Welcome to Orchard Kids!

We believe that parents are the primary disciple-makers in the lives of their children, and it is our privilege to partner with your family as your child grows in faith. From birth through 5th grade, Orchard Kids exists to help children take their next steps in following Jesus by learning to Enjoy God, Share Life, and Make Disciples.

Our team of caring staff and volunteers is committed to creating a safe, engaging, and Christ-centered environment where children can discover the joy of knowing God through His Word, experience the love of His people, and learn what it means to live on mission for Him.
Our prayer is that every child who comes through Orchard Kids will grow to know and love Jesus, build meaningful relationships within the church family, and develop a faith that impacts the world around them. We are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you as together we help the next generation enjoy God, share life, and make disciples.
Meet the Orchard Kids Team
Goals and Objectives
Policies + Procedures
Promises to families

MEET THE TEAM

We are here to serve you!  If there is anything you need, any questions you have, or anything we can do for you, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.  We look forward to hearing from you!

John Blanton

Family Pastor

Michelle Burns

Orchard Kids Coordinator

Katie Hendrick

Dee Wilder

Preschool Coordinator
Elementary Coordinator

GOALS

0BJECTIVES

In Orchard Kids, we partner with families to help lay a strong foundation of faith for every child from birth through 5th grade. As a family of faith, our team of staff and volunteers is committed to helping children learn what it means to Enjoy God, Share Life, and Make Disciples.

We want every child to discover the joy of knowing God through His Word, trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, grow in their faith within biblical community, and develop a heart for sharing the Gospel with others. By the time a child leaves Orchard Kids, our prayer is that they will know and love God, experience life with His people, and be equipped to follow Jesus and help others do the same.
  • Orchard Kids uses a Christ-centered curriculum that points every Bible lesson back to Jesus.

  • We provide resources and equipping classes to help assist parents in the role of being their child’s primary spiritual leaders. (First Steps parents class, Take Home Kits, Parent Resource recommendations, Weekly Newsletters, etc.)

  • Key milestones in a child’s life are celebrated through events that equip both parents and kids for significant transitions. (First Steps Baby Dedication, Kindergarten Kickoff, 5th Grade Farewell, etc.)

  • The Starting Line class is offered several times throughout the year for 4th - 5th graders to partner with parents in teaching Biblical foundations.

  • We invest in the lives of our volunteers by discipling them to disciple the next generation.  

  • Orchard Kids hosts Summer Camps for preschoolers through 5th graders so children can grow spiritually in a traditional camp setting.

  • We make worship a priority by teaching truth-filled songs and giving kids opportunities to lead worship with and for their peers.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Check-In and Dismissal
After checking your child into our database system, you will receive a set of stickers.

For preschool - one sticker will go on your child’s back, one to the teacher at check in, and one is for the teacher at pick up.  
For elementary - one sticker will go on the front of your child and the other  is to give to the teacher at pick up.  

You must present your sticker, or show a picture of the sticker to the teacher when picking up your child.  This is to insure your child’s security.  If we need you for any reason during the hour, we will text the number on file or try to locate you.
Allergies
Please communicate any allergies your child may have to the volunteers working with your child.  We are strictly a peanut free area, but we would still like to be aware so that we can take extra precautions.
Restrooms
Volunteers will never go into the restroom alone with your child.  If your child needs help, two adults will assist your child.

Men are not permitted to help in the restrooms.
Discipline
If your child is having trouble following the guidelines that have been put in place, the volunteers will first try directing the child’s behavior by using positive reinforcement and directing their energy elsewhere.  If that doesn’t work, the director will be contacted so that she can talk with your child apart from your child’s small group.  As a final resort, you will be contacted to help direct your child’s behavior.
Sickness Policy
We ask that a child be fever-free for at least 24 hours before entering the Kids area.
Incident Report
If a child is injured in a classroom, we ask that the volunteers let their director know exactly what happened.  We then take a full incident report and communicate the injury clearly to the parents.  If necessary, we have a medical team that will gladly help assist.
First Aid Kits
First aid kits are readily available to our volunteers and placed throughout the children’s ministry environments.
Tornado Evacuation Plan
Our church has an emergency plan in place should a tornado occur during church hours.  Preschool leaders and children will head to the men’s restroom in the main lobby.  Elementary leaders and children will head to the women’s restroom in the main lobby.  PLEASE do not attempt to collect your children before they arrive at their safety destinations.  The leaders are trained and prepared to count and oversee their classrooms until everyone is safe.  Once they are in the safe zone, you are free to collect them from their leaders.
Active Intruder
All volunteers will be trained to handle an active intruder scenario, keeping kids safe to the best of our ability.
Fire Evacuation Plan
Our church has an emergency evacuation plan in place. There is a map on the wall by the door of each classroom with the emergency exit route.  Your child’s small group leader has been trained and is prepared to lead the children to safety.  In the case of a fire, all kids will head out the emergency exits in the Kid Area and head north, away from Winchester. Only once your child is in the safe zone, will he or she be released to a parent. 
Diaper Changing Policies
Volunteers are trained to wear gloves and sanitize the changing area.  Other adults are around during the process and only women are allowed to change diapers.  No one under the age of 18 is permitted to change diapers.  We will let you know that your child has been changed.  
Toy Cleaning
We spray each toy with antibacterial spray every Sunday and let them all air dry after all of the children have left.  

PROMISES TO FAMILIES

At The Orchard Church, we believe families are one of God’s greatest gifts, and we are passionate about partnering with you to raise up the next generation to know and follow Jesus.

That’s why everything we do in Family Ministry is built around five key commitments.
1. We provide Biblical Teaching by sharing God’s Word in ways kids can understand and apply to their lives. 
2. We maintain an Intentional Focus, making every child feel seen, known, and valued.
3. Our Trustworthy Team is carefully selected and background-checked to ensure a safe and secure environment.
4. We create a Safe Space with thoughtful practices like allergy awareness, two adults in every room, security measures, and clean, welcoming environments.  The Orchard Church is a member of the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention.
5. And above all, we offer Genuine Care because it truly matters to us what happens in your child’s life, both now and for eternity.
Parents, you don’t have to walk the path of family discipleship alone. It’s our joy and privilege to come alongside you as we partner together to lift high the name of Jesus in our families for this generation and the ones to come.