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Every summer the NextGen Academy
offers a 40-day Summer Program for young adults age16
and up. It is an opportunity for new participants to enter the NGA
family, experience the culture and environment we create, and utilize
it to invest in their personal development and growth. It is also
a chance for NGA full-year participants to take ownership over their
year and put into practice all that they have learned and gained throughout
their NGA experience. All full-year participants take on a leadership
position and together, as a team, they create an experience that serves
and supports their younger brothers and sisters.
 Watch video from Summer Challenge This year’s program, which ran from June 20th to July 26th, was a huge success! We had twelve new participants, all of whom brought an amazing and unique character to the NGA family. We began the 2009 Summer Challenge with an Opening Workshop that focused on finding your inner passion and true self (what makes you come alive). From here, participants were guided to create goals for the next 40 days that reflected who they really want to be. We ended this workshop with a full day climb up Mt. Saint Helens- an active volcano with an elevation of 8,365 feet. An obvious metaphor for striving and achieving goals, the climb was an intense challenge through rock and snow that tested physical, mental, and spiritual strength. After participants developed a strong foundation for themselves, we attended T2 Adventure Camp, the local summer camp for northwest BCs. Participants continued to be challenged through various activities, receive guidance from presentations and discussions, and take time to reflect on their life of faith. Most importantly, T2 provided the opportunity to develop a relationship with the northwest community, continuing to build a support group and network. The highlight of the NGA Summer Challenge is a two and a half week Road Trip. Three teams of seven, made their way from Washington State down to Tecate, Mexico, where they volunteered at an orphanage. Along the way, participants experienced a wide variety of activities, both challenging and fun, geared toward growing character, building confidence, and discovering themselves. Among these activities were Sky Diving, Fundraising, and White Water Rafting. Teams reunited for a final Closing Workshop and Graduation Ceremony. Here was an opportunity to solidify the summer experience into something tangible that could be brought home. We laughed, we cried (a lot), and we continued to build further momentum to live a life of love, purpose, and passion.  We do not believe a more unforgettable or life-changing summer could have been possible. The amount of growth that occurs within such a short amount of time is unbelievable. Here is what each participant had to say about the NGA Summer Challenge: “If you want to change your life in the best way possible-doing things you have always wished you would do-and being the person you have always wished you could be-then do it.” – Krysta Howell, Maryland “It literally changed my life… I’m going to bring this home with me.” – Theoni Skarsten, Washington “This summer meant a lot to me because it’s the first time in my life I feel I have changed a lot for the better.” – Jenni Hewes, Maine “NGA is a long term experience where you are forced to become your true self, an epic adventure where you’ll come back with a new life style, not just good memories.” –HK Stevens, Maryland “I saw the person I wanted to be and all the things I wanted to accomplish, and in this short period of time I was in an environment where I wasn't pushed by others, but where I wanted to push myself to become that person. Now I feel like I'm closer than I've ever been to that ideal me.” – Aiyana Adshead, Washington “To me, this Summer Program means EVERYTHING. I wouldn’t have been able to change my life in such a short amount of time without it.” – Ivana Groenendyk, Rhode Is “The relationships I had here are unlike anything I’ve ever felt.” - Yosuke Kibe, Rhode Is “NGA Summer Program is a spark that can ignite your true self and show you that you are so valuable…I have so much support and love. I know I can make an impact wherever I go.” –Ethan Anderson, Arizona “The best time of my life!” – Florens Janssen, Netherlands “I’m so excited to go home and show my family, show my friends the new me.” – Luke Bobrycki, California “The NGA environment is the definition of love and support. It’s given me the strength, support and love that I need to be the person I want to be for God, myself, and everyone I care about.” –Juliannah Vasquez, New York “I’ve never smiled so much as I have on NGA… it made me, me again.” – Emily Edgerly, Massachusetts We want to thank you all so much for your support and love. This would not have been possible without you. Sincerely, The NextGen Academy |
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Apply
for NGA Summer Challenge 2010 |
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Why?
Who? Cost: (subject to change) Dates: June 19 - July 26, 2010
How do I apply? |
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