Cotillion 2026 Session Recaps
Session 1 | January 4, 2026
6th Grade
Dance Lesson: Learned Electric Slide and Intro to Box Step
Break-Out Session: Worth Comes From Christ, Not Comparison
Boys/Girls: Properly Tying Ties / Boutonnières & Sitting Modestly
Social Skills: Managing Embarrassment:
6th Grade discussed how to handle embarrassment. They were reminded that embarrassment happens to EVERYONE at some point, and how you handle it is the most important thing.
When you are the one embarrassed, use humor and learn to step out of the moment and look forward instead of get stuck in what has already happened. Don’t let it keep you from engaging with people and enjoying a fun time! (Example, if you fall while ice skating at Avalon, laugh about it and get up and keep going vs. letting your embarrassment steal your fun by putting you on the sidelines.)
When you see someone else experience embarrassment, be kind. Do whatever you can to lessen their embarrassment by using humor, subtlety, encouragement, and genuine friendship. And remember, it may be YOU next time, so treat others the way you hope to be treated. (Luke 6.31) (Example, if your teammate makes an embarrassing mistake on the ball field, don’t give them a hard time about it. It may be you who whiffs next time you’re up to bat! Choose kindness.)
7th Grade
Dance Lesson: Review Box Step and perfect the turn
Break-Out Session: Christian Leadership Is a Way of Living
Boys/Girls: Properly Tying Ties / Pinning Boutonnières & Creating Fresh Floral Bouquets
Social Skills: Managing Cell Phones and Social Media:
7th Grade discussed how to manage cell phones and social media. We established that these are not needs; they are privileges.
RESPECT. With great privilege comes great responsibility. If you show a lack of responsibility, it is natural for privileges to be withdrawn. Lots of emphasis was put on respecting boundaries and rules that are established by parents, and resisting the urge to compare your boundaries to those of your friends. Respecting boundaries = more freedom in the long run! Special emphasis was also put on not being in a rush to get a phone or social media privileges. Waiting is hard but good. Even many of the creators of these devices and platforms make their own kids wait until they are older.
THOUGHTFULNESS. Digital footprints are real. Think before you post. Rarely can it truly be undone! Screen conversation is REAL conversation, so don’t type anything you wouldn’t say out loud in person, and don’t look at anything you wouldn’t mind a friend or parent seeing with you.
SAFETY. Look for situations you may need to leave (examples- a group text with recurring drama or inappropriate content, an app like Instagram or Pinterest that begins to stir up insecurity in you). Only communicate with people you know in real life. Be willing to ask an adult how you should handle a situation when you aren’t sure. Open communication = more freedom in the long run!
VALUE. Let your phone supplement your in-person relationships, not replace them. Hanging with friends in person is always more fulfilling than on a screen!!
When you’re with family and friends in-person, be fully present.
Don’t use your phone during meal times.
Don’t only text; call someone and actually talk sometimes!
Occasionally take a vacation from your phone.
Be an initiator of in-person social activity! Chances are, some of your friends are sitting at home too and would love to hang. Take a chance and toss a plan out there (with your parents’ permission)!
*This list is inspired by Barrett Johnson’s “Smart Phones 101” online course for families. It is highly recommended and even contains an editable contract for smart phone use based on your family’s boundaries and expectations.
8th Grade
Dance Lesson: Review Box Step & Intro East Coast Swing
Break-Out Session: Freedom From Shame & Secrecy
Boys/Girls: Properly Tying Ties / Pinning Boutonnières & Creating Fresh Floral Bouquets
Social Skills: Managing Gossip and Rumors:
8th Grade discussed how to handle gossip and rumors.
Did you see it with your own eyes or hear it with your own ears? If the answer is NO, don’t believe it or repeat it!
Even if it’s true, but it casts someone in negative light or makes them vulnerable in any way, don’t say it or repeat it (unless there is potential danger).
The Domino Effect: Telling one person may not feel like a big deal, but if they tell another and they tell another and so on… YOU are responsible for all of those dominos that fell because you pushed the first one.
The Golden Rule: How do you want others to talk about you? Treat them with the same courtesy. (Luke 6:31)
If you are the victim of gossip or rumors, address the situation head-on but in love. Have a real conversation with the person who is talking about you, and do it privately in a way that doesn’t create more drama. (Matthew 18:15) If the situation doesn’t resolve and you need help in the future, it’s okay to include others carefully.
Have a trusted adult in your life that you can tell ALL THE THINGS to. Everyone needs a healthy outlet to process life and relationships. It helps to have someone to go to who is not a part of your friend circle, and you can be 100% honest about what’s going on and how you feel about it.
SPEAK LIFE! (Ephesians 4:29) Rumors and Gossip are a part of life because of sin. We all fall into the trap of sin sometimes, but we can handle the aftermath in a Biblical way with grace and forgiveness… and with God’s help we can turn conversations around and speak life.
