When our young people first come to us at 5 or 6, they are children whose values have been shaped mainly by their parents or close carers. As they progress through the Guide or Scout sections they become more aware that they are an individual with their own tastes and approach to life. Their parents influence them less and other people take over. Young people have a real need to be accepted and to be considered 'cool', though the extent to which they will go to gain acceptance will vary according to strength of character and family background. Peer pressure to do or not to do various activities, wear certain clothes, listen to chart music etc is more and more important as they enter their teenage years. This is the period of their lives where they are formulating what type of person they are going to be as an adult.

The outside influences on young people can be very powerful. Television, music and sport have a huge effect on them. So-called 'playground talk' about the previous night's television has been commonplace for years. Young people feel a great need to watch what their friends are watching and at least to pretend to like it, perhaps also to copy it. As Christians, we could consider current trends in popular culture to be quite worrying.

As Guide and Scout leaders, we have an important role to play in the development of young people. Through their activities with the organisations, they are learning new things and testing their strengths and weaknesses in a teamwork situation. However, are there ways in which we can equip them to deal with the influences of popular culture, to take advantage of the positive elements and to counter the negative ones? It is important that we don't see spirituality at the opposite end of the spectrum from popular culture. Young people live very much in the modern world and it is important that popular culture is not seen as all negative as they will not be interested.

If we are using the ideas of popular culture as a way to include spirituality in the programme, then we can approach it in many different ways. It is a very intellectual subject when we discuss it as leaders. There are 'spiritual' elements in popular culture at the moment, so these may be able to provide starting points - eg Harry Potter / Lord of the Rings. For the YP, we can lighten it to be a very fun night with a serious message at the end. Discussions could be more suitable for the older sections. This topic can be used as a starting point when discussing the meaning of the promise and law with members. It can be the basis for prayers or quiet moments, whether on their own or as part of an integrated programme. More programme topics and ideas will be approached in the 3 different bases: game shows, pop stars, christians in sport - rotate, 15 mins each one.

Which game shows do YP watch?

Much of the contect of this section was taken from a sermon that was inspired by the web site of Michael Chang the tennis player.

He has this quote on the front page of his site :

Philippians 1 : 6

" …. being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus "

It made me think of the influence that Sports people have on our young people.

So - let me give you some names, think like a 10 year old and give me the surnames that come to you :

Top of the Pops

The pop chart is complied each week. The big question is 'who will be Number One?'. The competition is fierce. The number one is defined as the best song in the charts. Technically it's the one that sells the most in the week but is that because it's the best song or the best artist (pop star) or best publicity? There is a wide variety of music in the chart. From Hip Hop to House to Rap to Pop. From Groups to Individuals to Duets. How can there be one number one? (Game Shows etc. - compete to be the best/We are all individual in God's eyes)

Top 20 Countdown

Pop Idol

Who is your idol? Is it a family member or a friend or someone famous (a politician or musician or actor). What makes an idol? (widen to movie stars and celebrity?) Qualities of leadership, charm, character? There is idolisation of many people - Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Tony Blair, Mother Teressa. Is Jesus your idol?

In the TV show 'Pop Idol' the competitors competed for fame. There were winners and losers but did the losers really lose? Darius' song got to Number 1 in August. Gareth has a bright future as a pop star. The winner gained the status of an Idol, what comes with that? Is there a responsibility that goes with the status? (our responsibility to the world - being looked up to - responsibility as leaders and Christians)

Image and Fame

One very important thing about pop stars is their image, many are instantly recognisable. (self image - individuality)

Fame academy on BBC and also Fame the musical.

Which pop star is behind the picture? Downloadable game/resource from www.totalengage.com.

Pop Stars

Word Search with Names of pop stars

Who am I? (name on back and have to guess who they are)

Christian pop stars.

Which Pop Stars are Christians or have another religion?

Why do they become dissatisfied with Christianity or even religion and turn to Drugs

What do popstars believe in or are concerned about as individuals (widen to movie stars?)

Is it cool to be a Christian? Mixed feelings about cool (eg. Smoking/cancer, cool parents,

Words

Words of songs (lyrics) love songs - who are they written about? Jesus or human love?

Everybody's Free - track 9 on Romeo and Juliet Soundtrack.

Song titles - can you find a Christian meaning behind song titles?