Trip To Six Flags With Youth Group
I've just returned from a fourteen-hour-trip to Six Flags with our church Youth. It was quite a time, and I'll pass along some of the highlights.
The rollercoasters are the main attractions at Six Flags Over Georgia. They have a new coaster aptly called Goliath which has to be one of the largest and highest such rides in the world. It is 200 feet high and covers 8 1/2 acres, and there is absolutely no way you would ever get me to ride it. The kids called me “chicken” and that's o.k. I did partake of many of the rides, including: MindBender, Great American Scream Machine, Georgia Scorcher, Monster Plantation, Thunder River, Splashwater Falls, and Dahlonega Mine Train. I also took in a couple of shows and ate lots of junkfood. I got wet; really wet. It takes an idiot to be willing to ride directly under a waterfall, and I'm that person. I did it twice.
I have been reminded why I have always enjoyed being around teenagers. They are energetic, fun, and honest. These kids don't want folks like me to act like them; they just want me to enjoy them and have fun with them, while being honest with who I am. We really had a good time. I let them “bait me” into riding some of the scary rides. We cut up a good bit, and also had some surprisingly meaningful conversations.
One young man, very polite and just a delight with conversation, told me of how his family moves too much and also about his uncle who is elderly and dying in the hospital. We talked a bit, and I think he really appreciated it. I got to know a young lady I'll call Dina. She was quiet and shy at first, not knowing the group. We both backed out of riding one of the coasters, and took in a show instead. She told me some pretty challenging things going on at home, and how she dreams of being a WNBA star. Then she really touched my heart by asking me to come see her play basketball, and you better believe I'll find a way. I got to watch my oldest daughter, who volunteered to chaperone, serve as an excellent role model for these young people. So, lots of good interaction took place.
When we returned, parents were in the parking lot waiting for their kids. I told a lady, mom of two teenagers, that her girls were a delight to be with. I meant it. She just beamed. There's nothing so satisfying as knowing your kids are liked by others.
I love this kind of interaction and ministry with people. It's been a good day.
06.03.06 (11:05 pm) [
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posted by:
Dorcas (
reply)
post date:
06.03.06 (8:47 pm)
Hi there, wondered at first what you meant six flags, ah! but then later on it was explained to me. How unusual to call it that. We have Adventure World here in Perth, There is Luna Park in Sydney, I know there are plenty more of them too. Sounds like you all enjoyed yourself and making new friends and that is what life is all about.
posted by:
mimi (
reply)
post date:
06.04.06 (3:22 am)
you are a better man than I! love kids but no rides for this dizzy woman! : ) hope you didn't get too much sun and that today you can still move! xoxoxo
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
06.04.06 (4:38 am)
The Great American Scream Machine was the first roller coaster I ever rode...and in the back seat, no less! It's still one of my favorites. I had many trips to SF over Ga. as a young person, many fond memories. Some of the best were when my Daddy would take us, and you're right, we didn't want him to try and be 'cool' we just wanted him to be him :)
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.04.06 (10:01 am)
Reply to: Dorcas
I'm not sure what the 6 flags each represent, because I've never been interested enough to check it out. It's a good amusement park. They used to advertise themselves as "larger than Disney", but I have not seen that commercial in several years. I can handle about one trip to a big park every year.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.04.06 (10:03 am)
Reply to: mimi
Glad to know that I am a better man than you!
Not too much sun for me. I used to try to get a tan on trips like this. But now I pour on the sunscreen. I'm quite aware of what the sun can do to the skin, and particularly skin cancer. Getting older does make you wiser to such things as this. I constantly pester my teens about this. They'll start listening when they get around my age.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
06.04.06 (10:05 am)
Reply to: FinalyFree
I did not know you were from around here.
I've been going to 6 Flags since I was a teen. It used to be the "big date" of the year, when we would travel with the church group on a big bus and spend the day and all my money at the place. As a teen I thought the perfect job would be to work at 6 flags. I knew a girl in College who worked one of the shows.
posted by:
FinalyFree (
reply)
post date:
06.05.06 (12:19 pm)
Yep I live in South East TN and made many a trip to Six Flags. In fact when I was in about 7th or 8th grade I went with the HS band--yes I was a band geek--and John Schneider(one of the Duke boys later) sang in one of the park-wandering barbershop quartets!
