Early 2010 at Selsdon Baptist featured the Romance Academy for teenagers in our youth
group.
We recently celebrated their ‘graduation’ ceremony, so here are pictures and comments
from the young people.
Comments on the Academy:
WHAT ARE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COURSE?:
Dancing the waltz and Cha Cha
Looking after the babies (special ‘Reality’ babies!)
Getting to know other people better and; listening to ideas and sharing my own
Being encouraged and supported to explore subjects outside my comfort zone
Sex should be made for love not just for the sake of it.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE DISCOVERED?
God is affected by our decisions you make as well as you, so be good for him and
yourself.
What it’s like during the night when a baby wont stop crying, it made me appreciate
my parents more because I cried as a baby for 4 yrs.
Respect for other people and your self
The downside of having sex at an early age
That relationships are more complex than many films make out! But that real love
in marriage is possible.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING AN ACADEMY?
Do it! You meet new friends, hear different points of view, learn interesting facts
and have such fun!
It can change your views on sex and marriage
Take it seriously
Go into it with an open mind and be prepared to listen.
Romance Academy - What it is
A Romance Academy is a 12-15 week project supporting and mentoring up to twelve young
people as they build their self-esteem enhanced by sexual delay.
THE ROMANCE ACADEMY is a Christian-run organisation and Selsdon Baptist is a part
of this project, which has developed all over the UK in the last few years. In the
Academy’s own words, “We seek to build a positive community where young people can
appreciate themselves and others as valuable individuals.
This becomes the foundation for building good self-esteem through strong peer friendships
and adopting a long-term approach to their sexual health and wellbeing. It addresses
the issues young people actually want to talk about.”
During their time in the Romance Academy, the young people commit themselves to supporting
and challenging each other to exploring the benefits and frustrations of a sex-free
lifestyle.