Grove Kids seeks to partner with parents to make disciples who know Jesus, grow in Jesus, and go share Jesus with others!

Newborn - 6th Grade

First Baptist Church of Downers Grove offers Nursery care for Newborns - Age 2 and programs for Preschool - 6th Grade. Your child will be in a safe environment where they will learn about Jesus and have a fun time doing it. 

Sunday Mornings

  • If your kids are in Nursery-1st Grade, you may drop them off before service. 2nd-4th Graders come to worship with us in the sanctuary.
  • Before the message, kids are dismissed to follow their trained Kids volunteer to their age-appropriate room for the rest of the service where they will have a blast! On Communion Sundays, 2nd-4th Graders stay with their families for the whole service.
  • Kids check-in starts at 10:15 AM for the 10:30 AM service. You can save some time by pre-registering your child below.
Pre-Register

Your First Visit

Visiting us for the first time? No fear!

  • Our friendly Welcome Team will guide you to where our Kids Check-In is when you arrive.
  • We will meet your family, check your child into class, and answer any questions you may have.
  • Our trained team of volunteers will assure your kids learn and play in a safe and secure environment! Volunteers 18+ have been background checked and are DCFS-certified.
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Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School ministers to kids entering Preschool - 5th Grade in Downers Grove and its surrounding communities. Our VBS in Downers Grove is an awesome experience that shows the love of Jesus to kids!

 

We are so excited for Vacation Bible School, June 9-13! You can pre-register online until May 31. Pre-registration helps us tremendously with planning! If you don't pre-register, you can register at the door any night of VBS.

VBS 2025
VOLUNTEER

Wednesday Nights

We invite you to First Baptist Downers Grove on Wednesday Nights starting Fall 2025 to learn more about Jesus!

 

We use Awana curriculum for Preschool - 2nd Grade. Awana is a gospel-centered children's program and stands for "Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed" (2 Timothy 2:15). 

 

3rd - 6th Graders will dive into the Book of Acts in our new program, "Rooted & Ready". Our desire is to partner alongside parents and caregivers to disciple the next generation!

GROVE KIDS STAFF

Our staff members have big hearts for serving the next generation!

Mike Leonard

Children's Ministries Director

Mike and his wife have been members of First Baptist Church since 2017 and have two young children. Mike has volunteered in AWANA, VBS, and Youth Group. He has also served as a Trustee and is currently on the Deacon Board.

 

Before coming to First Baptist, Mike and his wife led children’s programs for 10 years at their former church. For Mike, it has been an absolute blessing to watch people, young and old, grow in Christ. 

Jennifer Guo

Children's Ministries Assistant Director

Jennifer began as an intern in 2024 and now serves as Assistant Director as well as an Aide at Downers Grove Christian School. She loves encouraging children toward milestones in their relationship with Jesus. Jennifer is inspired by the ways that the Lord uses children as great blessings for the kingdom of God.

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