CHILDREN & YOUTH
CHILDREN & YOUTH MINISTRIES
Leader
Minister Richard Harris, Director of Children and Youth
Vision 2025
200 young people connected to God’s Word, caring adults, and each other. We are known for being inviting, welcoming, accepting, grateful, encouraging, safe, and prayerful. We stand out because we contribute to the lives of young people, connect to where they are, and celebrate the progress they are making.
“Helping children and youth become the best version of themselves for God.”
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.” -Colossians 3:2
Updates & Resources
Visit our Linktree for updates and resources related to all things Children and Youth at Watts Chapel. On Linktree you will find:
- Calendar of Events
- A form to receive updates
- A form to invite us to your young person’s events
- AWANA Registration
- Reading Plan
- Youth Opportunities (Scholarships, Internships, and other resources)
- Volunteer Training
- And more
CLICK HERE to access our Linktree.
To help ensure a safe & secure environment for all children, all of our Children and Youth teachers, volunteers, and Staff undergo a background check and receive regular training throughout the year.
Children and Youth, worship and learn with us!
CHILDREN'S NURSERY
Nursery is available during BOTH SERVICES on the 2nd and 4th Sundays for children 18 months to 4 years. Toddlers will have a safe space that will lay the foundation for their Christian education and spiritual growth.
Pre-registration for the Nursery is required.
CLICK HERE to register your child for the Watts Nursery
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NURSERY:
- What are the nursery’s operating hours?
- The nursery will operate on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month during the regular church service hours. We recommend arriving 10-15 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
- Who can attend the nursery?
- The nursery is open to children aged 18 months to 4 years old. There are two rooms: one for 18 months – 2 years old and one for 3-4 year olds.
- What is the check-in/check-out process?
- We use a secure check-in system. Upon arrival, you’ll receive matching tags for you and your child. You must present your tag during check-out to pick up your child.
- What safety measures are in place?
- Our nursery is equipped with childproofing items such as outlet covers, and non-slip mats. Volunteers are also trained in basic first aid, and we have a readily available first aid kit.
- Who are the volunteers, and are they background checked?
- Our volunteers include dedicated church members who have undergone background checks and training to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for your child.
- What curriculum will be used?
- The nursery curriculum includes age-appropriate Bible stories, songs, crafts, and sensory activities designed to engage young children fun and meaningfully.
- Do I need to bring anything for my child?
- Please bring any necessary items your child may need during their time in the nursery, such as a labeled diaper bag, extra clothes, diapers, wipes, and a bottle or sippy cup if needed.
- What if my child has allergies or special needs?
- During the registration/check-in process, please inform us of any allergies or special needs your child may have. We will do our best to accommodate and ensure your child’s safety and comfort.
- How will I be notified if my child needs me during the service?
- If your child needs you during the service, we will contact you via the phone number provided during check-in, or a nursery volunteer will quietly alert you.
- How can I volunteer or get involved in the nursery?
- We welcome volunteers to help in the nursery! If you’re interested, please contact our Children and Youth Director at childrenandyouth@wattschapel.org to learn more about the process, including background checks and training.
AWANA AT WATTS
AWANA stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed and comes from the Bible verse 2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” AWANA begins on the second Wednesday of September.
Awana is a fun-filled children’s program for children and youth. The night is filled with three segments, fun and exciting games, small group time, and an interactive large group segment. Awana teaches children that God is real, He loves them and He has expressed that love through His Son, Jesus Christ. Kids also learn how God can help them in their daily lives. Bible-based lessons teach them how to obey God in a complex world.
The goal of Awana is to give boys and girls the chance to know, love, and serve God. While it’s a serious mission, we believe having fun in the process is a great tool for reaching young people. Since 1950, churches have used Awana to extend God’s love to kids. It is a proven way for churches to impact their communities and train children for leadership.
SCHOLARSHIP MINISTRY
Ministry Leader
Sister Adrienne Cromwell
The Watts Chapel Scholarship is available to all graduating HS seniors who are members of Watts Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Watts Chapel Scholarship has two components, Basic Scholarship and Additional Funds. To receive the Basic Scholarship you only need to complete the General Information section. If you also want to be considered for the Additional Funds component, you will need to complete the following sections:
- General Information
- Church Involvement
- School/Community Service
- Work/Volunteer Experience
- Essay
- Submit a digital transcript
By applying for the Additional Funds components, students can also be considered for the Member Established Scholarships (DesChamps Scholarship, Queen Lewis Weaver Scholarship, and Wright Agency Scholarship). There is also a Community Outreach Scholarship which is only available to applicants who are not members of Watts Chapel. Complete details can be found in the scholarship guidelines.
- Click here to access the Scholarship Guidelines.
- Scholarship Applications are available each year in March and due by April 15 at 11:59 PM.
Please forward any questions to scholarship@wattschapel.org.
BOY SCOUT/CUB SCOUT TROOP 253
- Any boy that meets the age requirements and agrees to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code is welcome to join Boy Scout Troop 253. Contact the Scoutmaster, Patrick McNair at (919) 333-3816 or by email at pmcnair25@gmail.com or the Troop Committee Chair, Christopher Nelson at (919) 561-9242 or by email at chris.nelson120@gmail.com for more information.
Boy Scout age requirements
- Be 11 years old
- or have completed the fifth grade
- or earned the Arrow of Light Award in Cub scouts and be at least 10 years old
- and not yet 18 years old.
- If a boy is in first grade through fifth grade, or 7 to 10 years old, then he is welcome to join Cub Scout Pack 253.
- Boy Scout Troop 253 meets the 1st Monday and 3rd Saturday of each month in The Ballentine House. Cub Scout Pack 253 meets the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month in the Multipurpose Room. If a boy is in first grade through fifth grade, or 7 to 10 years old, then he is welcome to join Cub Scout Pack 253. Contact the Cubmaster Michael Kendall by phone at (919)-872-6573 or email mhkendall@earthlink.net.
- Visit http://scouts253.org for more information.
GIRL SCOUTS
- “Building Girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character, who make the world a better place.”
- Get ready for her best year yet as she unleashes her inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ with Girl Scouts! With us, she’ll make new best friends, go on a ton of adventures, and realize the possibilities are truly endless.
- Discover all she can be and everything she can accomplish when she has the right tools and a safe space to shine — all while making the world a better place.
- To join a troop, Girls must be in Kindergarten – 12th grade. We have all grade levels currently meeting on 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons. We are always happy to have new girls and volunteers join. To become a member please go to NC Coastal Pines Girl Scouts. For more information, contact the Troop Leader, Angela Rogers at Wattsdaisygstroop@gmail.com.
VOLUNTEER WITH OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRY
Interested in volunteering to work with our Children and Youth Ministry? Click here to learn more!
Thank you for your willingness to serve in our Children and Youth Ministries. Watts Chapel would not be able to have such an effective ministry to our children and students without the faithful service of individuals like you. We recognize the importance of what you do and the impact you are having on God’s kingdom. We pray that God will continue to give you a passion to serve Him here at Watts Chapel.
We desire that we have the best ministry we can have for our children and students. This will, of course, include ensuring we have the safest ministries possible for our kids. For this reason, all individuals working with our youth must complete the Volunteer Application form, have a background check, and volunteer training completed. It is unfortunate that we need to take such precautions in the church, but it is the prudent thing to do with the current moral decay we see in our world. Please know that these checks are not a reflection on any of our workers – just a necessary precaution.
Volunteer Training
It is our aim to provide a safe and secure environment for the children and youth that attend our programs.
This training provides an opportunity for each volunteer to be better equipped and provide proof that we have taken every step possible to prevent abuse and misconduct.
As a result, we will have a developed team of volunteers to engage, encourage, and equip our children and youth.
Your support in this endeavor is most appreciated, and we thank you for both taking the time to complete this process and your willingness to serve in our children and youth ministries and programs.
- Click here to complete the background check.
- Click here to enroll in the training.