I have worked with youth in a couple of ways, and it was all good for me, overall.

First, I have a godson who is coming up on 16 now and I have been his mentor, teacher, and (in truth) student for 10years now. Our last church, where we met, believed that because we were so close, I must be molesting him. Nothing could have been farther from the truth, of course, though I was often tempted. That, amongst many other reasons, is why we had to leave that parish.

Second, though is more what you're asking about: I was a martial arts teacher for 7 years, and most of my students were boys of various ages (though some were more than twice my age being only a teen then!). I learned from them so many things about myself, about people, life, fun, joy, etc. And beauty. Yes, definitely beauty. Actually met my first lover there (my own legal age, just hotter!). Back on topic... there is no greater reward than seeing a boy, whom you've trained since he was 4, receive his black belt after a grueling 6 hour test, and have him, drenched in sweat, hug you and thank you, in a whisper from the bottom of his heart with tears in his eyes, for helping him achieve it.

In Christ,