As the boys arrive, leaders welcome them and get them involved in informal activities or games by posts (small groups). During this time the men call the individual boys and check achievements. This provides a flexible starting time; a structured yet informal beginning offers opportunities for men to welcome boys and give attention to individuals. The Post Leaders build relationships with the boys in their posts.

This is a line-up that quickly organizes the group. Prayer and announcements are made, and it’s a time for boys to practice respect for others and self control before transitioning to games.

The action-packed game period provides organized physical activity. We encourage healthy competition, but skill development, sportsmanship, and fun are what we emphasize as we use this time to mold character and to build group cohesion. This also allows boys to expend energy before a time of listening. Game suggestions are provided to leaders in the weekly curriculum as well as a simple list of equipment for easy preparation.

This small group Post time is a part of the organized 4 week Module the Stockade is working on together. Activities related to the skill and spiritual emphasis of the Module are always provided to leaders in the weekly curriculum as well as an easy to use list of materials for easy preparation. Activities may involve a craft project, science experiment, Bible story, or other activity. This includes scripture memory integrated into the Module being worked through by the group (i.e. Flight and Faith, Bikes, Boards and Buddies, etc). Group achievement motivates individual achievement. Learning and exploring together is fun and provides common experiences that help build peer friendships and healthy relationships with the adult leaders.

This time helps the boys apply the theme of the meeting to their lives. It also helps them to understand that they can and should follow through on what the Bible teaches. CSB focuses not simply on learning the Bible but on helping the boy apply what he has learned through teaching and through modeling.

We use Stockade Honors as a special time to present awards that boys have earned. This helps motivate boys toward greater accomplishments by acknowledging them.

We tell a story at the end of the meeting to grab a boy’s attention, giving them an illustration of what they can do about what they have learned. The story encourages spiritual growth and Christian character development. This can be an opportune time to invite a guest speaker such as a missionary, expert in the interest area the Stockade is exploring at the time, or a pastor. Often this is a time in which the gospel can be explicitly presented. Boys hear from men that they admire and respect.