending the event were impressed with the overall feeling of friendliness, from exchanging greetings outside the alley to hospitable lane-leaders, and from youth-friendly music to an interactive disc jockey.
"It went great," said Nathan Llano, one of the high school student leaders who helped execute the kickoff. "People loved the music and were dancing in the lanes. Among all the different kinds of children (attending) there were no put-downs."
In fact, the atmosphere of honorable communication was planned well beforehand to be one of encouragement, invitation and blessing. Among its other goals, Club Beyond strives to conduct outreach programs that nurture a godly group of young people in its military community.
Club Beyond is a youth ministry group under Military Community Youth Ministries, which was founded in 1980 with the intent of reaching out to military teenagers across the globe.
The greater mission of Club Beyond is to celebrate life with military kids, introducing them to the life-giver Jesus Christ, and helping them to become more like him. Outreach events like "Knockout" are just one feature of the interdenominational ministry that offers youth, at every level of faith, the opportunity to build meaningful friendships.
"There is nothing cooler than seeing a bunch of young people hanging out and enjoying one another (in) the kind of fun that sets good morals and values for the rest of their lives," said Amber Bonds, one of the club's adult leaders. "This bowling kickoff was awesome, and I'm stoked for Club 2010."
Club Beyond youth ministry is open to all middle and high school students, and meets in separate age groups at the Main Post Chapel, here, every Wednesday, 6:15-7:30 p.m. Students meet at Aliamanu Military Reservation's Community Center every Tuesday, 6:15-7:30 p.m.
Upcoming events include "Storm Da Beach" at Kaena Point State Park, Sept. 18; a sports marathon at Schofield, Oct. 16; a costume bowling party at Fort Shafter, Oct. 23; camping at Bellows, Nov. 12-14; and a "Walk-a-Thon" service project, Dec. 11.
For additional information, visit <a href="http://www.clubbeyondhawaii.com">www.clubbeyondhawaii.com</a> or <a href="http://www.mcym.org">www.mcym.org</a>, e-mail <a href="mailto:kschmidt@clubbeyond.org">kschmidt@clubbeyond.org</a> or call 808-372-1567.
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