First Presbyterian Church of Elko prides itself on its outstanding variety of programs for youth of all ages. These programs also offer opportunities for adults in our church family to share their gifts to help nurture the children and youth in our congregation.

Sunday School

Church youth repaint one of the Sunday School rooms.

Sunday School classes are available for pre-school through senior high school age groups from 9-10 a.m. in the church classrooms September through May. Adult volunteers lead these groups in Bible study and other activities.

Nursery Services

The church nursery is open for infants and toddlers (ages 6 weeks through 3 years) each Sunday during Sunday School and Worship Service (8:50 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.).  The nursery attendant is loving, experienced, and well trained to handle children in this age group. Nursery children may be entertained with a brief lesson, snacks, or a variety of toys, or they may be allowed to sleep, according to their preference. Cribs, changing tables, and sinks are available in the church nursery for use whenever needed during church activities and services.

The church nursery offers many toys and an interesting window view.

Youth Groups

Youth are divided into two groups, by age, for age-appropriate activities such as Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, and fun. These groups are:

• Kids' Club (K-Fifth Grades)
• Junior /Senior High Youth (Sixth-Twelfth Grades)

 

Senior High youth enjoy a movie night at the church.

Activities for these groups are usually planned for Sunday afternoons during all but the summer months. Here is a typical schedule:

1-2 p.m. Jr. and Sr. High Youth Group meet in the youth room for a lesson, fun, and food.

2-3 p.m. Jr. and Sr. High Youth Choir meets with Aaron Jones or Cassi Van Slyke for either praise music team or drama team practice.

 

During the summer months, special activities are typically planned for the various youth groups. These may include movie nights, swimming and tubing/water skiing expeditions, trips to the Lagoon amusement park in Salt Lake City, and other events.

Sixth through twelfth grade youth meet on Thursday night at the church for food and either movies or games.

The Kids Club (K-5th grade) meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:30-5pm for a bible study, snacks, and activities.  The first Thursday of the month we celebrate birthdays with pizza and a movie. 

Pastor Pat and Julie Blessing took the youth group to Lagoon in 2005.

Confirmation Classes

These typically are for youth 5th-12th grade and are conducted by Pastor Pat. 

For more information, contact Charlyn Van Slyke at ce-youth@ElkoFirstPres.org or at 738-3430 or 753-4667.

Boy Scouts

Troop 52 of the Boy Scouts of America meets at 6 p.m. Mondays in the church fellowship hall. Boys age 11 or older are welcome to join this troop for a variety of activities. Parents or adults interested in helping on the troop committee are also welcome. The troop publishes a monthly calendar of troop activities and events aimed at youth development. For more information, contact the church 775-738-3430 and leave a message for John Daniel.

Vacation Bible School

Pastor Pat leads a song fest at the 2005 Vacation Bible School.

Each summer, a week long, non-denominational Vacation Bible School is offered by the church for children and youth of all ages. In 2009, over 120 children attended this fun and educational event.

2008 Vacation Bible School participants gather in the Sanctuary.

For more information about Vacation Bible School, contact Pastor Pat at pastor@ElkoFirstPres.org or (775) 738-3430.

 

Other Youth Activities

See the church annual calendar for additional youth activities typically planned throughout the year, such as ski trips, float building for parades, and more.

In 2006, the youth group had a float in the Silver State Stampede parade .

 

Vern Blessing and Lynn Bondo chaperoned one of the youth ski trips in 2006.

For more information about the wholesome and educational youth programs at the First Presbyterian Church of Elko, contact the Director of Family Ministry, Charlyn Van Slyke, at ce-youth@ElkoFirstPres.org or at 738-3430 or 753-8529.