School Supply Drive 2025
Every year Joy Meadows provides school supplies to foster and adoptive families.
Children get to choose their own brand new supplies for school at the August Second Saturday Event. And YOU get to meet that need and help bring joy to children! Any brand-new school supplies are greatly appreciated!
Deadline: Saturday, August 2
A few priority supplies include:
New Backpacks (for both children and teens)
dry erase markers
3 ring binders (1 inch, 1.5 inch or 2 inch)
sharpies
highlighters
markers
Headphones or earbuds
Pencil boxes
Make it Easy—Order Online:
Check out our Amazon School Supply Wishlist! Order from the list and items will be delivered directly to Joy Meadows.
In-person Drop-off:
9AM-5PM Monday-Friday.
12400 170th Street Linwood, KS 66052 • Community Center
Follow the signs to the Community Center entrance located down the sidewalk and behind the house.After business hours: Use the brown delivery boxes by the entrance.
Annual Art Contest
Joy Meadows' annual art contest invites children and teens ages 5-19 who have been impacted by foster care to share their perspectives and stories through creative expression.
Contest Details:
Theme: "I Wish You Knew..." - encouraging participants to share insights about foster care that others should understand
Categories: Art, Poetry, and Photography
Timeline: June 1 - August 31, 2025
Prizes: $100 cash prize for each category winner
Free to enter
The contest aims to amplify the voices of those with lived foster care experience, giving them a platform to educate others and share important messages. Winning entries will be displayed at Joy Meadows and used in their communications to raise awareness about foster care. The contest supports Joy Meadows' mission of helping children impacted by foster care find stability, healing, and joy.
High School • Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
High School Camp
(completed 8th-11th grade)
June 17-20, 9am-3pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
More details about Outdoor Adventure Camp
Family Backyard Bible Club
Joy Meadows is partnering with Greenleaf Performance Academy and the Kelly family to bring this event to you!
This is a fun parent & child activity to attend together! Parents bring their children to participate in the “Backyard Bible Club” (BYBC) put on by Greenleaf. The Greenleaf team of students lead the kids in songs, a Bible skit, snack and small group activity on the lawn.
Following the BYBC activities, parents are invited to swim with their children and connect with other parents! The private lake has life jackets, a shallow play area, deep area for swimming, water slide and fishing.
Date: Tuesday-Friday, June 17-20
Time: 1-2:30pm story, music, snack and skits; lake time 2:30-4pm
Location: “Kelly Kove”, (The private lake behind the Kelly residence, 16781 Cantrell, Bonner Springs, KS 66012, at their private lake). Meet at the picnic area by the sand volleyball pit. Parents may park along the gravel drive.
Bring: Parent and child, swim towels, a folding chair if desired, and life jacket
Cost: Free, but registration is required.
Other Details:
Parents are required to stay and attend with their children and supervise at all times.
All swimmers are required to wear life jackets regardless of their ability to swim. Life jackets are available for use, or you may bring your own.
BYBC lake time will not begin until 2:30 pm so that other groups may finish their lake time.
Please wear modest swimwear out of respect to others. Many kids just swim in their play clothes!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Elementary • Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
Elementary Camp
(completed 2nd-5th grade)
July 8-11, 9am-3pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
More details about Outdoor Adventure Camp
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Elementary • Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
Elementary Camp
(completed 2nd-5th grade)
July 15-18, 9am-3pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
More details about Outdoor Adventure Camp
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Church Network - Advocate Clinic July 2025
It takes time, money, and emotion to prioritize at-risk kids and their families. We’re grateful when a church partner decides to make this investment to care for vulnerable children in their local community, and we want to do all we can to help push forward their mission. To alleviate the stress and confusion that can come with creating any new ministry, we’ve created a step-by–step model called Family Advocacy Ministries (FAMs).
K-1st • Nature Camp
Nature Camp
(Kindergarten-going into 2nd grade)
July 26, 9am-12pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
More details about Outdoor Adventure Camp
Joy Run 2025
Open to all, Joy Run is an annual mud run that brings the community together to raise awareness and funds for foster children and families.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
This Second Saturday is our back-to-school event with lots of FREE Stuff for the new year.
Backpacks
School Supplies
Haircuts
Clothes
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Elementary • Animal Day Camp
Animal Day Camp
(completed 2nd grade-5th grade)
August 30, 9am-12pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Youth • Animal Day Camp
Animal Day Camp
(completed 6th-11th grade)
October 25, 9am-12pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Second Saturday Christmas Party • Lunch
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
In December we have two Christmas Party options due to the colder temperatures and increased attendance. Please register for which time is best for your family:
Lunch Christmas Party • 11am-1pm
Dinner Christmas Party • 5-7pm
For our December Christmas Second Saturday, activities include:
General Store
Children get to pick out a gift for someone special, then go to the gift-wrapping station and wrap their gift.Christmas Craft
Kids create a Christmas craftCookie Decorating
Decorate Christmas cookies and enjoy the hot cocoa barPicture with Santa
Get your picture with Santa, enjoy Christmas music, and hear a Christmas story
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs as well.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Second Saturday Christmas Party • Dinner
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
In December we have two Christmas Party options due to the colder temperatures and increased attendance. Please register for which time is best for your family:
Lunch Christmas Party • 11am-1pm
Dinner Christmas Party • 5-7pm
For our December Christmas Second Saturday, activities include:
General Store
Children get to pick out a gift for someone special, then go to the gift-wrapping station and wrap their gift.Christmas Craft
Kids create a Christmas craftCookie Decorating
Decorate Christmas cookies and enjoy the hot cocoa barPicture with Santa
Get your picture with Santa, enjoy Christmas music, and hear a Christmas story
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs as well.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Prayer Gathering
A very important aspect of the prayer ministry at Joy Meadows is the collective gathering of people to pray in person. Everyone is welcome to attend our monthly prayer gatherings.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
Middle School • Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
Middle School Camp
(completed 6th-8th grade)
June 10-13
9am-3pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
More details about Outdoor Adventure Camp
K-1st • Animal Day Camp
Animal Day Camp
(Kindergarten-going into 2nd grade)
May 31, 9am-12pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for all foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Caregivers feel connected, encouraged, and supported while children engage in all the fun, outdoor activities at Joy Meadows.
Every Second Saturday features dinner for the whole family, and these four stations give predictability and fun for the children to look forward to:
Barnyard - pet the goats and donkeys, or enjoy a ride on a horse;
Nature - harvest in the garden, participate in a nature activity from planting to building or a nature trail scavenger hunt
Art - monthly themed craft in the art studio
Big Fun - Enjoy the Bouncing Pillow, barrel train rides, gaga ball, 9-square, and playground.
The Clothing Closet is always open for families to shop for needs.
Everyone is welcome to attend Second Saturday - please register every month so we can ensure enough food and supplies for your family!
RE:Conference - Church Leader Training
About the Experience
RE: Conference is a time for foster, adoptive & kinship parents to escape the distractions and chaos of life and experience REAL ENCOURAGEMENT.
We can’t wait to see you February 2-3, 2024!
Weighted Blanket and PJs Drive
Join our weighted blanket and PJ drive this month!
Children impacted by trauma often have sensory needs and could benefit from the support of a weighted blanket. Help "wrap someone in love" this February and provide a blanket or a brand new pair of pajamas.
Drop donations off at Joy Meadows or order directly from our Amazon Wish list below.
Fall Serve Day
Join us for the Fall Serve Day! This is a great time for groups to sign up for a Group Volunteer project, or individuals and families are welcome too! We need your help to get Joy Meadows ready so we can serve our amazing foster and adoptive youth throughout the fall season.
Art Contest 2024
2024 Theme:
“How Does Foster Care Affect People’s Lives?”
About the Theme:
At Joy Meadows, we want to learn from the individuals, families, and communities affected by foster care, and we want others across the country to learn as well. There are approximately 400,000 children in foster care across the country. There are thousands who have aged out of the system, others reunited with their biological parents, or still others have been adopted. There are biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, children in foster care, adoptees, and siblings. Each individual has a story and a perspective. What is a story that needs to be told? Is there a voice that needs a platform? Is there a person that has inspired you? What are some of the impacts of foster care that people might not consider?
Share your thoughts using art, poetry, or photography!
K-1st • Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
K-1st Outdoor Adventure Day Camp
(K-going into 2nd grade)
Saturday, July 27
9am-12:30pm
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and just plain old outdoor fun for students who are adopted or currently in the foster care system!
A child may attend one camp session per summer.
School Supply Drive 2024
Every year Joy Meadows provides school supplies to foster and adoptive families.
Children get to choose their own brand new supplies for school at the August Second Saturday Event. And YOU get to meet that need and help bring joy to children! Any brand-new school supplies are greatly appreciated!
Deadline: Wednesday, August 7
A few priority supplies include:
New Backpacks (for both children and teens)
dry erase markers
3 ring binders (1 inch, 1.5 inch or 2 inch)
sharpies
highlighters
markers
Headphones or earbuds
Pencil boxes
Make it Easy—Order Online:
Check out our Amazon School Supply Wishlist! Order from the list and items will be delivered directly to Joy Meadows.
In-person Drop-off:
9AM-5PM Monday-Friday.
12400 170th Street Linwood, KS 66052 • Community Center
Follow the signs to the Community Center entrance located down the sidewalk and behind the house.After business hours: Use the brown delivery boxes by the entrance.
Church Network - Advocate Clinic April 2024
It takes time, money, and emotion to prioritize at-risk kids and their families. We’re grateful when a church partner decides to make this investment to care for vulnerable children in their local community, and we want to do all we can to help push forward their mission. To alleviate the stress and confusion that can come with creating any new ministry, we’ve created a step-by–step model called Family Advocacy Ministries (FAMs).
Equine Volunteer Training 3/23
If you are interested in serving with the equine therapy program at Joy Meadows in 2024 come join us for this training! We are doubling our offerings of equine related services this season and NEED volunteers as horse handlers and sidewalkers! Sessions are offered to children on Tuesdays and Thursdays in April through October.
A 2-hour training is required for all volunteers who will help with equine therapy (i.e., hippotherapy) at Joy Meadows. During the Equine Volunteer Training volunteers will:
Meet the leaders of the program and learn the format
Understand the volunteer roles (What does a sidewalker and horse handler do?)
Learn the effects of trauma on the body
Receive an overview of trauma related behaviors
View the barn layout, tools, and supplies
Acquire horse safety tips
Participate in hands-on training for all roles
Who can be a Side Walker? Anyone over 16 who is comfortable around horses, can assist the therapist with different activities throughout the hippotherapy session, and can help stabilize the rider through different holds and positions.
Who can be a Horse Handler? Anyone over 16 who can groom and tack the horse properly before the child/client rides, lead the horse safely through the different activities directed by the therapist, and untack the horse and put it away, and has equine experience.