Why a Sleepover?

The OWL teaching team worked with the youth advisors and the youth at FUCO to find the best way to deliver the curriculum for the senior high school level. Taking all issues into account, we believe that the best way to deliver this OWL curriculum is in this type of direct, intense format. The normal YRUU (youth group) Sunday sessions were not available to perform the training. Finding another time of the week was difficult, and meant that less youth could attend.

At this age, weekend long activities are ideal for social interaction, and having fun. It also meets the FUCO goal of opening the training to more youth. This is especially important given that recently it was identified that in Ottawa, 13 year olds are less knowledgeable than 10 years ago.

It is critical to have a closely bonded group by Saturday’s delivery of the program. This is especially important given that delivery of the more sensitive and frank material benefits from a higher level of trust in the group. By including ice breakers, trust building games and a sleepover, critical bonding takes place.

Our church has a long history of safe, supervised, co-ed sleepovers. Feedback from the first OWL weekend run 29-31 October 2004 was that this format was very successful. It generated thinking about values, open discussion about frank material, comfort asking difficult questions, practice in communicating concerns, values, and ideas in relationships, looking at different paradigms.

If you have questions about the sleepover format, please feel free to attend one of the parent information nights or to call Stephen at 613-226-3250