Children

What is Discovery Land?

Discovery Land is our ministry for children from 6 weeks to 6th grade. Both our Sunday morning DL and Tuesday night AWANA programs combine quality Bible teaching with kid-friendly activities in a safe and fun environment. We aim to create memorable experiences that help kids become resilient disciples of Jesus in an ever-changing world.  

Our Discovery Land Global curriculum equips churches in 39 countries and counting with the tools to build a strong biblical foundation for their children’s ministries.  

To learn more about DL on Sundays or DL AWANA, click the button below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay with my child?

On Sundays and Tuesdays, our welcome team would be happy to show you around our ministry space before the ministry session starts. However, with safety as a top priority, we limit who is in the Discovery Land facility during our ministry sessions. Parents who would like to have a visitor lanyard to stay with their student during Discovery Land (ex: Sunday morning, Tuesday Awana, etc.) should stop by the DL Welcome Desk or email [email protected] to see if it is a possibility for the date they'd like to attend. 

Do I have to be a member to bring my kids to Discovery Land?

No, you don’t have to be a member. Everyone is welcome in Discovery Land!

How old does my child have to be to come to Discovery Land?


Discovery Land offers Sunday programs for children from 6 weeks through 6th grade. Our Tuesday night Awana Ministry is for children 2 years before 5-year-old kindergarten through 6th grade. To learn more about our youth programming for students in 7th grade and older, please visit our Student Ministries page.

How will you notify me if my child needs me?

We will text or call the parent phone number(s) on file. Parents should come to the DL entrance.

Is there a fee for Discovery Land?

Our Sunday program is free of charge. 
Our Awana Ministry (Tuesday evenings) has a cost associated with registration, which covers awards and other program materials. Students also need a handbook and uniform. Visit the Awana page for registration and cost details. 

It’s my first time! How can I prepare?

We suggest dressing your children in comfortable clothing – In Discovery Land, we love to stay active! In the summer months, some activities will be hosted outdoors, weather permitting.

You can also save time at check-in by completing our First Time Visitor Form. When you arrive, please stop at the Discovery Land Welcome Desk to let us know it’s your first visit. In Appleton, you’ll find this right inside the East Entrance. Our welcome team is ready to walk you through check-in and the rest of your morning in Discovery Land.

What is Child Dedication?

A Parent-Child Dedication service is a time for parents (or guardians) to dedicate themselves to raising their children in a home that honors God, points their children toward a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and continually value the on-going discipleship process of their child through life. 

A class is required for all new parents prior to dedication so they can fully understand their commitment to God and how the church will commit to support you.

Dedication Service will take place on a Sunday morning at one of our worship services several times a year. It is a great opportunity for you to invite family and friends to come alongside you in support of your commitment to your child and to God as you faithfully seek to honor and glorify Him.

You can find information about upcoming Child Dedication Classes by visiting our Events Page or by emailing [email protected].

Will my child be safe in Discovery Land?

 Safety is our top priority in Discovery Land, which is why we have implemented the following safety measures:  

  • Children preschool and under and their parents receive wristbands with matching numbers. When children are picked up, the wristbands are removed by an adult leader after confirming the numbers match. Please note the parent with the matching wristband is the only one allowed to pick up their child.
  • On Sundays, students K-6th grade must be picked up in their classroom by an adult immediately following the service. To ensure your child’s safety, older siblings under 16 are NOT allowed to pick up students.
  • For your children’s protection, screenings and US background checks are run on all Discovery Land staff and volunteers.
  • In order to serve, volunteers in Discovery Land receive training in our safety and security guidelines which include a minimum ratio of two non-related adults with students at all times.  
  • In Appleton, the doors to Discovery Land are locked ten minutes after service begins so classes may move around in a secure environment. They are unlocked to allow parents in for pick-up after all classes are back in their classrooms. In Hortonville, entrances are monitored.

GET INVOLVED

Special Needs

We value and love every child, which is why we have designed our One2One Ministry. One2One focuses on children with special needs. Our goal is to create a safe, fun, educational experience for all children while meeting their individual needs. 

GET INVOLVED

dl serve callout

Serve in Discovery Land

Serving in Discovery Land is fun and rewarding. You will see yourself grow in your own life as you teach children to build their lives on the truth of God’s Word.
learn more

Learn More

Learn more about DL on Sundays or DL AWANA.

CONNECT

To stay connected and up-to-date, follow Discovery Land on social media, join parent Facebook groups, and sign up for our e-newsletter, Children's Ministry (Birth-6th Grade).

STAFF

Alexandria Abitz

Alexandria Abitz

Assistant to the Executive Director of Discovery Land
Kylie Garris

Kylie Garris

K-2nd Grade Sunday Coordinator
Melanie Hilstad

Melanie Hilstad

Director of Discovery Land/Location Coordinator - Hortonville
Jak Kamp

Jak Kamp

3rd-6th Grade Ministry Assistant
Andrea Klarner

Andrea Klarner

DL Multi Site Project Manager
Mikayla Krull

Mikayla Krull

Discovery Land Administrator
Laura Page

Laura Page

Birth-Three Coordinator
Amber Simons

Amber Simons

Discovery Land Adminstrator
Kris Smoll

Kris Smoll

Executive Director of Discovery Land Global
Jessica Taylor

Jessica Taylor

K-2nd Grade Awana Coordinator
Hannah Wagner

Hannah Wagner

Preschool Coordinator
Colton Westby

Colton Westby

3rd-6th Grade Coordinator