Champions

Every child, known and loved

Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m. for children with special needs, infants through age 12.

About Champions

Special Needs Ministry for Kids

Every child deserves to know God and His plan for their life. Because of this, we want to make sure that all children who attend our church can experience Jesus. That's why we created Calvary Champions, a ministry to kids (infants through age 12) with special needs.

This church special needs ministry exists to love, empower, and teach the Word of God in a specialized environment, fostering growth and spiritual connection for children with special needs.

When and who

Sundays at 9 and 11 a.m.

Champions: ages 4 to 12

Champions Nursery: birth to 3 years

What to expect

The Champspace: At Calvary Champions, kids get to attend service in their very own dedicated environment known as the "Champspace." The Champspace will consist of four different sections throughout the service: Gym, Sensory, Spiritual, and Bible Curriculum.

Trained leaders: Kids will also be paired with our trained leaders and volunteers, ensuring that they have the best experience possible. Trained leaders in each room will ensure that everything runs smoothly.

Want your child to participate?

We love that so many families are wanting to join this special needs ministry in Naperville! As of now, we are almost completely at capacity at our 11 a.m. service and are taking requests for the 9 a.m. service.

Prior to joining us, we ask that each parent/guardian submit an intake form so we know how best to serve your child.

¿Prefiere español? 4-12 Formulario de registro.

Champions Nursery

A bit about our nursery ministry

With the Champions Nursery ministry, infants and toddlers will be loved, cared for, and celebrated through a sensory-friendly environment. The Champions Special Needs ministry ensures that every infant/toddler receives individualized attention from high-quality trained staff and volunteers. This nurturing setting is designed to meet the unique needs of each child, fostering a sense of belonging and joy. By prioritizing sensory-friendly spaces and compassionate care, the ministry creates a safe and welcoming atmosphere where all children can thrive and feel valued.

Serve

Become one of our incredible volunteers!

Volunteer with Champions

Outreach

Night to Shine

Every year, we partner with the Tim Tebow Foundation to host Night to Shine, an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs (age 14+).

This is an amazing opportunity to show God's love to our community and remind everyone that they are a child of the King!

Would you pray with us over Champions?

Inclusion (Luke 14:12-14): Pray that God will guide and permeate every aspect of the ministry so that all individuals (regardless of their abilities or disabilities) feel welcomed, valued and embraced.

Empowerment (John 9:2-4): Pray that the special needs ministry would be a source of empowerment for children with disabilities, equipping them with the tools, support and opportunities they need to thrive and reach their full potential.

Compassion (Colossians 3:12): Pray for an outpouring of compassion among the members, leaders and volunteers of the ministry so that they may approach everyone with understanding, empathy and love.

Meet the team

Who leads Champions

Kiya Olson

Special Needs Director

Calvary has been my spiritual home since 2004, and I'm so grateful to be a part of such an incredible community! In 2022, I jumped into the kids' ministry and have been loving every minute of it. Fast forward to 2024, and I'm officially part of the Calvary staff team. What a journey!

I've also been a therapist, specializing in working with neurodivergent kiddos since 2002. It's been an amazing and rewarding experience helping these kids thrive. When I'm off the clock, you'll find me hanging out with my awesome son or breaking a sweat at the gym!

Contact

Kiya Olson, Special Needs Director

Every child is different. Reach out and we will make a plan for yours together.

Contact the Champions Team