Upcoming Children, Youth, & Family Events

Sunday Morning Programs

Learning Hour Activity Time — Sunday Mornings at 9 am

Every Sunday morning at 9 am (through June 15), children and youth of all ages are invited to the Youth Room (in the lower level) for Activity Time! The focus will be on building relationships and creative play, more than education with a combination of free play, organized group activities, and time for conversation. It will be a lot of fun, and a great way to make new friends and develop lasting friendships at church!

Sunday School — Every other Sunday Morning during worship

Every other Sunday (through May 11), all children grades K-6th will have the option to temporarily leave worship after the For All God’s Children Time for Sunday School in Room 114 with an interactive lesson on a story from the Bible. Children will return for worship during the Sermon Hymn. This is a way for children to encounter the Gospel appropriate to their energy level and interest. Send a message to katie@gsolympia.org for more information or questions about Sunday School.

Children’s Area

The Children’s Area is the front right of the sanctuary. We ask that care givers sit in the designated seating area to monitor their children.

For All God’s Children — Sunday Mornings during worship

For All God’s Children time takes place at the beginning of worship when we will call children to the front of the sanctuary for the Children’s Message, prayer, and blessing.

Nursery — Sunday Mornings

A staffed nursery is available for the youngest among us. The nursery is located in Room 111 across from the main floor bathrooms.

South Sound Youth Group (11 - 18 years old) Every Third Sunday of the month resuming in August from 5-8 pm

The South Sound Youth Group is a joint group of youth from Good Shepherd Lutheran and Gloria Dei Lutheran in West Olympia. These gatherings are a time of fun, community, play, and worship! We'll gather together for dinner (free of cost), before playing games like Vampire Tag in the church. Then we close the night with small group discussions and a time of contemplative worship.

We alternate gatherings each month at Good Shepherd and Gloria Dei. Youth are invited and encouraged to bring friends! (go to Youth Activity Night webpage for schedule.

Sunset Socials (All Ages!) Every Wednesday Evening at 7:30 starting June 18

Join in each Wednesday evening this summer for a relaxed all-ages meetup on the front lawn at Good Shepherd! We’ll have popsicles, yard games, and plenty of space to connect, laugh, and enjoy the beauty of a Washington summer together. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, this is a weekly chance to build relationships and share in community fun under the trees. All are welcome!

Summer Hikes & Fellowship (All Ages!) June 21 & August 9 from 10 am to Noon

Enjoy the great outdoors and become reacquainted or meet new friends on these summer hikes in June and August that nearly everyone can participate in and enjoy! Dan and Bobbi Bode will lead the hikes from 10 am - noon. Meet at the church parking at 9:30 am to carpool to the locations or meet at the trailheads at 10 am. Dress for the weather, and bring along a snack and water! Saturday, June 21 – Mima Mounds: Located in Capitol Forest. Saturday, August 9 – McLane Creek Nature Area: Located about four miles west of Black Lake. Visit the Summer Hikes webpage for more info.

Family Camp Nites (All Ages!) July 8, 9, & 10 from 5 pm to 8 pm

Join in on three fun-filled evenings of crafts, games, service projects, free play, and meaningful connection at Family Camp Nites! Along the way, we’ll share stories and experiences that remind every child (and grown-up!) that they belong, they are beloved, and they are delightful to God. All ages are welcome—and yes, dinner (and s’mores!) is served each night!