Over the past several weeks, the year nine students have been engaging in a program called ‘Catch The Wave’. This was a program designed to introduce us to the Youth Ministry program, a Religious Education elective offered in Years 10 and 11. Over the course of this curriculum, we participated in several different classes and activities that introduced us to ‘Catch The Wave’ including a year-level reflection day. During classes, we looked at different activities and we reflected not just on impression of religion but reflection of ourselves as individuals and where we stood with our faith and our own self-reflection. We took part in many different ice-breakers and watched many videos about the different ways that religion can change a life.

Then on Friday the 14^th of July the whole year level engaged in Year nine reflection day. This was a wonderful day spent in the Damascus Events Centre where we participated in different games and challenges set for us by the Gen Bryant Ministries team. The GB team is a team of people who travel the world exploring their faith and helping others explore their own. We were lucky enough to have them to join us and to lead the day. We also had the privilege of listening to the story and music of a famous rapper, Sir Auggie. We listened to music and then we had the challenge of making our own rap in small groups and then challenging another group for a bit of friendly competition.

The Year 9 Introduction to Youth Ministry Program has really influenced me to look more deeply into my own beliefs and religion. This course has really encouraged me to reflect on myself and helped me to feel comfortable with my own beliefs and to grow within them. This hands-on experience has helped me learn how to reflect and grow into my religion at my own pace.