Teen Haven helps reach the next generation to build a better future.
We are launching teens from Lancaster City into a life of leadership and purpose. By providing a healthy community to thrive in, and mentoring them to become leaders in their city, churches, and schools, Teen Haven is building a better foundation for a brighter future.
This work not only happens weekly through events at our Teen Haven building, we also go to campuses around the city interacting with teens through lunch and afterschool programs.
Our Grow Groups allow students to focus in on specific areas and life skills they want to grow in. Gathering with other students who share the same interest, they receive more personalized time with their mentors, and get to learn about something new. We have grow groups that focus on many different topics, including Cooking, which you can see about here!
Providing a lot of fun and a lot of learning for Lancaster City first through eighth graders, our Summer Camp allows kids and teens the opportunity to be in community and make steps towards following Jesus.
The Princess Experience is designed to equip high school young ladies to walk in their identity as a child of God. We hope by participating in the Princess Experience, they would find support, strength, knowledge of their identity, and begin to live out God’s purpose for your life.
As an outgoing, friendly wrestler at McCaskey, the pandemic had brought Nick a lot of loneliness.
That’s one of the reasons we were so overjoyed to connect with his team this winter, inviting them to take part in our weekly Link gathering. When Nick* showed up for this night out, we knew straight away, he fit right in!
Even though he hadn’t been in a group setting for a while, it wasn’t long before he let his guard down. Pretty soon he was playing games and even taking home first place in a round of musical chairs.
That first night kick started Nick’s journey with Teen Haven. He told his mom later in the evening how getting such a warm welcome from the group, was the highlight of his night.
For staff and volunteers, welcoming new teens is one of our great joys. Getting to know each one individually, and becoming a part of their story, is often the first step into supporting their goals. We are so grateful to our supporters who are giving kids like Nick the chance to have Godly mentors in their life, and fun activities to look forward to each week!
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Iliana* came to Teen Haven week after week, and she loved it. But there was one thing missing. After months, the weekly bible verse still eluded her. Not that she didn’t understand it, she just struggled to memorize and recite it back.
Over time, it started to get a little disheartening. Why couldn’t I learn the verse, when so many other kids seem to, she thought?
But after weeks of trying, one night, Iliana finally found one that clicked. She was so excited that, despite the full night of games and fun activities, that one verse was her highlight.
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things He planned for us long ago”.
Ephesians 2:10
God knew what Iliana needed long before this moment, and we couldn’t help but feel this was the perfect first verse for her to memorize. During each of our devotionals, we hope to plant a seed. This verse helped rekindle Iliana’s childlike wonder at the marvel of who God is – and – who He made her to be.
*Name has been changed to protect privacy.
Teen Haven has around 950 students attend events annually and consistently serves over 80 teens a week through weekly programs. You can make a difference in their lives through giving to Water Street.
