Prior to an afternoon snack, K.I.C.K. afterschool program participants sing a song.:: Photo by Chad Koenen

"They've been in school all day," said Miriam Klemme. "We want to do something different that is fun and learning at the same time."

Minnewaska Lutheran Church

Since arriving in Starbuck in 1999, Klemme has helped organize the afterschool program for Minnewaska Lutheran Church members and visitors free of charge. With the help of a number of volunteers over the years, the program has become a staple at Minnewaska Lutheran Church each Wednesday afternoon.

While the program has continued to offer K-6 students an opportunity to learn within the church, the afterschool program itself has changed several times. More recently, Minnewaska Lutheran Church has left its Wings curriculum for an independent program created by the church itself, known as Lightshine.

Klemme said by switching the program material, the teachers are allotted more flexibility to set their own curriculum and bible versus to best suit the students in their class. For instance, if there are more male students in the class, Klemme can cater the class for more action based activities. Should there be more females there can be more arts in crafts and activities which cater to the female students.

Regardless of the name of the program, Klemme said the overall intention of the afterschool program has remained the same-building relationships.

"It's all about the relationships," she said.

Klemme said her goal is to help students build a relationship with each other, as well as mold their relationship with God. She said the hope is the 11 students who regularly attend the afterschool program, will have their relationship blossom both in and out of the church, as they become older.

CrossWinds Parish

In the past, the four churches which make of CrossWinds Parish didn't feature an afterschool program. But behind the support of a group of parish member parents, the program was unveiled this fall.

CrossWinds Parish Pastor Sarah Taylor who helps plan the afterschool events each week, said the idea wasn't to compete with any other programs in the area, yet give its youth an opportunity to learn and have fun with some of the same students they may see in school and Sunday School.

The afterschool program entitled Kids in Christ's Kamp or K.I.C.K. for short, relies on parents who volunteer to help with each part of the program. Everything from serving snacks to the music to helping clean up, relies on parental volunteers to make the program successful.

"It's really a good bunch of kids and good group of adults as well," said Taylor.

With over 20 students currently attending each week, the classes are divided into two sections, K-3 and 4-6.

The program is held at Fron Lutheran Church and gives students time for music (one of the musical activities is learning how to play hand bells), games, snacks, and fellowship.

Not only does the afterschool program help students come together to learn about God in a fun-activity-based way, but gives Taylor an opportunity to interact with the younger members.

"This is a chance for me to interact with the kids," she said. As a co-pastor of four area churches, Taylor said it can be difficult at times to form a solid relationship with the younger members, especially when the students are in Sunday School.

Therefore, the pastor said she enjoys leading some of the discussion and fellowship time with the younger members to get to know the members on a more personable level.

About the programs

Both the K.I.C.K. and Lightshine afterschool programs are free to K-6 students.

The groups meet each Wednesday when school in is session. The afterschool program for Lightshine will hold meetings through April, and CrossWinds Parish plans to continued its afterschool program through the end of the school year. Students who wish to attend the afterschool programs can take the bus to both churches to attend.

Each program features an afterschool snack as well as a number of interactive activities for those who attend. Both of the programs also feature a bible lesson and time set aside for fellowship each week.

For more information about Lightshine contact the Minnewaska Lutheran Church at 239-2105.

For more information about K.I.C.K. contact Fron Lutheran Church at 239-2289.