The Nursery Team

Welcome to the Kids’ Club nursery team! For us, Kids’ Club is all about meeting a baby’s physical needs while creating a safe environment for them to play and explore. Basically, we get to love kids like God loves us, joyfully giving our time, attention and love without getting much in return.

One way we do this is by keeping babies as germ-free as possible. So we slip off our shoes at the door. If you’re barefoot, grab a pair of fresh socks before kids even arrive! Then, when at least two adult volunteers are present, check-in begins!

For the little ones, there are a few steps in the process. First, make sure kids are wearing a numbered sticker when they’re signed in on the computer. Then note any specific feeding or diaper-changing instructions. Finally, label all bags, bottles and pacifiers. We may have to let parents know that outside food or snacks aren’t allowed in the nursery. But we’re happy to give babies a bottle!

Between check-in and check-out, a lot happens. Maybe we sing a silly song to calm a kid down after their parents leave. Maybe we change a dirty diaper or two. Or ten. Maybe we give a bottle or a pacifier. And we definitely get on the floor with kids and make some noise–giggling, counting, humming, cooing, rattling, and drumming are all good!

We prepare for whatever happens as much as we can, but if we need anything—another volunteer, dry baby clothes or someone to clean up vomit—we can call for help. They’re also the ones to call if we need to contact a parent for a kid who’s inconsolable for more than 10 minutes. And for emergencies, there’s a safety manual hanging up in every room.

Then, when it’s time for check-out, we match the kid’s sticker with the adult’s. Even our best friend has got to have a sticker. The good news is, lost stickers can easily be reprinted at the Kids’ Club welcome desk.

When the last baby has been picked up, we spray the toys with cleaning solution, put blankets and socks into the laundry hamper and take out the trash!

Taking care of these little babies is actually a pretty big job, but it’s worth it. We get to impact the lives of kids, families and other volunteers by creating a safe and trusted place for the most vulnerable ones among us. We’re so glad you’re part of the team.