National Coordinators Meetings of Youngstars International in Langenthal

Mere names in emails and WhatsApp chats become real faces, friendly greetings become warm hugs. Nothing can replace personal encounters between people. I already know many of the 50 or so participants, and yet there are new faces at the National Coordinators' Meeting every year. It is very rewarding to meet the people behind the work of Youngstars International in person and to exchange ideas with them. It is refreshing not only to discuss issues at a meeting, but also to have an informal, in-depth conversation while queuing for the shower, for example. I am delighted to meet so many wonderful, motivated and talented people from different countries who are all working towards a common goal.

Looking back - giving thanks - celebrating

At this year's meeting from March 14 to 18, we celebrated two anniversaries: 10 years of Youngstars International and 50 years of BESJ (Bund Evangelischer Schweizer Jungscharen). The first step was to delve into our own history. We were able to look back on many beautiful but also difficult experiences. “We must learn to celebrate” is a statement that I took away with me as an insight. In the face of upcoming challenges, it is easy to forget the good things that God has given us so far. It is people who have shaped us and accompanied us to this point. There is so much to be thankful for and celebrate! We spent Saturday together at the BESJ team weekend in Huttwil, where we celebrated their anniversary together with over 1,000 youth leaders from Switzerland. We were able to offer and attend workshops and present the individual associations from the countries. The video clip from Cuba was particularly moving to see how children in such a far-flung part of the world are given gifts through youth work.

Shooting promotional videos

“ Shhh, be quiet” was heard from time to time. Together with a videographer, film footage was shot during the NCM, which we will use to expand and professionalize our advertising material. We will need it this summer, for example, when we’ll have a stand at the major OM (Operation Mobilization) Teenstreet event and are allowed to present a fundraising project there.

Cheese Sponsored Run

In keeping with the host country, we organized a special sponsored run this year. The runners had to roll a 25 kg cheese wheel (dummy) through the course for five minutes and cover as much distance as possible. Three to four runners started at the same time and were loudly cheered on by the spectators in various languages. The run was very strenuous and everyone was grateful for the moral and culinary support we received from cheese dairies.

Although the NCM was very exhausting for me, especially with two small children, the meeting left me with a special feeling: the feeling of pride to be part of the Youngstars network. I am already looking forward to the next meeting.