Twenty-two years old, the ink was barely dry on my college diploma when I officially started as director of youth ministry in my parish. Armed with a notebook full of ideas, a heart ready to serve, and a head full of idealism I set out to change the world, one teenager at a time. While I still hold many of the ideals that I started this youth ministry journey with, I have learned that sometimes it takes a few props to keep things rolling smoothly. Following are some things that I would be hard pressed to do youth ministry without.

1. M&Ms chocolate candies are a staple in our snack cabinet and in my desk! Not only are they an excellent snack, they can also be used for several ice breaker games. Pass around a big bowl of M&Ms and ask your teens to take some. Some will take a small amount, while others grab a fistful. For every piece they take, the teens must share something about themselves with the group. You can also have each candy color correspond with a question or talk point. (Ex. Blue = tell about a time you were proud of yourself, Red = who do you call when you need to vent?) A jar of M&Ms on your desk instantly draws people in and sometimes it is those three minute conversations that are the start of a connection.
2. We all want our teens to be familiar and comfortable with the Word of God. Having several Bibles available for the teens to use gives them the chance for hands on Scripture experience. It is amazing how many of today’s youth are unfamiliar with the Bible. Review with your group some Bible basics including how to look up a verse and then give one to find. Encourage your youth to read along from the Bible during your prayer services. Hearing the Scripture is great, but some people absorb things better by seeing the written word. Having options will help ensure that the message of God’s Word gets through.
3. Whenever a new person comes to our youth program, I have them fill out an information sheet that includes the basics (name, address, phone numbers, and e-mail address) as well as their birthday, their parents' full names, the names and ages of any siblings, their grade and school, hobbies and interests and what church they attend. These forms are kept in a binder so that there is easy access to the information. Whenever I have a question regarding a teen or a family, I can just turn to the binder. This has come in very handy especially for those situations when a teen has a different last name than his or her parents.
4. A well stocked first aid kit is worth its weight in gold! Be sure to keep a supply of band aids in assorted sizes, gauze pads, adhesive cloth tape, ace bandages, antiseptics, antibiotic ointments, tweezers, non-latex gloves, instant ice packs, contact lens solution, sun block, bug spray, as well as feminine hygiene products. Let your teens and adults know where the kit is kept so that there is no question about where to go in an emergency. Taking a class in CPR and first aid is also a wise move for anyone working with young people!
5. Candles will help set a reverent mood for prayer and can transform any place into a quiet, peaceful setting. Use a large candle as a focal point or give each young person a small votive candle to hold during prayer. A friend of mine carves a new prayer candle for his youth group each year during their annual summer retreat. This candle is used throughout the year as a reminder of what they experienced at the retreat. Candles also come in handy should the power go out!
6. Duct tape has come in handy so many times at youth ministry functions! We have used it to secure the luggage carrier while on a mission trip, to hang banners at the diocesan youth conference, and to repair broken hoses at our car wash fundraisers. Keep a roll near by and you will not be sorry.
7. A good youth minister needs to be prepared. So what do you do when you are the one with the emergency? Have a list of adults you can call to cover for you should an illness or emergency arise in your life. Knowing that you do not have to scramble for a phone number can make a hectic time a bit easier.

Flexibility is essential in youth ministry. Meetings get cancelled, locations get switched, and people do not always live up to their responsibilities. But it is how we handle these situations that allow us to remain sane. There are times when we all need to remember that our plan is not always God’s plan. So do your best to be prepared for whatever may come, and be sure to keep some M&M’s handy!