I am needing direction on starting up a teen clowning ministry. My teens are goofy enough, but we are needing ideas on how to get started. We will begin with the little kids in our church. The teens have thought of a few skits, we do not have any magic tricks yet, and we still have to design our costumes. Any thoughts or suggestions would greatly be appreciated. I am praying that these teens will succeed in doing this for the Lord and that I can lead them the right way.

Take time to work on the skills first, look at Good Will and other thrift store. Plan a time for clown classes. I've been doing this a while. As I'm working with younger ones since my older teens have jobs now. To make sure they are serious and will to do the work; I require each one to buy the starter make up kit, you can get them for around 10-12$ and they have to get their first costume together with help of course. [after a time passes I will use some of our money to purchase wig, noses more costume etc.] For those under driving age a parent/guardian must accomp. to all practices and stay so they can assist with practice at home. I also explain that when I sched and event. if they have some thing planned OK, but if they commit to the event they must participate., ex sched and event for a VBS and last min 2 cancel to go to park and now you have to re do the skits that were planned. If you want to know what kind of classes I do with mine pm me. I can get long winded or typpped [can you say that?]

Thanks, that helps alot and I will pm you. Advice from the experts is much needed.

Hey Sue I would be interested to learn more about your training as well maybe you could send me the info too? or maybe post it for others who may be interested? your fabulous!8-)

Well I'm by no means an expert, just been doing it awhile. Ok I'll start a thread under the ministry section. Maybe I can save you from some of the mistakes I made [and I will prob. make more]