Working from offices in Maidstone and Medway the Family Trust team along with local Christians visits local schools to tell children about Christianity and show them it is relevant to their lives. We are always trying to come up with new and imaginative ways that not only give children a clear understanding of the bible and what it means but also make it as fun and interactive as possible.

Getting together and planning a new assembly or Kingsquad teaching is agreat way to encourage each other and have some fun, but the main aim is to come and share how God has challenged and inspired us and how we could do the same for the children we meet. It is probably safe to say that a high percentage of children do not have any involvement or contact with a local church and we feel at the Family Trust, that it is important to give children an opportunity to at least come into contact with the teachings of the bible so they can form their own opinions and view points about it.

For several years now we have presented a series of lessons which many schools have found helpful. These lessons allow different aspects of the Christian faith to be examined in more detail so that children are able to ask questions, enabling them to make informed choices about God.

Chequer Tree Camp happens in the first two weeks of the summer holidays. Each week there are 80 children and 30 leaders. The camp has excellent facilities, as it is situated in a private school in the Kent countryside. All our leaders are committed christians drawn from local churches and all are well known to the Family Trust team. As well as giving children a brilliant holiday, the camp is a great opportunity for them to discover more about God and move on in their Christian faith.

The Family Trust has a good relationship with churches in the area. One of our main aims is to work in partnership with local churches to initiate and encourage children's work. The team regularly visits local churches to lead all-age worskip and head up holiday clubs . We also offer resources and training for Sunday school teachers.

Self-esteem and feeling valued are important attributes in anyone’s life, especially with pressure from every day challenges. Twice a year, the Family Trust runs an event called Christians in Education which is designed to build up and encourage local Christians who work in education in whatever capacity. The programme comprises food, fun, prayer and input from local speakers. These events have been very successful and we have seen many people come along to enjoy the fun.

Spotting new talent is something we are keen on at the Family Trust. We are always on the lookout for any Christian who shows an interest in, and a calling for working with children. We offer hen training so that they can build up their confidence in the different aspects of the work. The training sessions are run once a month at our offices in Maidstone. The volunteers are given practical help and an opportunity to improve their skills.

Our latest initiative is to set up and run a Training school! Starting in September 2006, this will give people who are interested in working with children, an opportunity to receive biblical teaching, alongside practical hands on training. The course will be run from our Maidstone office and also will include two residential weeks at Moorlands Bible College. The course is a year long commitment and students will receive a certificate of accreditation. This course could be used as a basis for further education. (For more information see training page.)