Do you have arty/dancing/singing/movie-making/sporty young people who are up for a bit of fun competition? Capital Teen Convention (CTC) is a national talent quest run by Youth For Christ in Wellington each Queens Birthday weekend. CTC is one of the best events around, because it's big and fun and exciting, and encourages young people to express their gifts. 'Expressions' regional auditions are held at the beginning of each year. Contact your local YFC centre or check out www.yfc.org.nz for more info. (Remember to wear your Burning Bush hoodie next year and play Spot-The-Presbyterian)
Are your kids more into HTML and computer games than dancing? Knox Pressie Church in Lower Hutt started a Computer Club that met weekly to take apart old computers and put them back together again. A local design company donated computers that were getting too old for them but still worked ok. The group of boys restored them and gave the good-as-new computers to the Salvation Army.
Got musicians or kids who love music? Start a youth band. If you don't have the necessary skills, ask further afield - there could be a talented member of your congregation who could help, or another person in your region.
Help your youth group discover their creative side and give something to your community by getting them to design and paint a mural. Ask local primary schools, community groups or your city council if there's a scody wall that could do with some colour. Painting the mural will be a fun group activity, and even less artistic kids can paint between the lines!
Find hidden dramatic talent and get young people involved in your church service by performing short dramas relating to the theme or reading of the day. Check out the PYM Library for skits that will work for you. Want an easy way to get started? Buy the book Spontaneous Melodramas by Doug Fields, it's full of hilarious impromptu skits that are based on Bible stories.