THE NEXTGEN ACADEMY CURRICULUM

GOING DEEPER WITH ONESELF AND OTHERS

What sets NGA apart from other programs is the level of depth that we are able to establish. By creating an atmosphere of trust and deep friendship, participants are allowed to let their true selves shine through, truly understanding the beauty and value within themselves. Having a small number of participants at each NGA location allows for a very intimate experience where feelings or emotions cannot simply be hidden away, but must instead be brought out and resolved. We provide opportunities for participants to overcome fears and let go of past hurts and burdens, allowing them to forgive both themselves and others in their past. In this world of facades and barriers, after such deep moments participants quickly realize how superficial their relationships have been with people, and how fulfilling it is to have true, deep, familial bonds that will continue long after the program is over.

EXPERIENTIAL ACTIVITIES

We believe that the best way to learn something is to experience it. Each activity is designed for a specific purpose; to help participants learn something about Universal Principles, about themselves, or what it means to be a leader in their own lives, their communities, and the world. Whether it is camping, high adventure, or any number of exciting and challenging activities, participants will have to look deep within themselves for the strength to break through. Although at first, many refuse to believe that they are strong enough or brave enough, we are there to show them that they do have what it takes and tap into their true potential. We want our participants to realize that they are more powerful than they ever thought possible. The activities are structured as metaphors for the challenges we may confront in our lives and the true breakthrough is for participants to realize that if they can find strength here, they will find strength in the "real world".

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

There is no better way to understand a new culture than to experience it. A sense of expansion, widened perspective, and a deeper understanding of the world can be gained through international service if one truly wants to understand it. Experiencing life in a developing country can open the eyes and stretch the heart to a depth that is rarely achieved by those who never have the blessing of serving a third-world nation. There is only a limited outlook on the world for those who have never had the opportunity of traveling outside the comforts of their own home, their own country. A broader outlook on the world allows for an opportunity to see what God sees everyday and teaches through experience the meaning behind true compassion.

Through the International Service Projects participants are able to not only give empowerment to those that they meet, but gain a sense of their own self-empowerment. Projects are created entirely by the participants, which gives each individual a sense of ownership and responsibility. The international experience allows participants to tap into their own potential, and gives them the key to unlock it at anytime in their lives. Most importantly, participants learn that they can pursue anything it is they put their mind to, and that when the investment is made, their dreams can become a reality.