Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
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Never Miss a Chance to Do the Most Good
Please enter your name, email and zip code below to sign up!
Youth Programs
Our ministry is motivated by love of God. Our mission is to Embrace, Empower and Equip the young people of the Kalamazoo to succeed in relationships and life. We seek to do this by providing a safe environment for life-changing spiritual, educational and wellness experiences in the Vine-Edison neighborhood.
How we help empower youth
Youth Night
KZOO Youth Night is a weekly program for children in grades K-12 to come together and learn by having fun! On Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 – 6 pm students will spend time trying new activities such as woodworking, archery, cooking, sports, and photography. *Dinner is provided.
The Kickback: An After-school Program
This is a program designed by grown kids for not-so-grown kids! We provide a study hall for students to complete their daily schoolwork assignments or simply get ahead, then an open (indoor) gymnasium (with plenty of recreational materials available) once those obligations are completed. In addition, there are a multitude of optional activities planned in cooperation with Kzoo Youth Night! Held at the Kalamazoo Citadel Corps, it runs from 3-6 P.M. Monday through Thursday. The program is free to school-aged (kindergarten through high-school senior) children, but registration and permission forms are required.
Volunteers are needed to offer guidance and supervision during these programs. Please click here to apply.
Summer Spark
Summer Spark is a free drop-in program for local children entering grades 1 -8. This program runs Monday through Friday from 9 am-1 pm throughout the summer. As a host site for Meet Up and Eat up, a free breakfast and lunch are served daily for anyone 18 and younger. Each day children can participate in fun games, crafts, and lessons.
Volunteers are needed to keep this program free and safe for the community. Click Here to apply!
Summer Camp
For over 100 years, thousands of children from low-income families have enjoyed the fresh air, exercise, and the chance to make new friendships during the annual summer camp program at Echo Grove. The camping experience is more than just a pleasant vacation. Children learn new skills and self-reliance; trained counselors who understand their emotional needs and problems help them to mature.
While at Echo Grove, campers participate in a wide range of activities, including swimming instruction, scouting, arts and crafts, music instruction, Christian education, and much more.