One of the programs that most attracted me to the MS Chaplain position is Chrysalis. With its weird scientific name bordering on the presumption that this program will somehow turn awkward Middle Schoolers into full-fledged butterflies, Chrysalis actually has roots in my family. My brother, Andi, was a student at BFA in the early 2000’s and helped dream up the idea that High Schoolers could be pouring into younger students through some kind of official small group program. The result is that today we have 6 adults in the community who train and mentor 20 Senior students who then lead and engage with 45 Middle Schoolers.
To prepare well, we took the first two Thursdays of the year just to train the 12th graders on how Middle schoolers think and feel, why we structure the evening as we do, and what it means to be in constant contact with God themselves before leading Middle Schoolers to him. My absolute favorite moments, however, came when we broke up into 4 teams and came up with “skits.” I laughed so hard at Beach Ball Ballet and How Animals Eat and Synchronized Swimming. When the time comes, the Middle Schooler are going to LOVE it.
These Seniors have impressed me. When we played dodgeball the first time, I informed them that it was their job to always make sure the MSers were involved and felt like they were making good contributions. Half an hour later, I watched a girl dive in front of a flying purple dodgeball and gave her a thumbs up as she flopped onto the ground and waited for someone to “free” her. As soon as someone did, she gave them a high five and then ran over to free three more young students. By far, the best part is seeing them not just lead the Middle schoolers, but love them. Watching one of the 6th grade boys wave at his leader across the cafeteria only to see the 12th grader’s face light up as he waves back with a, “Hi Henry!” warms my heart. With only two Chrysalis nights in the bag so far, I can’t wait to see how things continue to unfold.
