Children & Youth Ministries

Children are an important part of The Haven

Our children and youth ministries exist to provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can learn about Jesus and experience the love of God.

The Haven Kids Collective, The Youth Group (TYG), and our Family Ministry events provide opportunities for children and teens of all ages to grow in a vibrant spiritual community.

Please contact Melissa Hatton, our Family Discipleship Director, if you have any questions.

The Haven Kids Collective

Our children's ministry provides a range of opportunities for different age groups. Curriculum is used to facilitate discussion or activittes around a topic, scripture, or Bible story. Children are also given some "free play" time in the classroom or gym.
The Nest (Ages 0-3)

9:30 AM-12:30 PM: Children must be signed in and out by their parents/guardians. 

The Pod (Pre K-1st Grade)

Children leave the main worship service after Children's Time and join their age group for an activity or discussion. Parents pick their children up from the classroom at the end of the service.

The Pack (2nd-5th Grade)

Children leave the main worship service after Children's Time and join their age group for an activity or discussion. Parents pick their children up from the gym at the end of the service. 

The Haven Kids Collective FAQs

Know what to expect before you arrive on Sunday:
Do you have a Safe Sanctuary Policy?

Yes, you can view our current Safe Sanctuary policy and required forms here.

Are volunteers background checked?

Yes, we perform background checks on all our volunteers annually. 

Can I volunteer?

Yes, we are always looking for people to serve in our ministry. If you’d like to serve, please contact Melissa Hatton at melissa@sandyhook.org.

In what ways can my child volunteer/serve in the church?

We welcome young people to sign up to read the Call to Worship, Scripture in the service, serve as a greeter with their parents, or join the musical worship team or drama team. 

The Youth Group (TYG)

The Youth Group is open to students in 6th-12th grade. On Sunday evening, youth group starts with dinner in the Fellowship Hall and is followed by a game/activity and a lesson. No need to bring anything, just show up!
Schedule

During the 2025-2026 school year, we will meet every other Sunday from 6-8 PM, starting on Sunday, August 24th.

Students can be dropped off and picked up from the Fellowship Hall door. 

Special Events

In addition to biweekly gatherings, the Youth Group also puts on monthly "fun" events, such as mini golf, movie nights, bowling, painting pottery, game nights, etc. Each summer, the group goes on a mission trip, attends a conference, or has some kind of retreat/getaway.

Get Involved

If you're a teen looking to get involved, just show up! Contact Melissa Hatton at melissa@sandyhook.org if you have questions.

If you’re an adult interested in ways to serve with the Youth Group, we are always looking for individuals or small groups to sign up to bring our youth dinner on the dates they meet. Sign up: tinyurl.com/SHYGMeals.

FAQs
  • Is there a permission slip for Youth Outings? Yes! It has to be completed annually: tinyurl.com/YGPS2025
  • Are volunteers background checked? Yes, we perform background checks on all our volunteers annually.
  • Do you have a Safe Sanctuary Policy? Yes. We are currently updating it and hope to have that completed soon.
  • In what ways can my student volunteer/serve in the church? We welcome students to sign up to read the Call to Worship, Scripture in the service, serve as a greeter with their parents, or join the musical worship team or drama team.

Explore Family Ministry events

Our community events are a great way for your family to experience The Haven for the first time.

Learn more about The Haven

Explore our history, values, beliefs, and leadership.

Find Family Ministry resources

Download kid-focused resources created to help make discipleship fun and easy for your family.
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