After I sent out my last post in this series, Questions to Ask, I got a comment from fellow worship leader and blogger, Todd Wright.
”I usually try to dig pretty deep as to what songs these kids are singing. Unfortunately, I get a lot of “Oh, you know…whatever.” But with a few specific questions, I can at least get a sense of the genre or history of the music they dig.
The worst thing at a camp is a guy who shows up and sings stuff only he knows/likes/cares about. A little investment of time can ensure that your worship will connect with folks, even though you might be a new face.
Great advice- So how can you do this? Let me suggest a few ways.
1. Ask the leaders- When you get called for camp ask them what their kids are singing in worship. Ask what type of worship services they have at their church, what songs they use in those services, or what they listen to at youth.
2. Use internet to ask ahead- Does the camp have a facebook page? I have begun dialogue with those who will be attending camp directly this way. Just post and say, “Hey, I’m leading music and am asking for song requests.” Not only is this a great way to find out what direction to head musically, but also helps you build relationships before you even get to camp.
3. Request box or list at camp- I was first introduced to this idea at a college work camp. The program director took a shoe box, decorated it and wrote the word SUGGESTIONS across the top. At first I was kind of leery, but it turned out to be the best thing ever. We told the students to make suggestions about anything, including songs.
The first night I had about 10 song suggestions. Each night more came in. I tried to work in as many as possible that worked within our camp. Not only did this help everyone have input in the service, but I went a way with a list of songs to use, some I knew, and some new ones to learn. The new ones I learned I used later that summer.
4. Remember it’s not about you- Re-read Todd’s last paragraph at the top -
“The worst thing at a camp is a guy who shows up and sings stuff only he knows/likes/cares about. “
We all have our favorite songs, the ones we use, connect with, even have written ourselves. However leading music at camp is about allowing the campers to connect with God. Your purpose is to help them do that. By all means introduce new music, sing a new song, but keep in mind your congregation for the week. Sing songs because they connect with your campers, and that help them connect to God, not because they are your favorites, or originals.
These are just some of my suggestions. What ways do you use to find out what songs you should sing? Do you feel it is important?
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