branson convention center| May 16 – 18, 2024

Branson, MO

Teen Program Information

We at Teach Them Diligently invite you to register your teens for this year’s special program. 

The eternal truth of God’s Word speaks to the chaotic world around us. We can find hope and confidence in Scripture for the many questions we face today. The 4-12 teen program is designed to inspire and instruct your teens to follow God and be Christlike examples among their siblings and peers. We hope your teen will join us for these informative and helpful sessions!

At Teach Them Diligently, we desire for your teens to make new friends and learn about Jesus in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment. 

The program will run from 9:00am-5:00pm Friday and Saturday, although end time may vary depending on the final event session schedule. The cost per teen is $12, which covers the entire weekend.

For additional information, check out the FAQ below or reach out to TTD and we’d be happy to answer any questions you have.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity for your teens!

Service and Leadership Opportunity

We are seeking a select group of servant-hearted teens who would like to work in the children’s program during the convention. In addition to being able to serve, the teens who volunteer will also be able to enjoy the teen program on Thursday night and receive all the goodies that come with the teen program.

Volunteers must be available to serve the entirety of the children’s program– Friday and Saturday.

Families of the teen volunteers will get a rebate for the entire cost of the family registration fee. That’s right, our teen volunteer’s families get in for free! 

Please visit the volunteer page to sign up and indicate you would like to serve in the Children’s Program.

Activities

For this year’s fun-filled Teen Track, we are planning activities for young people to enjoy the company of the teachers and other teens. Iron sharpens iron! They will have the opportunity to talk with old friends and make new ones. We have an assortment of games planned for them, as well as music, lessons, and more. You can be sure there will be laughs, age-appropriate challenges, and a weekend of excitement!

 

Schedule

Theme: LifeTalk – Biblical Discussions on Life Issues Facing 21st Century Teens

Description: The eternal truth of God’s Word speaks to the chaotic world around us. We can find hope and confidence in Scripture for the many questions we face today. The 4-12 teen program is designed to inspire and instruct your teens to follow God and be Christlike examples among their siblings and peers. Specifically, the LifeTalk sessions provide teaching and discussion on life issues facing 21st century teens. Topics include Devotions, Relationships, Leadership, Communication, God’s Will, and more! We hope your teen will join us for these informative and helpful sessions!

EVENT SCHEDULE

Thursday

7:00-7:30 – Opening Activities
7:30 – 8:30 – Session 1 – God’s Story: The Big Gospel Picture and How You’re Involved
8:30 – 9:00 – Session 2 – Devotions: Learning to Know and Love God

Friday

9:00 – 9:30 – Opening Activities
9:30 – 10:00 – Session 3 – Technology: Using Modern Tools the Right Way
10:00 – 10:30 – Activity
10:30 – 11:00 – Session 4 – Relationships: Responding to Authority and Loving Family
11:00 – 1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – 2:00 – Activity
2:00 – 2:30 – Session 5 – Resources: Using Time, Energy, and Money for God’s Glory
2:30 –  3:00 – Session 6 – Communication: Speaking Truth in a Crazy World
3:00 –  4:00 — Activity
4:00 – 5:00 — Session 7 – Leadership: Modeling the Servant-Leadership of Christ

Saturday

9:00 – 9:30 – Welcome Activities
9:30 – 10:30 – Session 8 – Relationships: Having Friends & Dating 
10:30 – 11:30 – Activity
11:30 – 1:00 – Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 – Activity
1:30 – 2:00 – Session 9 – God’s Will: Knowing & Following God’s Leading in Your Life
2:00 – 3:00 – Session 10 – God’s Story: Your Opportunity to Change the World
3:00 – 4:00 –  Activity
4:00 – 5:00 – Session 11 – Q&A Session

Theme and schedule coming soon!

Dr. Matthew Weathers serves as the Director for the Center for Leadership Development at BJU, where he has the privilege of working with student leaders across campus. He has a passion for leadership development and equipping students to reach their highest potential for God’s glory.

He graduated in 2007 from BJU and traveled to churches and high schools in America for a year as a BJU representative and then moved to Asia where he served in various cities for 6 years. He taught university business English, served as a vice-principal of a high school, and led colleagues in a small multi-national business that provided activities and made connections among college students. While there he also earned an MA in Cross-Cultural Studies. He returned to BJU in 2014 to serve in the CLD and has since earned a PhD in Inter-Cultural Studies.

Matthew is married to Fleur, a native New Zealander and 2010 BJU grad. They have two sons ages six and three who are full of energy. Matthew loves spending time and traveling with his family and training and developing college students to be God-glorifying leaders. His hobbies include running, cycling, camping, snowboarding, and officiating soccer. He has competed in multiple marathons and triathlons and recently completed an Ironman triathlon in Orlando.

 

Ryan McCarty grew up in Greenville, South Carolina alongside his sister and two brothers. He attended Bob Jones University and graduated in 2016 with a bachelor’s degree in Humanities and completed his master’s in Ministry Studies at Bob Jones University Seminary in 2018. After seminary, he traveled with Coffey Ministries until Covid-19 prevented the team from traveling. Ryan spent eight of his past nine summers working at the Wilds Christian Camp in North Carolina as a counselor, lead counselor and on the program staff. He currently serves at BJU as a recruiting representative and assistant men’s soccer coach.

 

His passion is influencing people for the gospel, through the avenue of sports when possible. Ryan enjoys playing, watching, and coaching soccer; as well as reading, dabbling in guitar, and has recently developed an affinity for chess.

Teen Program

Teen Program Frequently Asked Questions

Teach Them Diligently’s Teen Program, simply put, is a week of summer camp crammed into 2 days and one evening. Your teens will be in a safe and loving environment with Christian adults and college students leading them. They will have a number of activities throughout the weekend as well as Bible lessons and discussions. Your teen will make new friends and re-connect with old ones during this program. You don’t want them to miss this fun experience!

There will be an assortment of activities spanning over the course of the program. 

Your teen will:

  • Enjoy games and challenges to build group community
  • Study God’s Word to help them stand in times of temptation and difficulty
  • Develop new and uplifting friendships

The program is $12 per teen. This covers the whole weekend.

The program runs from (roughly) 7:00pm-9:00pm Thursday evening and 9:00am-5:00pm Friday and Saturday with a break for lunch.

This program is for ages 12-18. We have a Children’s Program for kids ages 4-9 and will offer STEM and Art type classes for children as well (Pigeon Forge location only!)

Yes, it is Thursday evening from 7:00pm-9:00pm. There is no teen program during the sessions on Thursday. Your teen is welcome to join you for sessions that day!