Children & Youth
We recognize at Port Nelson that each one of us is on a journey through life and that many people have a deep desire to grow spiritually. We believe that this growth happens in many ways through worship, prayer, study, service, action and more.
For more information about the following programs, please contact our Developer of Children and Youth Ministry, Nursery Coordinator or church office.
Sunday Nursery
We offer a professionally staffed nursery for infants and toddlers during Sunday morning services. A Nursery Coordinator works with a team of qualified volunteers. Our nursery space is well-equipped, including a pager system that is used to keep in touch with families during the service if the need arises. Simply ask one of the greeters or ushers when you arrive for service and they will assist you.
Sundays (Sept. – June) 10am-11:45am
Godly Play for Children
Godly Play is for children in SK to Grade 6 to make meaning through story, wonder, and play. Children begin in the worship space with their family and then head out to Godly Play at the “Sharing of the Peace”. The Godly Play room is in the Danna Room on the lower level.
Sundays 10:30am to 11:30am
Pinnacle Young Leaders
Pinnacle is for youth in grades 7 to 12. Each Sunday we gather with the church family in the worship space until “Sharing of the Peace,” and then we gather for discussion on current events from a faith perspective, leadership development and shared friendship.
Sundays 10:30am to 11:30am
GLEE Camp
Summer Day Camps for children aged 5 to 12 provide an affordable, quality summer day camp experience in a Christian setting. In recent years we have offered four full weeks of camp. Typically, about 250 children register, and the camps are led by a Camp Director and team of youth and young adults from Port Nelson Church and the community. Each week of camp has a theme, and activities include music, arts & crafts, sports and much more! A concert for the community takes place on the Thursday of each camp week.
Port Nelson Youth Award
The Port Nelson United Church Youth Award was established in September 2012 by the Church Council to recognize and celebrate the leadership of young people in the area of being inclusive, particularly pertaining to the needs and concerns of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Queer (2SLGBTQIA+) people. The award offers a public and tangible way to celebrate Affirming – one of the church’s core values.
The Port Nelson United Church Youth Award is given annually in the amount of $1,000 to a student in their final year of studies at any secondary school in Halton Region, as selected by the Youth Award Committee.
Applications for 2025 are now closed.
Afterschool Program
We’re so excited to welcome kids from SK to Grade 7 back to our After School Program, starting Tuesday, September 9 and running until Tuesday, December 16 from 4:00–5:30 p.m.
This fall’s sessions will have a theme of Spirituality and include music, games, art and more!
Families and friends won’t want to miss our two performances: Sunday October 26 and Sunday December 10 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
PA Days
On many Halton School Board designated Elementary and Highschool PA Days there is a program that runs 8:30am to 3:30pm for children based on a particular theme. Limit of 30 registrants. Adult volunteers always welcomed. Check Port Nelson website for more info or contact Jocelyn Birkes.
Periodic Family Events
Seasonal events are held throughout the year to build community, bring families together, have fun, share meals, and discover aspects of faith. If you would like to be added to the email list, contact Jocelyn Birkes.
Confirmation
For youth in grades 9 and 10 who wish to explore questions of faith, belief and belonging. Program includes monthly discussions, visits to outreach activities in the community, and often an annual retreat.
Confirmation Service in May