Partnering with families in the spiritual formation of their kids.
We’ve created the NextGen Trail Guide, a six-step journey, to assist parents in raising kids who have a faith in God that they will take with them into adulthood. Along the trail are Mile Markers—or special events—where parents and kids learn together and commemorate these key moments. We will also provide resources for the seasons between Mile Markers to inform you of the faith skills that your kids are learning in Kidventure and Youth and equip you with tools for home.
Kidventure & Youth
The NextGen Trail Guide is designed to work in partnership with regular participation in our kids and youth programming.
On Sunday Morning, Kidventure holds programming for all kids (babies – 5th grade), where they can attend Kidventure during Sunday morning worship services to experience faith, fun, and friendship in action! Our time together consists of a Bible story, games and interaction, crafts, a memory verse, and more!
Youth (6th-12th grade) gathers for worship, teaching, and small groups on Sunday evenings and again on Wednesday evenings for a smaller group Bible study. Both Kidventure and Youth also have seasonal events throughout the year to celebrate holidays and events or just have fun!
Between the trail markers...
consistent support of spiritual formation happens at church and at home! We put together some recommendations for you to use at home between the important milestones/mile markers above. We also want you to know what your kid will be learning in Kidventure and Youth! Check out each “in-between” season to find out more.
- BETWEEN TRAILHEAD & MILE MARKER 1
Babies - Kindergarten
Kidventure is teaching…
- Prayer – how to talk to God at snack time
- Bible – listen and learn stories each week
- Bible verse memorization
At home, you can…
- Be consistent in attending church
- Talk about God during everyday life
- Read Bible stories (picture books) to kids
- Pray with kids – at mealtimes and bedtime
- BETWEEN MILE MARKER 1 & 2
Kindergarten - 5th Grade
Kidventure is teaching…
- Prayer – share prayer requests, pray for others
- Bible – introduce God’s Big story, how can I apply the concept to my life
- How to memorize Bible verses and how to look up a Bible verse
- How to make friends at church
- Telling others about God
- Showing God’s love to others
At home, you can…
- Be consistent in attending church
- Read Bible stories with kids, practice reading by reading the Bible together, give your kid a Bible of their own
- Pray with kids – more than at meals
- Practice serving others together
- BETWEEN MILE MARKER 3 & 4
5th - 8th Grade
Youth is teaching…
- Prayer – pray with and for my friends
- Bible – listen to God through His word, read the Bible together, know how to look up a Bible verse
- How to know and share my God story
- How to use my gifts serving at church
- Telling others about God
- Showing God’s love to others
At home, you can…
- Be consistent in attending church
- Encourage participation at Lake Forest Youth
- Read and study the Bible together, give your student a Teen Bible, encourage student to read Bible on their own
- Pray – share requests and struggles
- Serve – support your student as they serve and serve together
- BETWEEN MILE MARKER 4 &5
9th - 12th Grade
Youth is teaching…
- Prayer with and for my friends
- Bible – develop a regular rhythm of Bible study, be able to describe the basic story of the Bible
- Knowing and sharing my God story and be able to describe some unique giftrs Gad has given them
- Supporting friends in their spiritual journey
- Using my gifts serving at church
At home, you can…
- Be consistent in attending church
- Encourage participation at Lake Forest Youth
- Read and study the Bible together, give your student a Teen Bible, encourage student to read Bible on their own
- Pray – share requests and struggles
- Serve – support your student as they serve and serve together
Conversations That Count
Our “Conversations that Count” are designed to walk alongside you as you navigate an ever-changing world and an ever-growing child. In these events, we’ll be exploring the topics that seem to rise to the surface for kids, teenagers, and parents. Often, these conversations aren’t designated for one age group of kid or one season of parenting; they affect us all. So, Conversations that Count exists as an ongoing part of our Trail Guide. Think of them as your “helpful hints” along this parenting journey; there to give you the tools and encouragement that you need to navigate pervasive challenges or messy waters in every season of life.
NEXT EVENT ANNOUNCED SOON
Frequently Asked Questions
Hey, we totally get it – life can get hectic! While we think it’s important to attend as many Trail Guide events as possible, we know everyone’s schedules are different. Don’t worry – our team will be happy to help you catch up and get back on track. Remember, the goal is to build a strong foundation of faith for your family, and we’re here to help!
Not at all! We know that families come in all shapes and sizes, and the NextGen Trail Guide is designed to support any family dynamic. Regardless of your family’s makeup, our goal is to help you raise kids who have a strong, growing faith in Jesus Christ.
Of course! We believe that it’s never too late to start this journey with your family. While it’s most beneficial to follow the Trail Guide from the beginning, the principles and guidance found at each Mile Marker can still offer value if you join at a later stage. Our team will be happy to help you determine the best way to integrate the NextGen Trail Guide into your family’s unique situation.
You can reach out to our NextGen Strategist, Beverly Ailiff.
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