youthpage - American Baptist Men of New York State

Click here to find out more about Derek and the 2005 Xtreme Team

Derek Matthews

He is currently living in New Hartford, New York and is currently a graduate student at the University at Buffalo studying Business Management with an International Business Concentration. He is originally from Utica, New York where he attended Tabernacle Baptist Church. He has had experience in working with youth ranging from elementary school kids to high school teens, coordinating events, retreats, and bible studies. While attending undergraduate schooling at the State University of New York at Geneseo, he regularly attended their Intervarsity Christian Fellowship while also heading the campus television station. He loves any type of physical activity and all kinds of sports, especially basketball. He has had a lot of practice with public speaking giving business presentations and is fluent in Spanish. He has considered overseas missions before and believes now is his time. He feels blessed that God has provided him with so much and wants to share that love with the world. He has learned about different cultures through books and lectures but wants to experience an international setting first-hand. While browsing through the Xtreme Team Website, he was amazed at the testimonies and thought this is where he should go.

This year our youth program has been re-designed from the ground up!! We have a brand new Youth Leader, Derek Matthews, and a new commitment to make the youth program stronger than ever. Our youth program will be tied tightly to the time tested Keuka Team Works Experience.
TeamWorks! The Birkett Mills/Keuka College Challenge Experience approaches education, communication, leadership, development, conflict resolution, and team building in an engaging, active, challenging, and fun environment. The program places a high level of expectation within an atmosphere of support and caring. The group feels a strong impact from Team Works!, achieving cohesion and cooperation with surprising speed. The individual develops clearer insights and a fuller appreciation of self.

Why does it work ??
Reflection to reinforce learning.
A blend of low and high ropes activities.
Transference of experience to real-life situations.
Discovery of techniques to uncover the most effective solutions.
Completion of each element to the best of the Group's ability

For more information on TeamWorks!

visit : http://www.keuka.edu/experiential/teamworks.htm

Medical Information Form

This is very important !!

You must bring a completed medical information form or you will not be able to participate..

Download the form by clicking on this graphic

What to wear for the youth program ??

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather (comfortable grubbies) including:

a. Sneakers, athletic shoes, or boots and socks. Sandals, flip-flops, and cleats cannot be worn. Avoid wearing lightweight canvas tennis shoes, such as Keds.

b. Pants that are loose but do NOT drag on the ground. Select pants based on weather conditions. Denim jeans are generally the best. Shorts may be worn if you desire, with your understanding that scrapes and bruises occur more easily on the legs.

c. T-shirt or sweatshirt. Tank tops are NOT acceptable.

d. Bring an extra sweatshirt, jacket, rainwear, and other outdoor clothing as determined by weather conditions or predictions. This is an outdoor program and you are expected to come prepared.

e. Jewelry (with the exception of wedding bands), watches, and large belt buckles may not be worn during the day’s program.

f. A safety strap is recommended for those wearing glasses.