Youth Group

Opportunities for faith, fellowship and fun for YOUth!

Follow our Youth Facebook page for announcements and updates. We also have an Instagram account where you can check out St. James Youth happenings!

We are happy to open our doors to all youth of the community to our Youth House. This is a safe and welcoming place for youth of all ages. The Youth House is located at 121/123 York Street. Parking for church and youth activities is at the rear of the property, and the primary entrance for the youth house is at the rear of the building through the youth yard.

Weekly Youth Group Schedule at St. James for 2025-2026

Youth Group takes place following the Gettysburg Area School District schedule.
There is no regularly scheduled Youth Group during the summer months.
Please check out our Summer Events Schedule.

Sunday Evenings (starting 8/31/2025)
- Middle Youth Group (5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at the Youth House)
- High School Youth Group (6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Youth House)
Monday Afternoons (8/25/2025 – 5/18/2026)
- 4th & 5th Youth Group – Mondays (3:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Wednesday Mornings (starting 8/27/2025)
- Middle & High School Breakfast (6:45 a.m. at the Youth House)
Wednesday Afternoons (8/27/2025 – 5/27/2026)
- K-3 Youth Group – Wednesdays (3:20 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

At Youth Group we do our best to bring faith, friendships and fun to the forefront with fun snacks, games, art projects, music and more!

Note: We will follow the same guidelines the Gettysburg Area School District establishes regarding school closings (e.g. if school is closed, there is no youth-group).

Youth Group FAQs

What do kids do at youth group?

During K-3 youth group, kids will rotate through 30 minutes of music and snack, and 30 minutes of games, crafts, and a bible story related to our unit theme.

During 4-5 youth group, students will spend time in the youth house and youth yard playing more complicated games, working on projects, writing and rehearsing plays for church, and discussing more complex Bible themes.

A snack and drink will be served at each youth group!

How do our kids get to youth group?

For students at Lincoln Elementary, St. James volunteers walk to the school to pick up children at the back door at the conclusion of the school day. We also have arranged vehicle transportation for students at Vida Elementary. Members of St. James afterschool daycare can ride the bus to the church. All other James Gettys students, as well as students from other schools, find their own transportation.

Let us know if you’re struggling to accommodate and we will see if we can help!

What is a WaterLife service?

WaterLife is the name of our youth Sunday services. They occur six times per school year and showcase what our kids have been learning during their time in youth group. All K-5 kids are invited to participate, and are expected to arrive at 10:30 a.m. for a final music rehearsal before the 10:45 a.m. service.

How do we know if children are having youth group?

Our youth groups follow the same schedule as the Gettysburg Area School District schedule (attached). Youth group is cancelled in the event of a scheduled day off, a scheduled or weather-oriented early dismissal, or school cancellation. 2025 – 2026 GASD School Calendar

Can my child bring items to youth group with them?

Kids may bring balls, books or toys that can be used during free time. Once we begin activities, these must be put away or they will be taken by a leader. They can be picked up at the end of the day. Kids are responsible for keeping track of their belongings.

Can I pick up my child early?

Yes! Please make sure to let Adam know if you are planning to have an early pickup by emailing youth@stjamesgettysburg.org.

If you have questions or want to know more about our programs, please email our Director of Youth and Family Ministry, or call the church office.

Adam Michael
Director of Youth & Family Ministry

WaterLife Sing Along

Make sure these Youth Events are on your Family Calendar!

Also check out or Church Events Calendar.

Approved Adult Clearances

We strive to be there for our youth in all capacities. It is vital to generate strong faith-bonds with our youth, to show them our commitment and care. We need volunteers throughout the year, in multiple capacities. Consider how you might support our youth through volunteering, and learn how to obtain your volunteering security clearances.