Are your kids restless and aimless when school is out?  Do they have trouble finding things to do?  Are you concerned about their hangout spots?

Is so, how about finding a local church youth group to get your kids involved? 

In the Pierce County area there is something for everyone of any religion. You can ask parents for suggestions on good programs, or you can check out programs as you search for a church to attend.  Also check out the internet for resources and information about the local church groups.

Below are some youth groups that you may want to check out:

Mason United Methodist Church

Youth Director: Karrie Nevin
E-mail: ksnevin@earthlink.net
Telephone:253-759-3539

Mason United offers a youth program for children in middle and high school.  Designed to provide weekly activities, this youth group has a calendar of events that will allow your child to both make friends, and contribute to their surrounding community. This group meets at Mason United Methodist Church, on Monday, at 7:00 PM.  

Trinity Church

4041 Tacoma Mall Blvd., Tacoma

Office Hours: Mon-Thur 8:30 - 4:30
Phone: 471-0818

The Trinity Youth Church ministers to 6th through 12th grade students.  This program offers involvement through Sunday school, Wednesday night youth meet at 7 p.m., and community groups and events.  

Church of Saint Patrick

Corner of North 12th and J Street in North End of Tacoma
Parish Center and Office, 1001 North J Street, Tacoma 383 - 2783

Info: 383-2783 ext 113 or 115, or email stpatsyouth@qwestoffice.net

St. Patrick's youth group is designed to nurture young children and encourage them participate in the Catholic faith community.  Programs include: advocacy for youth in the church; catechesis which educates youth about the catholic faith; community life which comprises social activities, family-friendly events; evangelization and service projects; leadership development, mentoring and prayer and worship.

Lakewood Presbyterian Church

8601 104th St SW
Lakewood, WA 98498

The Clubhouse at Lakewood Pres is open this summer Wednesdays (9:00 to 3:00) and Fridays (5:00-10:00).

This program is designed for youth ages 8 to 18 years of age.  The church is host to the "Clubhouse at Lakewood Pres." which is a satellite site for the Lakewood Computer Clubhouse  that partners, youth, technology and mentors.  Through this program youth are provided access to: computers, loaded with programs and games, high-speed internet (wireless access), printers, ping-pong and air hockey, board games, outside sports equipment, a kitchen, a television lounge, open mic, puppetry area, and robotics equipment.

South Hill Christian Church

The Rave youth group
12311 151st Street E., Puyallup
Info: 848-7772

This youth group meets on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The group includes the Extreme Team which offers a class on the first and third Sunday of each month for the Junior Highers (7th to 9th), beginning September 20th.  The curriculum is entitled "Can I Really Relate?" and includes topics to be discussed such as Parent Pains, Extreme Friendships, and Which Way to God? This program takes place in the upstairs classroom from 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Each session includes a selection of icebreakers, thought provokers, reproducible handouts, and an encouraging "how-to" article.

Temple Baptist Church

TBC Fircrest
1108 Columbia Ave. Fircrest
Info: 572 - 9155

This church offers Awana - a program that started more than 60 years ago, that is offered in over 12,000 churches throughout the United States to more than one million children- that is designed to help children develop spiritually.