Sunday School for Students Grades 6-12
Details about Youth Sunday School at Buffalo Grove:
- Meets from 9:00-10:00 am every Sunday
- During this time, we will study scripture, activate learning with hands on tasks, and discuss faith in our daily lives
- The first Sunday of every month, youth will help lead the service and participate in Communion with the rest of the church
Buffalo Grove Campus
- September 21: Soul Reset--Grief and crisis
- September 28: Food Sunday (Food Pantry and cooking breakfast)
- October 5: Youth help lead the service, No Youth Sunday School
- October 12: Enough--Wisdom and finance
- October 19: Enough--Cultivating contentment
- October 26: Service Sunday (PADS support, and cooking breakfast)
- November 2: Youth help lead the service, No Youth Sunday School, All Saints Sunday
Deerfield Campus
While there is no official Youth Sunday School at the Deerfield campus, you are encouraged to connect with Rev. Clayton to find out ways to get involved during the 10:00 am service (A/V, reading, greeting, serving, and more).
Upcoming Events
Fireproof - Youth Fall Retreat 2025
October 4–5, 2025
Drop-off: Saturday at 9:00am – Kingswood BG Campus
Pick-up: Sunday at 12:00pm – Kingswood BG Campus
Location: YMCA Camp Duncan, Ingleside, IL
Cost: $100 (includes 3 meals, snacks, transportation, camp activities, retreat shirt, and lodging)
Who: Kingswood youth grades 6-12 from both campuses...and all friends are welcome!
Join us for a weekend of outdoor adventure, powerful worship, and deep connection as we explore what it means to have a faith that stands even in the fire. Through games, devotions, small groups, and time around the campfire, we’ll learn from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and discover how God is with us no matter what we face. You won't want to miss this weekend!
What to Bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, PJs, sweatshirt, closed-toed shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, toiletries, and clothes for outdoor fun. (Bunk beds with cots are provided.)
Scholarships and Payment Plans are Available! If cost is a concern for you or a friend, please reach out to Kate—we want everyone to be part of this retreat.
How to Register:
Drop-off: Saturday at 9:00am – Kingswood BG Campus
Pick-up: Sunday at 12:00pm – Kingswood BG Campus
Location: YMCA Camp Duncan, Ingleside, IL
Cost: $100 (includes 3 meals, snacks, transportation, camp activities, retreat shirt, and lodging)
Who: Kingswood youth grades 6-12 from both campuses...and all friends are welcome!
Join us for a weekend of outdoor adventure, powerful worship, and deep connection as we explore what it means to have a faith that stands even in the fire. Through games, devotions, small groups, and time around the campfire, we’ll learn from the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—and discover how God is with us no matter what we face. You won't want to miss this weekend!
What to Bring: Sleeping bag, pillow, PJs, sweatshirt, closed-toed shoes, bug spray, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, toiletries, and clothes for outdoor fun. (Bunk beds with cots are provided.)
Scholarships and Payment Plans are Available! If cost is a concern for you or a friend, please reach out to Kate—we want everyone to be part of this retreat.
How to Register:
- Select the REGISTER FOR THE YOUTH FALL RETREAT button and complete the brief online form (one form per family)
- Kingswood Youth Retreat Registration (multiple youth in a family only needs to complete the first page once and then the second page is separate page for each child)
- YMCA Camp Duncan Waiver (one form per participant)
Sunday Night Live (SNL) Youth Group
Who Comes to SNL
- Kingswood Children and Youth from both campuses
- Third Grade God Squad (3rd graders)
- Club 45 (4th and 5th graders)
- Youth Group (6th through 12th graders)
- Friends are ALWAYS welcome! ALL are welcome!
What to Expect @ Each SNL
- Drop-off & Pick-up: You can drop off and pick up your middle/high schooler at the front doors of the Buffalo Grove campus—you do not need to come into the building unless you have a younger child in grades 3-5 who will need to be dropped off/picked up in person.
- Dinner (5:00–5:40pm): Everyone gathers in the Activity Center for food, games, and time to connect. If the menu isn’t a favorite, students are welcome to bring their own meal. We will all work together to clean up the space once dinner is over.
- Worship (5:40–6:00pm): We’ll move into the Sanctuary for a short interactive lesson and worship time.
- Fun & Fellowship (6:00–6:45pm): Youth split off for their own games and activities.
- Small Group Reflections (6:45–7:00pm): Small groups will close out the night with guided reflection and conversation along with enjoying some dessert.
What to Bring to Each SNL
- $3 for dinner (scholarships are always available if needed)—an envelope will be in the Activity Center for cash donations, or you can donate online at our Kingswood Give site and note that it is for SNL.
- Gym shoes – we’ll be moving around, so comfortable shoes make it easier to join in.
- An open spirit and an open mind– SNL nights are always more fun when you’re willing to try new things and jump in without worrying about embarrassment. Participation makes the night that much more rewarding!
2025-2026 SNL Dates
September 21 -- Rooted in Faith (Kickball, Park)
October 5 -- Grateful Heart (Activity TBA)
October 19 -- God's Harvest (Activity TBA)
November 3 -- Shine Your Light (Camp Fire, S'mores)
November 16 -- Friends and Kindness (Friendsgiving)
December 7 -- Gift of Jesus (Carol Sing-Along)
December 21 -- God is with Us (Christmas party, Christmas Eve Rehearsal)
January 4 -- Follow the Light (Activity TBA)
January 18 -- Justice and Mercy (Activity TBA)
February 1 -- Feeding Others (Cereal Bowl)
February 15 -- God's Love is Real (Activity TBA)
March 1 -- Called & Brave (Activity TBA)
March 15 -- God is our Shepherd (Activity TBA)
April 19 -- Move Up Celebration and Family Potluck
Up Next: Rooted in Faith
When: Sunday, September 21 from 5-7pm
Theme Verse: Psalm 1:3
Dinner: Cookout
Activity: Kickball
Leaders: Kate L., Rebecca H., Jill G.
When: Sunday, September 21 from 5-7pm
Theme Verse: Psalm 1:3
Dinner: Cookout
Activity: Kickball
Leaders: Kate L., Rebecca H., Jill G.
Upcoming Service Opportunities
Please reach out to Kate if you need service hours or have suggestions for service projects!
Youth Volunteer Event
Thursday, September 25
Any time between 5:00-8:00pm
We need your help to set up a church members garage sale!
More hands means less work! Come for any, or all, of the time to help sort, organize, price, and prepare the garage sale space so they can run the sale over the weekend! You can meet us at Kingswood and carpool, or Kate can share the address for those who are coming directly to the house.
Please text, email, or call Kate to let her know if you are coming!
Kate will bring sandwiches and snacks!
Any time between 5:00-8:00pm
We need your help to set up a church members garage sale!
More hands means less work! Come for any, or all, of the time to help sort, organize, price, and prepare the garage sale space so they can run the sale over the weekend! You can meet us at Kingswood and carpool, or Kate can share the address for those who are coming directly to the house.
Please text, email, or call Kate to let her know if you are coming!
Kate will bring sandwiches and snacks!
Volunteer at HarvestFest
Saturday, October 18
Any time between 10am-2pm with set up and clean up before and after
Stay tuned for a sign up of shifts to help at various stations around the event that is open to the whole church and the community!
Save the date! More information coming soon!
Any time between 10am-2pm with set up and clean up before and after
Stay tuned for a sign up of shifts to help at various stations around the event that is open to the whole church and the community!
Save the date! More information coming soon!
Feed My Starving Children
Packing Event
Saturday, November 15
5:00-6:30pm
Libertyville Feed My Starving Children Center
Join Kingswood as we pack meals to help fight world hunger and bring hope to children in need. FMSC provides nutritious, hand-packed meals that are sent to partners around the globe to feed the most vulnerable. After serving together, we’ll continue the fellowship with dinner at Culver’s down the street—all are welcome!
5:00-6:30pm
Libertyville Feed My Starving Children Center
Join Kingswood as we pack meals to help fight world hunger and bring hope to children in need. FMSC provides nutritious, hand-packed meals that are sent to partners around the globe to feed the most vulnerable. After serving together, we’ll continue the fellowship with dinner at Culver’s down the street—all are welcome!
Youth Mission Trips
2023
Detroit, MI with CASS
2024
Kentucky with ASP
2025
Milwaukee, WI with YouthWorks
Youth Mission Trip 2026 information coming soon!
How can you support our trip?
Pray for the volunteers
Pray for the staff
Pray for the recipients of the trip
Donate to help support the trip financially
How can you support our trip?
Pray for the volunteers
Pray for the staff
Pray for the recipients of the trip
Donate to help support the trip financially
Ongoing Service Opportunities
PADS
Kingswood welcomes guests every Tuesday night from October through April. Youth under the age of 18 can support this important ministry every Tuesday from 6:00-7:00 pm or Wednesday from 7:00-8:00 am. Youth may not interact with the guests, but can help in many ways during set up! 18 or older can work any time throughout the night!
Email Kate for more information and to sign up for the 2024-2025 year.
Email Kate for more information and to sign up for the 2024-2025 year.
Gratitude Generation
Housed in our Deerfield site campus at 815 Rosemary Terrace in Deerfield, IL, they do a tremendous amount of compassionate work in our community, for others, and teaches the next generation of children and families how to serve. We've been thrilled to partner with them at events we've held, and we support their mission to support neighbors in need while building a new generation of service-minded leaders. Check out the many opportunities they have for kids and teens.
Pop Tab Collection
Join Kilmer School in District 21 and the Village of Wheeling to help families of children receiving treatment/services within the Lurie Children's Hospital. We are collecting all types of tabs in Sunday School to support the Ronald McDonald House Charities!
One of our Youth Sunday School leaders, Dr. Rebecca Reynolds has a wonderful charity called Reynolds' Provisions. See how you can support this great organization that is doing good works to help fill individualized needs of educational programs for communities around the world.
Please reach out to Kate if you are in need of service hours, have a heart to serve others, or have ideas of other service-focused projects we can participate in!
Get Involved
Confirmation
Congratulations to this 2025's Confirmation Class!
We celebrated two baptisms and five confirmands on May 18, 2025! God is so good!
Confirmation 2026 will be May 17, 2026 and is for students 8th grade or above.
Contact Kate Lapetino for more information.
We celebrated two baptisms and five confirmands on May 18, 2025! God is so good!
Confirmation 2026 will be May 17, 2026 and is for students 8th grade or above.
Contact Kate Lapetino for more information.
Youth Praise Band
Youth Praise Band is for ANY and ALL performers from 5th-12th grade! No matter your instrument of choice or your experience level, we have a place for you here!
Questions, one-on-one voice, guitar, or other lessons: Contact Felicia Patton, Director of Music Ministries
One-on-one piano lessons: Contact our Organist, Dr. Michael Fritsch
Check out the calendar of tentative practice and performance dates!
Questions, one-on-one voice, guitar, or other lessons: Contact Felicia Patton, Director of Music Ministries
One-on-one piano lessons: Contact our Organist, Dr. Michael Fritsch
Check out the calendar of tentative practice and performance dates!
Get Connected
KUMCYM Insta
Check out all of our updates and events on our Kingswood Youth Instagram page!
Connect with our Kingswood youth and share with your friends!
@kumcym
Connect with our Kingswood youth and share with your friends!
@kumcym
Apps, Devos, and Podcasts
Looking for a way to stay connected? Download one of these recommended apps or daily devotionals! Share any others that you enjoy with Kate to keep this list updated!
YouVersion Bible App
Big Life Devotional
Daily Bible Inspirations
Kingswood UMC Weekly Sermon Podcast
YouVersion Bible App
Big Life Devotional
Daily Bible Inspirations
Kingswood UMC Weekly Sermon Podcast
Worship Through Music
Worship always gets elevated with music. Whether we can sing in tune or not, we can all benefit immensely from singing to God with enthusiasm.
Connect through music by listening to our Spotify playlists!
Connect through music by listening to our Spotify playlists!
Are there songs missing?
Share your suggestions with Kate to add to our lists!
Share your suggestions with Kate to add to our lists!
Mental Health is More than a Month!
More than ever, mental health is so important in ALL of our lives. We face each day with more input and information than ever before and it can feel overwhelming without even realizing that it's overwhelming. You don't really know any other way, so this constant bombardment of distractions and information is "normal". We must all find time to take a break, unplug, and seek peace.
Prayer and time with God can be a HUGE gift to our mental health, but it doesn't stop there. God is an amazing provider and gives us many supports and resources to better our mental health. Check out the following resources for information, support, and ways to get involved.
Prayer and time with God can be a HUGE gift to our mental health, but it doesn't stop there. God is an amazing provider and gives us many supports and resources to better our mental health. Check out the following resources for information, support, and ways to get involved.
Looking for some parent
tips, tricks, and resources?
Check out our Parents page!
Ready to share your time volunteering or check your current volunteer schedule?
Check out our Volunteer page!
