Youth Center

The Youth Center provides open door nights, afterschool programs, free meals and fun activities for youth in grades 5–12 in the ELANCO School District.

Youth Center Schedule

Youth Center times exist to offer a safe place for youth to connect with caring adults. A free meal is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Snacks are available during 56 After school on Tuesdays.

         Tuesdays, 56 Afterschool, from 4:00-5:00 PM: Youth Center Open (5^th-6^th grade)

         Wednesdays, from 6:30-8:00 PM: Youth Center Open (7-12th grades)

Thursdays from 6:30-8:00 PM:  Youth Center Open (7-12th grades)

Meal Program

Free Meals are always offered at any night program at the CrossNet Youth Center. Free meals are provided by area churches, families, organizations and supporters. Email Grant at grant@elancocross.org if you are interested in volunteering to make a meal.

Community Service

Young people in need of community service are able to do their hours of service supervised by adults who desire to empower youth. These opportunities are to help students complete their hours, but also to connect them to positive adults and opportunities.

Quarterly Events

Quarterly events are environments that give students the opportunity to get out into the community and have fun. Events vary from beach trips, retreats, movie nights, seasonal parties, etc. All of our events are low cost or free for students.

For more information or to volunteer please contact grant@elancocross.org.

Mentoring Program

CrossNet Ministries believes that life change stems from relationship and that no one should journey through life alone.

Our Mentoring Program carefully matches volunteer mentors with students or adults in our community who are looking for a positive role model and support. All mentors must complete background checks, attend a free initial training and know Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Each mentor meets with their mentee twice a month, and it is our prayer that these relationships grow and last a lifetime! CrossNet offers ongoing support to both mentor and mentee.

If you are interested in applying to be a mentor, or wish to have a mentor, please contact Charis Pankratz, Mentoring and Education Director, at 717-355-2454, or at charis@elancocross.org.

Current Mentors

Report on your mentoring times with this form.

Cross Jr.

The Cross Jr. program for 4^th-5^thgraders matches each student with an adult mentor who will work with them to build self-confidence, gain life skills and have fun.

If you would like to volunteer with Cross Jr., or to register your student to attend, please contact Charis Pankratz, Mentoring and Education Director, at 717-355-2454, or at charis@elancocross.org.

Tutoring

Students who are struggling in their academic success are matched with capable and willing adults who help them learn, grow and succeed as they work to achieve goals.

CrossNet Ministries partners with Garden Spot High and Middle Schools to provide free weekly tutoring to students in 7th through 12th grade. Volunteer tutors must complete background checks and an initial training before being matched with a student. Most tutoring sessions occur at the school library from 2:45–3:45 PM on Mondays. In some cases, sessions occur at the offices of CrossNet Ministries.

If you have a heart for working with students and can tutor in math, science, language arts, Spanish or social studies, consider volunteering! Please contact Grant Gehman, Director of Youth Programs, at 717-355-2454, or at grant@elancocross.org.

Parents As Teachers

The Parent As Teachers program is free and available to anyone living within the ELANCO school district. The program is available to parents beginning in the prenatal stage through age three (3). ELANCO’s Family Development Specialist will come to the home of participants up to twice per month bringing customized activities, parent handouts, children’s books for the families to keep as well as developmental screenings. Parent As Teachers is a great way to prepare your child for Kindergarten and to focus on the relationship between parenting and child development. Contact our office at 717-355-2454, if you are interested in signing up or learning more!