YOUNG people from all over Queensland are gearing up for the 12th annual Movers and Shakers Christian leadership training program in the Sunshine Coast hinterland from April 22-27.
Organisers are expecting about 70 young people to register for the week-long camp at Ewan Maddock Dam, Landsborough.
Movers and Shakers, an initiative of the Queensland Catholic Diocesan Youth Co-ordinators, has been running each year for over a decade with a total of about 800 graduates.
The program aims to provide affordable, high quality leadership training to young people and an opportunity for 16-25 year-olds to support and network with others involved in the Church.
Many graduates have taken up key leadership roles in schools and parishes throughout Queensland.
Program facilitator Mick Kelly said he hoped Movers and Shakers would be an inspiring and energising experience for all involved.
‘I hope Movers and Shakers will be a chance for young people to tap into their own leadership potential and share it with others,’ he said.
‘There is going to be a mixture of adventure based challenge activities, and all the usual things we do on Movers and Shakers.’
During the week, participants will be challenged individually and in small groups to work on problem solving, teamwork and adventure based activities.
Each night, there will be a series of workshops where participants can learn a valuable skill to take away and share in their communities. The workshops include drama, games, juggling and liturgy.
Brisbane’s Parish Youth Ministry Services (PYMS) co-ordinator, Michael Hart, has been at the centre of Movers and Shakers’ development from the start.
He said the program continued to challenge and inspire young people in the development of their full potential as leaders.
‘My hope is that these young leaders will go back to their communities whether it be parish or school and use some of the skills that they have developed during Movers and Shakers,’ Michael said.
‘At a time when the Church is challenged by declining Mass attendance, suspicion of institutions and a movement towards alternative spiritualities there needs to be a strong emphasis placed on the development of young people, particularly in the area of leadership development.’
He said there was a community of Movers and Shakers participants who had been part of the program over the last 10 years that had impacted on ministry with young people.
‘This commonality is something that can be built upon in the establishment of youth and young adult networks across the state. ‘Movers and Shakers is nationally acclaimed for its process and organisational framework.’
For more information on Movers and Shakers 2003 contact PYMS or your diocesan youth office.
