Children & Teens Ministry
![NextGen](https://www.gc23.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/NextGen.jpg)
Complete one packet per child – there are forms to be filled out for each child participating in Next Gen activities this week.
At GC23, there will be programming and activities for children and teens of all ages. Find out more from our helpful informational video.
For all classrooms:
Drop-off will not begin until there are two leaders in the classroom, and no earlier than 30 minutes before the session begins.
Pick-up is within 15 minutes after the session ends.
GC23 Nursery
Includes babies 6weeks – diapers
Our nursery’s main focus will be playing with and loving on the babies and toddlers in our care. Parents will receive a “Day Sheet,” which will specify each child’s last feeding/nap/diaper and other pertinent information. We will have a napping room and a playtime room. Our ratio of babies to leaders will be 3:1. Registration is not required for nursery, but it is appreciated so we know how many leaders we will need in the room. There is no charge for nursery care.
Tuesday – Friday Schedule
8:30am – 11:30am
{closed during lunch}
1:00pm – 4:00pm
{closed during dinner}
7:00pm – 8:30pm
GC23 Preschoolers
Includes potty trained preschoolers – going into Kindergarten
Preschoolers will enjoy playtime, a lesson, craft, and snack during each of the two sessions during the day. There will also be time to play outside in a secure and fenced-in area with the leaders. Our ratio in this classroom will be 5 children to 1 adult, and there will always be more than one leader in the classroom. Our lessons will be announced soon!
Tuesday – Friday Schedule
8:30am – 11:30am
{closed during lunch}
1:00pm – 4:00pm
GC23 Elementary
Includes kids going in to 1st – 5th grades
Watch the video for more information specifically regarding Next Gen ministries for grades 1–5.
Elementary students will enjoy a VBS-like program each time they are together. The kids will be “traveling” to a different country at each session in which the FMC is ministering and growing. They will receive play passports which will get stamped for each country they visit. Snacks, games, and lessons will all center around the children in the country they are learning about! Snacks and their ingredients will be sent out to parents the night before. Our required ratio of children to adults in this classroom will be 10:1, but we will also have Station Leaders and Floaters in addition to our Small Group Leaders. There will always be at least two leaders in the classroom. These kids will also have the opportunity to go outside for some of the games they play. This will happen in a secure, fenced-in area.
Tuesday – Friday Schedule
8:30am – 11:30am
{closed during lunch}
1:00pm – 4:00pm
GC23 Youth
Includes kids going in to 6th – 12th grades
Our GC Youth will have lots of fun engaging together in the same content that the adults will be exploring together: The Free Methodist Way. During their Youth Group time, they will play games, have a lesson, and engage in Small Groups. Youth Hangouts will be held outside in the fenced-in pool and courts area with Youth leaders. This will include tournaments, contests, and games. More information on this schedule will come soon. Late Nights are going to be sponsored by FM colleges and will be lots of fun! Our off-site trip is only for registered GC Youth. Families who want to attend will be separate from our group for security reasons. We are working on getting a system in place to have our youth sit together for the morning worship sessions Wednesday, and Friday. We want the youth to be able to experience the bishop election, so they will sit together in Plenary session on Wednesday.
Tuesday Schedule
10:00am – 11:30am: Youth Group
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Youth Hangouts
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Late Night
Wednesday Schedule
8:30am – 9:45am: Possibly sitting together for worship
10:00am – 11:30am: Youth Group
1:00pm – 4:00pm: In Plenary Session for Bishop Elections
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Late Night
Thursday Schedule
8:30am – 4:00pm: Offsite Theme Park Trip (GC Youth and leaders only)
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Late Night
Friday Schedule
8:30am – 9:45am: Possibly sitting together for worship
10:00am – 11:30am: Youth Group
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Youth Hangouts
10:00pm – 11:00pm: Late Night