Colorful text reading "Kids in the Avenue" with a geometric design element in place of the letter "i" in "in."

Welcome to

Birth - 5th Grade

A young girl with braided hair coloring a picture of a woman with long, flowing hair, possibly a princess or fairy tale character.
Children sitting around a blue table with various toys, including stuffed animals and dinosaur figures, during a playtime activity.
An elderly woman with short hair and jewelry, smiling while holding a baby girl dressed in pink, sitting on a cream-colored couch.
A classroom with young children sitting at a table, listening to a female teacher who is holding papers. The classroom has colorful posters and decorations, including educational posters on the wall, and a blue curtain over the window.
Children playing on a playground swings with a tire swing and climbing structure under a blue sky and green trees.
REGISTER MY FAMILY
A woman standing outdoors in front of a leafy green bush, smiling slightly, with sunlight illuminating her face.

Meet Your Family Venue Director

We welcome every family looking for a nurturing, faith-based community for their kids. Visitors are always welcome and I’d love to answer any questions you have.

— Amy Crawford, Kids Venue Director

amy@thevenues.org

417-848-9732

— Sunday Mornings

What Can I Expect When I Arrive at Kids Venue?

Dropping off your kid for the first time is a big deal. Here's exactly how it goes.

1. Pull up and park close. Kids Venue check-in is right by the West side entrance. You won't have to walk your kid across the building.

2. Check in at the table. Give us your child's name and a quick allergy or need-to-know. You'll get a matching security tag, it's the only way anyone can pick your kid up, including you.

3. Meet their people. A leader walks your child back to their room by age group, so they're not wandering, they're introduced, every time.

4. Go enjoy the service. Your kid is with background-checked, trained leaders having age-appropriate fun and hearing they're loved, no strings attached.

5. Pick up after service. Bring your matching tag back to the same check-in spot. Pre-registered families get a printed tag automatically. First-timers who haven't registered yet will get one from our check-in team on the spot.

First time? Stop by the Welcome Desk before you head back, we've got a small gift for your family.

— Beyond Sunday

More Than Just Sundays.

  1. Kids Connection Groups. Smaller, regular gatherings where kids keep building friendships during the week.

  2. Family Events. Seasonal get-togethers built for the whole family, not just the kids.

  3. Community Service Projects. Age-appropriate ways for kids to practice generosity and care for others.

See Upcoming Events!

— Our Promise To Families

What Can I Count On Every Sunday?

  1. Safety First. Every volunteer completes a background check. Secure check-in and check-out, age-appropriate supervision, no exceptions.

  2. Inclusion Matters. Every kid is welcomed and valued, regardless of background, ability, or family structure.

  3. Love-Centered. We introduce kids to the story of Jesus in ways they can actually understand. Love, acceptance, and kindness first.

  4. Joy-Filled. Learning should be fun. Play, music, creativity, and real connection. That's how kids grow here.

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