NEW PORTLAND — Sounds of joy and delightful laughter fill the hallways of the Western Mountains Baptist Church during a recent Thursday night Youth Group gathering. Children between the ages of 11 and 15 make up this vibrant and enthusiastic crowd who meet at the church every week for snacks, games, fun, friendship and more. The Youth Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. The two hours are jammed packed with a variety of activities, food, guest speakers and lessons from the Bible.

The first Thursday of each month is extra special. The kids and youth group leaders prepare a healthy and nutritious meal together. Afterwards, the leaders, parents and youngsters sit down for a family-style dinner. Youth Group leaders, Laura Quynn and Angela Norton, both from Kingfield, stress the importance of eating healthy foods. Promoting games and activities to get everyone “moving more” plays a big part in their planning and goal setting for the youngsters.

Tim Norton, from Kingfield, also one of the Youth Group leaders, said, “the kids are fun to be with. I learn as much from them as they learn from me.” Tim and wife, Angela, along with Quynn take their roles as leaders of the WMBC Youth Group seriously. They add fun and excitement while they teach and support the young people. “Seeing them grow in all areas, including spiritually, is fulfilling,” Mrs. Norton said, “and the children relate well to Tim because of his fun spirit.”

In addition to the Thursday evening meetings, the Youth Group leaders offer other opportunities for the kids to get together. They have gone on several camping and hiking trips including Bar Harbor, Mt. Katahdin, Bald Mountain, Tumbledown and Smalls falls.

Recent events included skiing at Sugarloaf and an overnight at Blueberry Mountain in Weld. The two-day adventure included “extreme sledding,” campfires, skating and hiking and Bible studies. Belonging to the Western Mountains Baptist Church or any other church is not a requirement to participate in the Youth Group or their outdoor activities.

This month the new soccer field will be open. The Youth Ministries have raised the money needed to pay for the soccer goals. Once the nets are in place the expectation is to have Sunday afternoon games and a midweek game where kids and adults come together to play soccer. Community members are welcome to join in.

Parents are always welcomed to join the group on any Thursday evening or to attend any of the special events.

To learn more about how your child can get involved call the church at 265-2557, email westernmountainbaptist@tds.net, show up on any Thursday night at 6 p.m. or attend a 10 a.m. church service to meet the leaders and some of the youths who attend.

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