Sprouts
A program for children ages 3 through 2nd grade that meets on the First Floor of the Christian Life Center from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evenings, September through April. They spend their time learning about Jesus Christ through singing, Bible stories, crafts and scripture memorization. If you have children in this age group, they are welcome. Contact: Kathy Choate • 322-3993 / kchoate3@comcast.net

Branches
This program is for children from 3rd through 5th grade. They meet on the First Floor or the Loft of the Christian Life Center from 5:45 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday evenings, September through April. Their program mirrors that of Sprouts except at a more advanced level using a small group format. If you have children in this age group, they are welcome. Contact: Kathy Choate • 322-3993 / kchoate3@comcast.net

Children's Choirs (See Music Ministries)

First Nursery School
Now taking registrations for 2008/2009. First Nursery School is a non-denominational pre-school program designed to give children a chance to develop socially, emotionally and intellectually in preparation for Kindergarten. Along with developing social and intellectual skills, children learn finger plays, songs, Bible stories; work with different art mediums and take part in physical exercises, all of which are aimed at developing motor skills. Children are divided into age-grouped classes, working with qualified teachers in each area of the program.

Field trips are part of the program: The Pumpkin Patch, a Fire Station, St. Anthony’s Center, Roseview Manor, Children’s Discovery Workshop, the Hiawatha, & others. In additon, there are special days such as Mother's Day tea and Donut Day with Dads (pictured above).

Daily activities focus on a different topic each week. Some examples are: Family and Friends, Fall, Shapes and Sizes, Colors, Pumpkins and Holidays.
Director: Kathy Choate • 322-3993 / kchoate3@comcast.net

Sunday School
A closely graded Sunday school, offered at 9:30 a.m., provides the foundations of faith in Bible study and learning to live Christian faith day-to-day. Information about any of these classes is available from Kathy Choate• 322-3993.

8:00 A.M. Nursery:
Room 121-Life Center
Caregiver: Vanessa Baker

9:30 A.M.
Infant Nursery: Room 121-Life Center. Children from birth to 7 months learn to feel like a loved member of the First Church family.
Caregiver: Kathy Pfaff

Toddler Nursery: Room 124-Life Center. For toddlers up to 18 months.
Caregivers: Vanessa Baker and Cathy Richards

Summer Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Pre-K through 2nd grade Room 132/122:

11:00 A.M.
Infant Nursery: Room 121 Life Center for Infant through 17 months
Caregiver: Cathy Richards

Toddler Nursery: Room 124 for toddlers up to 18 nmonths
Caregivers: Vanessa Baker and Katie Regapolis

Camping Ministries
The Central PA Conference offers a variety of camps throughout the summer for all ages. First Church runs three camps called "First Camp" for children in first through sixth grades. This camp takes place at Camp Penn in Waynesboro, PA the last week of June each year. Fourth through Sixth graders have a weeklong camp from Sunday afternoon until Saturday morning. First and Second graders’ camp is from Sunday afternoon until Tuesday evening. Second and Third graders’ camp is from Wednesday evening until Saturday morning. First Church pays half of the registration fee for any kids who are currently involved in First Church ministries or members of First Church. In 2009, First Church counselors will host the week of June 21-27 at Camp Penn.

Vacation Bible School
Each summer First Church offers a Vacation Bible School Program based on a specific theme. Years past have seen programs with a balloon theme, a space theme, and an island theme. Each year is a new and exciting theme for the children, but the message always remains the same--discovering God's love for them and his plan for their lives. Children take part in music, scripture, crafts, snacks--all the things that make VBS so exciting. The week wraps up with a celebration for all ages and a special program presented by the children.

Youth Basketball
The John H. Bower Sunday School Basketball League is a non-denominational church league for kids age 6 to 18. First Church offers several age-level teams. The season runs from November through February. Team membership requires active Sunday school attendance or participation in other church-related activities or small groups.  Contact: Matt Radspinner • 321-9999

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