CrossNet offers a variety of Youth Programs and resources for children birth through 12th grade in the ELANCO Community. We aim to create safe spaces where kids and students can learn, grow, and experience the love of God. 

Parents As Teachers

In partnership with Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAP), the Parents As Teachers Program is free and available to anyone living within the ELANCO School District. The program is available to parents with children from prenatal through age 5. ELANCO’s Family Development Specialist will come to the home of participants up to twice per month bringing customized activities, parent handouts, and children’s books for the families to keep, as well as, developmental screenings. Parents As Teachers is a great way to prepare your child for Kindergarten and to focus on the relationship between parenting and child development. CrossNet and Cap also offer community Play and Learns. Contact our office at 717-355-2454, if you are interested in signing up or learning more!

Cross Jr.

The Cross Jr. Program exists for 4th and 5th grade students in ELANCO and matches each student with an adult Mentor who will work with them to build self-confidence, gain life skills, have fun, and learn about the love of God! 

If you would like to volunteer with Cross Jr., or to register your student to attend, please call 717-355-2454, or email julia@elancocross.org.

56 Afterschool 

This is a weekly afterschool program for students in 5th and 6th grade. Students can enjoy games, sports, video games, arts & crafts, and learning about God’s love in a safe and fun environment! Snacks are provided.

Tuesday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:00 PM at the CrossNet Youth Center. 

If you would like to volunteer with 56 Afterschool, please call 717-355-2454, or email grant@elancocross.org.

Youth Center

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

Youth Center Schedule

The Youth Center exists to offer a safe place for youth to connect with caring adults. A free meal is offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays. 

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

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.

Community Service

Students in need of community service hours, whether it is for graduation or other reasons, are able to do their hours of service supervised by safe adults. These opportunities are to help students complete their hours, but also to connect them to positive adults in the community. To learn more, please email grant@elancocross.org.

Tutoring Program

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 School and Garden Spot Middle School to provide free weekly tutoring to students in 7th through 12th grade. Tutoring sessions occur at the school library from 2:45–3:45 PM on Mondays. 

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.

Mentor Program

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

Our Mentor 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 call 717-355-2454 or email julia@elancocross.org.

Current Mentors

Report on your mentoring times with this form.