Join the fun at church's Kid Zone

Grace Community Church offers an engaging weekly program, "Kid Zone," on Wednesday nights from 6 to 7 p.m. The program features a meal, games, singing and a Bible story, all free for kids in transitional kindergarten through 5th grade.

Judy Bocker, who helps run the program, said, "We love being active with the kids and keeping them busy playing hockey, spending time on the playground, and enjoying the hula hoop, basketball and relays."

The church has organized Kid Zone for the past six years. "This year, we have Loren Grant leading the Bible stories. He was previously involved with the AWANA program and uses PowerPoint to make the stories memorable. It's really exciting to hear the Bible stories from his perspective. This year, the children are learning about God's plan for us through the Bible."

Special events are planned, including a "Glow Night" on Oct. 30, with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark paint and fun crafts. Bocker encourages all children from the community to attend, regardless of their faith. "The children that have been coming enjoy the interaction with other children and the adults who give them a lot of attention and love. Kids come from different schools and get to know other kids, play with them and make new friends."

She added that the Kid Zone program benefits children in various ways. "Kids benefit because they learn that they have been created for a special purpose, that no matter what, God loves them and has a plan for them, and they learn how they can be a part of God's plan."

Children also develop valuable skills through their participation. "One thing they develop is their interactional skills and how to communicate with others. Some who come may be English learners and will become more confident in interacting with people and building on their English skills. They learn responsibility after meals when they must clean up after themselves and the skills of being respectful towards one another and adults."

Parents express gratitude for the program. "They are very thankful for it and feel their children benefit from it by learning these Bible stories and bonding with these other kids."

Bocker highlights success stories: "There are two kids in particular who have been coming for at least five years. I've watched them grow from being very shy to confident, talkative and truly outgoing. I've seen them blossom over the years. This speaks to the profound impact the program can have on the children."

Students can enroll anytime. "We have kids that come every week and others that come in and out because of other activities, but kids are always welcome. Registration is easy and only requires filling out an emergency contact information form. There is no fee, and there are no prerequisites for enrollment."

Grace Community Church is located at 1544 7th St.. For more information, call Bocker at 661-747-3364.