Kids are Important

At Blackwood Hills Baptist Church, Kids are important. We know that children have needs for fun, for social expression and for education. Sunday Funday is a programme for children that meets these needs on a week by week basis.

Sunday Funday

Sunday Funday is the focus of our Children's Activities at Blackwood Hills. It is aimed at kids between the ages of 3 and 12 covering the pre-school to primary age years. It operates on Sunday mornings during our morning worship service which goes between 10.00 a.m. and approximately 11.30a.m. It runs year round, other than during the school holidays.

Our Goals

The goals of Sunday Funday are multiple. We aim to teach and encourage the children in the Christian faith in an enjoyable, fun and Christian context. We provide programmes which combine fun and learning so that the kids will develop positive attitudes toward Jesus Christ and the church.

The Sunday Funday Team

The Team at Sunday Funday is always keen to welcome new children. Our team is a blend of youthful enthusiasm and years of experience. People from all walks of life, from different generations, make up a capable team of teachers. Our teacher/student ratio is excellent, enabling a high quality of care and attention for the children who make up Sunday Funday.

"Big Events"

Sunday Funday also extends beyond Sunday mornings. Each term we have what we call our "Big Events". These are social events for kids and at times for families as well. Beach Days, Film Nights, Games Evenings and Family Picnics comprise some of our activities. It is at these events that we attempt to meet some of our children's social needs in a Christian context. It is also an opportunity for children and families to be introduced to Sunday Funday.

Associated Activities

The church's involvement in the community provides for associated activities such as netball and basketball. Numerous basketball and netball teams run in association with the church for primary age children. Moreover our community programme "Alive" provides children's programmes from time to time.

And the Future?

Sunday Funday is the perfect launching pad for kids as they enter into their adolescent years. Following Sunday Funday, children can enter our Youth Programme which has Youth Groups based on age. Both the high school age group and post high school (17+) group form our vital Youth Ministry which caters for those teenage years.

Fun, Fellowship and Fundamentals for KIDS.

Need more information?
Contact: Heather Coleman
Sunday Funday Team Leader
Ph: 8370 0333 (Church)

Youth and Young Adults

Here at Blackwood Hills Baptist Church young people matter. Their need for belonging, having fun, as well as developing their independence and identity is an important time in their life. So too, is the opportunity to develop their gifts and talents. Our Youth Programme is specially designed with all these needs in mind. Not only do we have a Youth Programme, but we welcome our young people's involvement in other areas of our Church's activities and programmes, such as the Music Ministry and Sunday Funday.

High School Students - Oasis Youth Group

A group meets every Friday night for social activities. This is a fun place to make new friends and have a great time. During the teen years, young people seek to clarify their own beliefs and values. On Sunday mornings these young people have the opportunity to discuss those deep and meaningful questions of their faith and life issues in a caring and fun environment.

Young Adults (18+): Epic & Infusion

These groups meets twice monthly for a "Big Event" social evening. There are a number of small groups on different nights to suit this age group as well.

Note:
All these groups are open to anyone and in all of them we aim to provide for the specific needs of that age group as best we can. The age limits are not strictly adhered to; the young people are encouraged to go where they feel most comfortable.

Basketball

Basketball has been a major part of this church's sporting interests since the 1960's. The Patron of our club (Mal Heard) is a former club player and an Olympic basketballer. In the last 10 years we have fielded between 7 and 12 teams each winter season, male and female, senior and junior, making us one of the larger basketball clubs in the area. We have traditionally been strong in providing basketball for juniors, both girls and boys. While we aim to be fiercely competitive, we major on having a good time, developing as players, and encouraging good relationships with team-mates and opposition teams. The new centre will provide us with a perfect place to develop our club and to hold practice sessions.

Camps & Trips

We hold two main youth camps each year, the Ruffit Camp and the End of Year Camp annually, just before Christmas. All the youth groups get together for a time of fun, learning and seeking to grow and develop as young people. Students from nearby Blackwood High School also participate in these activities. Other camps include Adventure and Hiking Camps in the great Australian Outback in the April and September holidays. These camps are designed to get away from the distractions and pressures of study and work. They're times to enjoy God's Creation and to spend time reflecting on Biblical values.

We offer a range of additional programs and opportunities for young people including:

Leadership Training - Weekly groups and training events/conferences twice a year.

Interstate and International Work Parties - In July 2003 thirteen young people went to North East India on a cultural experience. This has followed trips to Malawi (2000), Thailand (1997), Indonesia (1994) and Zimbabwe (1992). We also undertake Ministry Workforce Trips to Regional Australia

Further Information

Sam Thomson, our Youth Pastor, co-ordinates the Youth Programme. Contact Sam if you require further information.