STUDENTS

WHY > WHAT

MISSION:
Showing students how to LOVE GOD FULLY
and LOVE PEOPLE COMPLETELY

As a student ministry made up of 16 mentors, we care more about the why than the what. Although what we offer students is exciting (who doesn’t love dodgeball?), the why of what we do is more important. Each student will be shown God’s love fully while being challenged to love people completely.

In order to accomplish this our aim is to do 3 things with excellence:

COMMUNITY.
BIBLE.
MISSION.

If you want your student(s) to experience
the WHY, join us on Sunday nights!
Click either of the social media icons to
see what’s been happening.

Upcoming Events

  • Graduation Sunday

    If you or someone in your family who attends Village Church is a 2026 graduate from High School, College,
    or Grad School, we want to celebrate with you on Sunday, May 31 at both services! Email us a picture with name/school/degree and we will include them in our slideshow. Send to Meg (meg.fitzpatrick@vcgurnee.org) by May 27.

  • Middle School Lock-in

    Friday, June 5
    9:00pm-midnight
    $5/student
    Meet by fire pit

    Students entering 6th grade are welcome to join us at this event. Come enjoy a night in the youth room with games (pool, foosball, Nintendo switch, Wii, and ping pong), along with a bonfire, a mystery game inside, and eat walking tacos! As always, invite your friends. Register on Realm.

    Register

  • HS Bible + Biscuits

    Wednesdays, June 3, 17, 24 
    9:00-10:30am 
    Meet at Chick-Fil-A in Gurnee 

    High school students only! Join Pastor Spencer at the Gurnee Chick-Fil-A for some tasty biscuits and dig into God’s word together. Bring money for food. Questions? Contact Spencer (spencer.smith@vcgurnee.org or x182).

  • Middle School Summer Camp

    July 12-17
    Lake Geneva Youth Camp

    COST: April 1 - May 1: $443
    May 2 - June 1: cost increases to $493
    June 2 - June 26: cost increases $593

    We hope you can join us for another fun week at Lake Geneva Youth Camp! Register and pay through Village Church (Realm). You also need to register with the Lake Geneva Youth Camp: Go to LGYC.org. In the top right corner, click on the red box that says REGISTER OR LOGIN. From there, log in or create an account. GHR ID needed to register: VCGS2026.

    If your student(s) would like to make purchases while at camp you will need to pay for a Store Card on their site. Cash is not accepted during summer camp.

    Register on Realm

  • Summer Pool Party

    Sunday, July 26
    Middle School: 4:00-6:00pm
    High School: 6:00-8:00pm

    Join us for some fun at a pool party! There will be games, we’ll be grilling out, enjoying the summer sunshine, and kicking it to some tunes! The party is at the Cosentino home (1360 Crest Rd, Libertyville, IL 60048). Students need to meet there or be dropped off + picked up. A water waiver must be filled out by a parent in order to participate in swimming. No cost, just show up!

    Questions? Contact Spencer (spencer.smith@vcgurnee.org or x182).

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Sundays // 4:00-6:00pm

This is our main night of ministry for middle school students during the school year. Each Sunday night includes group games, connecting with friends, time in God's word, and grade-based small groups.

For info on summer activities, please refer to the calendar below.

Calendar
Youth Waiver

HIGH SCHOOL

Sundays // 6:00-8:00pm

This is our main night of ministry for high school students during the school year. Each night includes group games, a time to connect, student-led worship, a message from God's word, and small groups.

For info on summer activities, please refer to the calendar below.

Youth Waiver
Calendar

The Final Countdown // times & dates vary

This is a group just for seniors in high school. We will have several events throughout the year that will help prepare you for life after high school. For more details, check the calendar or contact Spencer Smith.

8th - 12th GRADE

Mission work is a vital part of our Student Ministries. As followers of Christ, God has given us the task of sharing the love of Jesus with all people, so Village Church works to encourage and challenge our students to engage in ministry and mission.

STAFF LEADERS IN STUDENT MINISTRY

  • Spencer Smith

    STUDENT DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR // x182
    spencer.smith@vcgurnee.org

  • Meg Fitzpatrick

    ASSISTANT // x203
    meg.fitzpatrick@vcgurnee.org