Kids on Friday was the name given to our youth club for children in school years 1 – 13, split into several age groups. A recent re-alignment of these age groups has given rise to the oldest group being renamed Youth@GEC, for which a separate menu sub-heading has not yet been created. For the time being that distinction is not reflected beyond this point, and does not affect what is said about the activities described.

The club is organised in three age groups - school years 1 - 4, 5 - 7, and the older group 8 – 13. All three groups meet on Friday evenings during term time at Goldington Middle School, Haylands Way, Bedford - the same venue as used for the church's Sunday services – or in a home. The younger two groups meet from 6:30 to 7:45pm and the older group from 8:00 to 9:30pm.

The Club offers a mixed programme of physical activities, Christian teaching and fun for all. It aims to provide creative and informal activity at the end of the school week and to give some teaching about Jesus Christ and His immense relevance in today’s society. The programme varies between groups with team games, crafts, indoor games in winter, and outdoors in summer. For the younger group a simple Bible story is told and explained, while for the older children there is usually a short talk explaining how the Bible is relevant today.

Activities include unihok, quizzes and relay races. In the summer, we have games outside which include rounders, non-stop cricket, mini Olympics. Each evening has a title or theme which we try to base the activities around, for example:

Who wants to be... - A quiz night based on TV quiz shows including 'Who wants to be a Millionaire'. Holmes Investigates - Detective games including being arrested, going to court, and prison - in the kids' imagination at least! Gameboy - Physical and Mental activities based on computers.

Once or twice a term, there are craft activities. These include decorating biscuits, making sweets, Christmas decorations, Easter cards, candles and picture frames.

In our Bible times we have been looking at Moses and the Children of Israel as they escaped from Egypt and we are now just starting to think about the 10 Commandments God gave to them and how we should be obedient to them. Previously we have looked at the life of Joseph and the stories and miracles of Jesus. Refreshments are provided each week in the form of a cold drink and biscuit. Everyone in the age range is welcome to come to Kids on Friday! All you need to bring are soft soled shoes and a sub of 50p. The first evening is free!!

Kids on Friday is registered with Bedfordshire County Council Youth Service