NaperCov Kids
Our mission is to come alongside parents and caregivers to share the life-changing love of God with kids. We want our kids to connect to a bigger family through the church, and empower them to serve courageously with the gifts and abilities God has given them.
If you have any questions about our ministries with children and their families, please contact Kelly Johnston, Pastor of Children & Family Ministries.
Nursery
Every Sunday morning we have staff and volunteers ready to welcome newborns, babies, and toddlers (up to 36 months of age) to our nursery space. Young ones love to play and interact with caring adults. We use God Loves Me, a very simple storybook curriculum each week intended for 2-3 year olds to introduce our youngest disciples to a variety of Bible stories.
Sunday Squad
On the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of the month (and 5th Sundays when they happen!), our preschool and elementary kids spend the first part of our worship service in the “big sanctuary” and before the sermon begins, they are blessed as they head to two different classes: Seedlings (PreK - 2nd grade) and Branches (3rd - 5th grade).
Our Sunday Squad classes spend time in prayer together and engage in Bible stories and activities using SHINE curriculum. We love the Peace Table Storybook Bible and resources at Shine Everywhere!
On 1st Sundays of the month, children stay in the pews with the rest of the church. We value this time worshiping together! Activity bags are made available for kids on these days.
Special Events
Through the year, we plan a handful of special events to build community and go deeper in our faith and learning.
Some of our special events involve children engaging intentionally with our worship service, including Back to School Sunday and our annual Christmas Program.
Some special events are intended to invite our community to go deeper with us at special times in the year, like our Gratitude Fest in the Fall and Easter Egg Hunt in the Spring.
In the Summer we host a special kids Summer Series, similar to VBS, except spread out over the course of 3 weeks. Kids learn and play around a unified theme.
Parent Support
None of us are meant to take on the challenge of raising kids alone. Our weekly KidMin email newsletters come with insight on what we’re learning in our classrooms and encouragement and quick ideas to practice faith at home.
Parents look out for each other organically and we also make space to intentionally connect. We host a quarterly “Parent Café” event for parents to support one another through conversation and prayer.
Summer Camp
Starting the summer after first grade, we encourage all our NaperCov kids to experience summer camp. Each summer we send kids to both Covenant Harbor and Covenant Point camps. Camp programs include time at the waterfront, outdoor games and activities, campfires, and a chance to learn about and experience God’s love.