There is a special bond develops with each Sprouts group. But the bond often seems stronger after the experience of a lock-in. This is why we hold at least one lock-in each year with our group.

Lock-ins also provide a special time when more effort can be spent on a justice issue. This is often the case with several justice issues at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Most recently, we were able to make a video during a lock-in. Such a project would have been impossible during our normally scheduled time. We also invite guests to participate. This allows us to teach others about our justice issue and about Sprouts.

Here is how our last lock-in was scheduled. We began on a Friday night and went to Saturday morning.

5:00 p.m.	Meet for pizza and a game.
5:45 p.m.	Go swimming at an indoor pool, then go out for ice cream.
8:30 p.m.	Return to church and change clothes.
9:00 p.m.	Begin work on Justice Issue; make videos of skits about bullying.
11:00 p.m.	Snack
11:30 p.m.	Scavenger Hunt throughout the church, gathering information about bullying.
12:30 a.m.	Get ready for bed, have one more snack, and watch a movie.
2:00 a.m.	Everyone asleep!
7:00 a.m.	Wake-up call! (As a leader, this is my favorite time!) Pack, clean up, and get ready for breakfast.
8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
8:30 a.m.	Participate in a Prayer Vigil for the church. (It is always great to look for ways your group can participate in the life of your church. This can turn out to be a very meaningful time for your group. We used guided meditation, pre-printed prayers and scriptures, and journal and share time.)
9:00 a.m.	Play a game, watch the videos we made, write discussion questions to go along with videos.
10:00 a.m.	Pick up time!

The Lock-in was very successful. In addition to having lots of fun, we came away with a video that can go to local elementary school counselors to help provide a basis for a discussion on bullying. It was a lot of fun, too!

Cay Barton is Director of Children's Ministries at First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee.