The Den Youth Group
The Den is a Church Youth Club aimed at 8 -12-year-olds, every Wednesday during term time (apart from the second Wednesday of the month due to an older group ‘Summit’). It is all about having fun while making friends, playing games, faith exploration, spiritual connection, craft challenges, exciting outings, and adventures, and making a difference in the local community & environment through our youth led projects.
Aims of the Group
Spiritual Connection (Relationship with God) – It’s not just about being God smart, it’s about being God connected. We aim to help the children connect with God on a spiritual level.
Learning (Christian Learning) – We aim to help the children learn about the Christian faith and see that the bible is still relevant and important in the modern world and to their lives. We learn about the Christian faith in many ways, such as through discussion, craft and activities.
Growing (Doing things together) – We aim to grow and bond together as a group through fun, games, group activities and exciting outings. There will also be plenty of opportunities to draw closer together and grow as a ‘family’ during the meaningful discussions and when out making a difference in the local community.
Worship (Being Part of the Church) – As the children grow in their faith, we will encourage them to become part of the wider church community and involve them in serving it.
Serving (Helping Others) – We help in the local community and environment and also raise funds for charities. What is close to each child’s heart will help us to decide on the projects we will tackle as it’s important to find their passion points to create drive and meaning. Faith leads to action and action leads to faith.
Building Relationships in the Community – We seek to help build relationships between the Parish and the local community, such as with the Haslemere Cricket and Bowls Club, both of whom the Parish sponsor. We also team up with local businesses for the annual Christmas Windows Competition.
Safeguard & Support – A core aim of the group is to create a place of safety for these children and to provide support. This is going to be their space and we will abide by safeguarding rules and guidance to ensure it is a refuge and a healthy environment.
For more information about The Den please contact Verity Sutherland, Children & Families Worker (Older Children) Email: Children@haslemereparish.org
Upcoming Term
This next half term we have a fun and meaningful line-up for The Den surrounding the theme of Harvest, with some annual favourites, as well as some new areas to explore. We start off with a muddy church, 'forest school' inspired session, exploring gratitude to God for the world around us with natural craft, games and discussion. We also have a trip to a local farm where we will forage for things for our Harvest Wreaths and chat around the fire pit (with s'mores) about the 'what goes in, comes out' idea and how that relates to our faith. The Den will also be undertaking their annual Food Bank Challenge at Tescos in Haslemere as part of their ongoing community work. We also have a games night and mini light party, focusing on Jesus as the Light of the World. We welcome any new members, please get in touch for more information!