'Tribal Wars' Summer Program Ignites
By Jordan Walda
Tribe members coat their teammates’ faces in whipped cream as a part of the ‘slopstacle’ course, one of the kickoff activities for Tribal Wars’ second year. Colten Eakins, the Lighthouse Church youth director, began the summer program last year to attract more teenagers to youth group. Photo submitted by Jordan Walda
Back by popular demand, Tribal Wars at the Lighthouse Church started this year on June 30. If you’re a fan of the hit TV show “Survivor,” then you’re in for a real treat.
Teens participate in challenges hosted by the youth group every week to rack up points for their tribes.
The games continue every Sunday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. through the last Sunday in July.
So, how does it work? Teens are divided into four different tribes, and from the second they are split into tribes, they start earning points. Teens can earn points by bringing a new friend, wearing their tribe colors, memorizing scripture, and winning challenges. Some of the fun is sure to include water games as well as some indoor challenges for those rainy days. Some games on the agenda include pool-noodle jousting, messy relay races, Nerf gun wars, and archery tag. Last year’s prize for the winning tribe was a choice between a roller skating party or going to see a movie (youth group’s treat!).
Tribal Wars came about when the youth director of The Lighthouse Church, Colten Eakins, decided that youth group needed to step it up last summer to draw in more teens. Eakins and his team researched what would be the best way to get teens excited about youth group. They decided on a summer-long competition, and thus, Tribal Wars were born.
Teens gather guns and darts for a Nerf War at the Lighthouse Church on July 1. Photo submitted by Jordan Walda
Kirstin Stinnett, an active member of the Lighthouse Church, volunteered with the Youth Group during Tribal Wars last year. Stinnett said the competition encouraged otherwise non-active students to get involved.
“I think my favorite part was making connections with your tribe,” Stinnett said. “It brought new kids out, and we were able to get to know the students on a deeper level.”
Eakins said his favorite part about Tribal Wars was watching the teens get excited about being at youth group. Thanks to the program’s success, the Living Water Youth Group decided to make Tribal Wars an annual occurrence.
Brandi Hernandez, another active member of the Lighthouse Church, has committed to providing transportation on the church van for any teens who want to be a part of the summer program but need transportation.
It’s not too late to get involved. Please contact the Lighthouse Church or Colten Eakins to join the fun!