Gary Youth

You have heard it said, “youth are the future.” At Gary Church in Wheaton, Illinois, we say, “youth are the now!" We believe our youth are called and empowered by God to make a difference in the world. We strive to support our youth, so that they are free to become disciples who share the love of Christ with their neighbors. 

At Gary Youth, you will:

  1. Have fun
  2. Be valued
  3. Explore the Christian faith
  4. Experience family
  5. Act through hands on compassion
  6. Keep growing
  7. Reach out

 

Sunday School

Middle School
10–11 a.m., Middle School Youth Room
Our youth will grow in their understanding about the Bible and explore it through storytelling, creative reflection and dialogue.


High School
10–11 a.m., High School Youth Room
Our high school youth will discuss how the Sunday scripture passages connect to current world events, faith and everyday life. Come and grow with us!


Weekly Night Gathering (September through May)  

We play fun games, learn, have small group and pray together. Each month, we follow a connected theme. More details can be found in our church magazine, emails, Facebook or Instagram.

Middle School

Wednesday nights, 7–8:30 p.m.

High School

Sunday nights, 6–7:30 p.m.


Gary Youth Middle School Calendar


Gary Youth High School Calendar


Monday, June 22- Thursday, June 25, 9 a.m.-noon


Incoming fifth through eighth graders are invited to a week of summer fun, missions and growing in faith together. At BLAST, campers will have the opportunity to partner with community organizations in hands-on mission. We will engage in team-building activities as we learn that we are one body, the church. And most importantly, we will have plenty of fun in the sun!

 

We need you to help make our campers feel loved. Adults and high school youth are invited to be camp leaders. Register to be a camper and/or a leader.


More events

Celebrating Our 2026 Graduates

Gary Church wants to recognize 2026 graduates from high school, college or vocational school. The names of graduates will be printed in an upcoming edition of the Chimes newsletter. Please let us know if you know anyone we can celebrate by Sunday, May 17.


Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

On Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m., we will celebrate our high school graduates as they embark on the next season of their life. We will pray for our graduates as they receive an afgahn made by our Gary Church knitters and the book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! containing encouraging messages written by the entire church. Come to the Commons in May and write notes for our 2026 graduates!


Clocktower Mini Golf (Middle School only)

Wednesday, June 3, 5:45-7:30 p.m., $6

Middle schoolers—including our new 6th graders—are invited to kick off the summer with mini golf, ice cream, and a sneak peek at all the fun ahead! We’ll meet at Clocktower Mini Golf & Skate Park to play 18 holes, enjoy a sweet treat, and hear about what’s coming up this summer. Please RSVP and submit the $6 fee by Monday, June 1. Parents are welcome to join us, but you don’t have to stay—this one’s just for fun!

 

Lunch and Bubble Tea (High School only)

Thursday, June 4, 12-1:30 p.m.

High schoolers—including our new 9th graders—are invited to spend the afternoon exploring downtown Glen Ellyn with lunch and bubble tea! We’ll meet at Elitea (507 Pennsylvania Ave.), walk together to our lunch spot, and then head back for a sweet bubble tea treat. Come eat, enjoy dessert, and hear about all the exciting plans we have for this summer. Please bring your own money and RSVP by Monday, June 1. Parents are welcome to join us, but you don’t have to stay—this one’s just for fun!


Altitude Trampoline Park (Middle School only)

Tuesday, June 30, 5-7 p.m., $15, scholarship available

Come and hang out at Altitude Trampoline Park (481 E. Roosevelt Rd. in Lombard). We will be plunging into foam pits, dunking basketballs, playing extreme dodgeball and knocking each other on battle beams. Pizza and a drink will be provided. Meet on location! Sign up by Friday, June 26 so we know how much pizza to order!

 

Movie Under the Stars: Free Willy (All family of Gary Youth and Gary Kids)

Tuesday, July 7, 8-10 p.m.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, snacks and family to the Gary Church courtyard for a movie under the stars! Free Willy is a family adventure-drama about Jesse, a troubled foster kid who forms an unexpected bond with Willy, a captive killer whale at a marine park. As Jesse learns to care for Willy, he discovers the park plans to get rid of the whale for profit, and he races to help free Willy and return him to the ocean. Popcorn will be provided. RSVP by Sunday, July 5 so we know how much popcorn to have ready!

 

Six Flags Great America (All family of Gary Youth)

Tuesday, July 21, 9 a.m.–8:30 p.m. Estimated Cost: $30-$40

Gary Youth families—come for a fun day at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee! We’ll spend the day together enjoying rides and hanging out. Please RSVP by Wednesday, July 8 so we can determine individual ticket cost and transportation.

 

A Day in Chicago (High School only)

Thursday, July 9, 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m., $30, scholarship available

High School Gary Youth will take the Metra train to experience some of the fun Chicago has to offer. The $30 cost will cover transportation only. Please bring additional money for lunch, dessert and souvenirs. We recommend $30. RSVP by Sunday, July 5.


Rock-in Lock-In  (High School only)

Friday, July 24, 7 p.m.- Saturday, July 25, 8 a.m., $10

High school Gary Youth—get ready for a Rock-in Lock-In! We’re inviting other United Methodist youth groups to join us for an overnight night of fun at the church with games, snacks, and time to connect. Come meet new friends and grow together in faith. Please RSVP by Friday, July 10 so we can plan for food and activities.


RSVP for Summer Activities 


Service opportunities


Acolytes wanted

If you’re a fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh grader, we’d love to have you serve as an acolyte in worship. To learn more about this meaningful position, contact Pastor Daniel Cochran or sign up here.


Gary Youth Band

Do you play an instrument? Want to learn an instrument? Love to sing? Come and join 4:12 Youth Band as we play worship music together. All skill levels welcome. Let Dan Lee know if you want to join and register here

Let Us Know

We want to celebrate your gifts! If you have a concert, game, exhibit, ceremony, party, etc. you would like to tell us about, fill out a form here. We will do our best to attend to cheer you on!

Find us on Social Media


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Each year, parents and guardians are required to complete a form for their child/ren to participate in Gary Kids and Gary Youth activities. This includes Sunday School, mid-week gathering, and other events. Please click here to register your youth.