For Churches
The SHACK appreciates its partnerships with Bighorn Basin churches!
As we strive to reach a variety of youth — many whose lives are marked by trouble, difficulty, and dysfunction and who have little to no church background — we need people of faith to join us in our mission.
As we have opportunity to share the love of Jesus, it is our ultimate hope to connect youth and their families with area churches so they can be discipled and grow.
How to Get Involved:
“Where you can’t be, The SHACK can be.”
FAQ
If you have questions about how The SHACK seeks to work in tandem with local churches, please ask! Find some answers to Frequently Asked Questions Below.
Do you share the gospel with students?
We want to be a welcoming place for all students. As such, we train our staff and supervisors to be open about their own faith journey and ready to answer spiritual questions, but we do not force youth to participate in religious activities or discussions. We pray regularly for our students, asking God for open doors to share His transforming grace and love.
is the shack a youth group?
The SHACK is a community youth center. We exist to provide Bighorn Basin students in grades 5-12 a safe place to be after school and on Friday and Saturday evenings. These are times that are typically troublesome for students, especially “at-risk” youth who may lack a safe place to go or who would otherwise seek out destructive forms of entertainment like drug and alcohol use, vandalism, and such.
For youth who show an interest in church or spiritual matters, we strive to connect them with local youth groups, churches, and pastors who can further help them develop a relationship with Jesus.
Can church kids hang out at the shack?
YES! Of course! We love to have church kids at The SHACK because they provide a positive influence and reinforce the values The SHACK strives to promote.
do youth play video games at the shack?
Yes, The SHACK offers video games, arcade games, and virtual reality as options for “stuff to do.” Games are age-appropriate and do not glorify violence, drugs, etc. Youth also enjoy pool, basketball, card and board games, and good conversation over snacks. Many youth do their homework at The SHACK. We seek to meet students where they are and would rather they be playing a video game here than filling their minds with violent games or pornography elsewhere.
where do you see the most growth in shack students?
Like many youth today, some of our students struggle with social anxiety, depression, and lack of self esteem. We regularly see our youth acquiring successful social skills, learning healthy conflict resolution, and gaining a sense of their own value and worth. As they find a place to belong, they often improve in academics and behavior, too. These shifts in mindset and skill have lifelong benefits!