Every week we pull our favorite links from across the inter-webs. This week’s trending links include principles for recruiting volunteers, gimmicks in youth ministry, an infographic about teens and the Internet, and a few other things to occupy your time.

BLOGS FROM YOUTHSPECIALTIES.COM THIS WEEK

Andy Blanks challenges us to think about how gimmicks are basically fluff and don’t build into students in his post from our #GetBeyond series, “Entertainment vs. Gimmicks in Youth Ministry” – CLICK TO VIEW

Stephen Ingram offers tips for getting volunteers on board in your ministry that won’t leave you burned out and understaffed: “5 Principles for Recruiting Volunteers” – CLICK TO VIEW

BLOGS FROM OTHER GREAT YOUTH WORKERS THIS WEEK

John Pavlovitz wrote a beautiful note of encouragement to a teenager in his blog post: “Dear Teenager” – CLICK TO VIEW

Our friend, Walt Mueller, from CPYU shared this great post that reveals some facts about what teens are up to online: “Teens and the Internet…An Infographic” – CLICK TO VIEW

Jen Bradbury wrote a post reviewing one of Andrew Root’s books from the YS/Zondervan series, A Theological Journey Through Youth Ministry. Read her post, “Recent Reads: Unlocking Mission & Eschatology in Youth Ministry” – CLICK TO VIEW

In a post from Tim Elmore, he talks about the important role that adults play as it relates to teaching students about taking ownership: “The Single Most Important Ingredient for Maturity” – CLICK TO VIEW

FUN THINGS TO FUEL YOUR PROCRASTINATION

Two gymnasts on one surfboard – CLICK TO VIEW

Bouncy ball out of control – CLICK TO VIEW

Kids React to 1st iPod – CLICK TO VIEW

Bobby and Cissy Papa Loves Mambo (Randomness from the Lawrence Welk Show) – CLICK TO VIEW