Kids Conference: Continuing the Mission

In 2023, we hosted our second annual Kids Conference, bringing families together for a day focused on emotional well-being and faith. Building on the foundation of our first conference, we continued our mission of helping children and parents better understand mental health while providing practical tools that can be used at home.

As families arrived, children received their ShineBright shirts and conference materials before joining us for a worship session. To encourage participation, they were given streamers and ShineBright flags to use during worship. This helped create an engaging environment where children felt comfortable participating and expressing themselves.

Following worship, the children participated in an arts and crafts session where they explored emotions through creative expression. Through painting and drawing, they were given an opportunity to reflect on what they were feeling and express those emotions in a constructive way.

While the children participated in these activities, we held a Parent Talk focused on the relationship between faith and mental health. During this session, we shared practical ways parents can support emotional well-being within their families and reinforce these principles at home. We believe these conversations are important because parents play a significant role in a child’s emotional development.

Later, the children gathered for a puppet show that introduced lessons about emotions and the influence thoughts can have on behavior. Through storytelling, these ideas were presented in a way that children could easily understand and relate to.

Lunch and recreational activities were also provided throughout the day. This gave families an opportunity to spend time together and connect with others in the community.

We are grateful to Faithworld Church for once again opening its doors to us, as well as everyone who contributed their time and support to make this event possible.

For us, this conference was not simply a continuation of a previous event. It was another opportunity to support families and continue the work we have been called to do. Each year, we remain committed to creating opportunities for children and parents to learn about emotional well-being through the lens of faith.