The Recreation Ministry at Cool Spring

     The Cool Spring Recreation Ministry is an outreach to persons of all ages. It's mission is to combine the gift of leisure with the companionship of Christ.

     Below is a brief summary of the Recreation Ministry at Cool Spring.  Doug Grote is the Minister of Recreation at Cool Spring Church.

     Also, visit the Rec Center Web Pages for more in-depth information about current, past, and future activities of the Recreation Ministry.

• Development of the Recreation Ministry, with Employment of a Full-time Minister of Recreation

In July 2001, Doug Grote came to Cool Spring as the Minister of Recreation.  He developed a balanced and comprehensive program of recreational activities for all ages: arts and crafts, hobbies, physical fitness, social recreation, sports, therapeutic recreation, outreach, intramural, trips, special projects, etc. These activities and programs are consistent with church adopted objectives and goals, and are designed to strengthen family ties and to help develop one's relationship with Jesus Christ.

• The Rec Center (completed in early 2002)

The centerpiece of the Recreation Ministry at Cool Spring is the Rec Center. Construction of the Rec Center added a new dimension of Christian fellowship to Cool Spring through its recreational potential and use as a Worship Center. Features of the Rec Center include:

• The Rec Center is open over 76 hours a week for recreation and leisure events.  The facility is open to the public free of charge.  A volunteer staff of church members operates the Rec Center.
• A High School Regulation size basketball and volleyball court, to be used as such, or as an open area for theatrical and musical productions, and as a Worship Center.
• A theatrical stage adjacent to the area above, including an excellent sound and lighting system. This gives potential for musical as well as dramatic productions. A lift gives wheelchair access to the stage.
• Exercise and aerobics rooms, locker rooms, a game room, and reception areas. A concession stand is included as well.
• An overhead walking/running track around the perimeter of the basketball court and an upstairs lounge.
• Four additional upstairs multipurpose rooms for classes, meetings, craft making, etc.
• The Recreation Ministry Programs and the Rec Center itself are almost exclusively operated through volunteer, non-staff church members.
   
• Children's Sports Programs - The Recreation Ministry leads four main Upward Sports leagues: Basketball, Cheering, Flag Football, and Soccer.  The purposes of the leagues are to teach children basic fundamentals of the sport and to teach them basic truths about God.  Various sport camps are offered throughout the year, mainly in the summer, including basketball and multi-sport camps.  Volunteers are needed to coach, referee, give devotionals during games, to perform scorekeeping, and to staff the concession stand.
   
• Adult Sports Programs - The Recreation Ministry lads an adult basketball league, two softball teams, and a volleyball team.
   
• There are many other activities offered through the Recreation Ministry at Cool Spring.  Visit the Rec Center Web Pages for more information.
   
• Also, Visit the Rec Center itself - it is open for everyone's use. Whether a church member or not, it's use is free of charge, except for nominal charges for certain classes and specific activities.

Updated 2/8/06