RE: Pre Conference: Navigating the Child Welfare System
CINC 101: Navigating the Child Welfare System
The child welfare system is complex. There are overlapping systems which include the legal, social, administrative, and sometimes even the criminal justice system, it's easy to see how it can become overly complex. These intersections often create confusion, burnout, and frustration. When that happens, families can miss out on the support they need to thrive, and even the most well-intentioned helpers may find their efforts frustrated.
This interactive orientation is designed for people involved in the child welfare system. Together, we’ll build a shared understanding of how the system works, reflect on our roles and influence, examine the power we hold, and learn to consider different perspectives so we can work toward better outcomes for families and communities.
The session is open to parents, foster parents, caseworkers, and anyone supporting children and families within the system.
Included with RE: Conference Registration
Trainers:
Shanelle Dupree & Sarah Oberndorfer
RE: Pre Conference for Ministry Leaders
Leading Well: Encouragement & Connection for Ministry Leaders
Hosted by Joy Meadows, Sarah and Justin Oberndorfer
Pastors and ministry leaders are invited to a dedicated gathering focused on strengthening ministry to foster and adoptive families. This session is not a workshop or training, but rather a structured opportunity to:
Connect and network with peers in ministry
Exchange ideas and proven practices
Gain access to new resources and tools
Identify next steps for supporting foster and adoptive families within your congregation
This complimentary event is designed to provide fresh perspectives, practical insights, and valuable connections. Attendance is free, but space is limited.
RE: Conference for Foster, Adoptive, Kinship Care Givers
Escape the chaos of everyday life and experience real encouragement alongside a community that truly gets it. RE: Conference is designed specifically for foster, adoptive, and kinship parents—a space to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you're not alone.
What to Expect:
Powerful keynote speakers
40+ breakout sessions to choose from
Pampering stations & quiet spaces
1:1 coaching available
Man Cave & meet-ups
Giveaways throughout the event
Earn training credits
Registration
$89 — Regular pricing (Dec 1 – Jan 31)
$109 — Late pricing (Feb 1 – Feb 21)
Art Class
A choice-based art class designed for children in foster care ages 5–13. Students explore painting, collage, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking in a supportive, creative space. Registration is $20 and includes snacks.
Joy Run 2026
Join the Challenge. Support Foster Care.
The Joy Run is a fun, family-friendly obstacle run that brings our community together to support children and families impacted by foster care.
Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, your participation helps fuel the work of Joy Meadows—providing stability, healing, and community support for children in foster care and the families who care for them.
No experience needed. Just show up ready to move, laugh, and be part of something meaningful.
Middle School • Outdoor Adventure Camp
A summer Outdoor Adventure Day Camp in Kansas City for children in foster care who’ve completed 6th–8th grade. Campers enjoy animals, gardening, kayaking, art, and classic camp fun in a highly relational 4:1 environment. Registration is $20 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Elementary • Outdoor Adventure Camp
An Outdoor Adventure Day Camp in Kansas City for children in foster care who’ve completed 2nd–5th grade. Campers enjoy animals, gardening, kayaking, art projects, and classic camp fun in a relational 4:1 environment. Registration is $20 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. Caregivers find connection and support while children enjoy predictable, fun activity stations—including animals, nature, art, and big outdoor play. Dinner is provided, and the Clothing Closet is open for family needs.
Elementary • Outdoor Adventure Camp
An Outdoor Adventure Day Camp in Kansas City for children in foster care who’ve completed 2nd–5th grade. Campers enjoy animals, gardening, kayaking, art projects, and classic camp fun in a relational 4:1 environment. Registration is $20 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Elementary • Outdoor Adventure Camp
The Outdoor Adventure Day Camp provides new enrichment experiences, relational connection, and outdoor fun. From barn animals and horseback riding to gardening, cooking, lake adventures, art projects, and good old outdoor fun, this experience is packed with hands-on activities that invite kids to explore, create, and play all day long.
K-1st • Outdoor Adventure Camp
A half-day Outdoor Adventure Camp near Kansas City for children in foster care and adopted children entering kindergarten through 1st grade. Campers enjoy age-appropriate outdoor activities designed to build connection, confidence, and joy in a supportive environment. Registration includes snacks, meals, and lots of fun. One camp session per child each summer.
Art Camp • Middle & High School Students
An immersive art camp in Kansas City for middle and high school children in foster care. Students explore painting, collage, sculpture, printmaking, and other studio processes through collaborative projects and independent work, developing their own artistic voice. Registration is $15 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This July event features water activities alongside dinner, outdoor play, and predictable activity stations that help caregivers feel supported and children feel safe and engaged.
Elementary • Nature Camp
A trauma-informed Nature Camp near Kansas City for children in foster care who’ve completed grades 2–5. Campers engage in sensory-rich, choice-based activities like caring for animals, exploring trails, scavenger hunts, and a collaborative low ropes course that builds confidence, regulation, and connection. Registration is $15 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
High School • Weekend Retreat
A restorative weekend retreat near Kansas City for high school youth in foster care. Students slow down and reconnect through nature, animal interaction, team-building, creative reflection, and water activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking. This is a non-overnight retreat. Registration is $15 and includes snacks and Saturday breakfast and lunch.
Middle School • Nature Camp
A trauma-informed Nature Camp near Kansas City for middle school youth in foster care (grades 6–8). Campers engage in choice-based, sensory-rich activities including animal care, trail exploration, scavenger hunts, and a collaborative low ropes course that builds confidence, regulation, and healthy peer connections. Registration is $15 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Art Camp • Elementary
An immersive Art Camp near Kansas City for children in foster care who’ve completed grades 2–5. Students explore paint, collage, sculpture, printmaking, and other creative processes in the classroom and across the Joy Meadows Campus, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and fun. Registration is $15 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This August event includes a school supply and backpack drive, dinner for the whole family, and fun, predictable activity stations that support children and encourage caregiver connection.
Art Camp • K-1
A half-day Art Camp near Kansas City for children in foster care entering kindergarten through 1st grade. Students explore paint, collage, sculpture, printmaking, and creative play in the classroom and across the Joy Meadows Campus, emphasizing collaboration, creativity, and fun. Registration is $10 and includes a camp t-shirt, all meals, and snacks.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This September event features an Apple Festival with nature trails, hands-on activities, and outdoor fun, along with dinner for the whole family and predictable stations children can look forward to.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This October event features pumpkin activities, outdoor play, and hands-on fall fun, along with a shared meal and predictable stations children can enjoy and caregivers can count on.
Second Saturday
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This November event features fall-themed activities, outdoor play, and shared fun in a predictable, supportive environment where caregivers and children can connect and feel encouraged.
Second Saturday • Christmas Celebration • Lunch
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering in Kansas City for foster, adoptive, and kinship families. This December event features a General Store and Christmas Celebration, offering families a festive, supportive space to connect, share a meal, and enjoy meaningful holiday experiences together. Two time options are available to best serve families.
Second Saturday • Christmas Celebration • Dinner
Second Saturday is a monthly gathering for foster, adoptive, and kinship families at Joy Meadows, offering dinner, connection, and fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Kids enjoy predictable stations like Barnyard, Nature, Art, and Big Fun while caregivers find encouragement and support.
Hair Talk Academy
Joy Meadows is excited to host Hair Talk Academy, a practical class designed to help caregivers and youth understand the importance of proper hair care.
Hair care can deeply influence a child’s sense of worth, self-esteem, and cultural identity. Join us to discover techniques for nurturing all types of textured hair.
This free class will include:
Understanding hair textures
Essential tools and products
Creating a basic hair care routine
Effective detangling methods
Empowering hair vocabulary
Building connection and confidence through care
Who should come? This session is perfect for parents and caregivers who want to confidently care for the hair of the children in their homes, as well as for older youth who are learning to manage their own hair with independence and pride.
(Please Note: this event will not include doing hairstyling on children, and will not include activities or childcare for children).
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 • 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!
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!
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.
Hair Talk Academy
Joy Meadows is excited to host Hair Talk Academy, presented by The Walker Foundation. This engaging and practical class is designed to help caregivers and youth understand the importance of proper hair care.
Hair care can deeply influence a child’s sense of worth, self-esteem, and cultural identity. Join us to learn why hair care is such a meaningful part of caregiving—and discover practicual techniques for nurturing all types of textured hair.
This free class will include:
Cultural significance of hair
Understanding hair textures
Essential tools and products
Creating a basic hair care routine
Effective detangling methods
Proper hair vocabulary
Building connection and confidence
Who should come? This session is perfect for caregivers who want to confidently care for the hair of the children in their homes, as well as for older youth who are learning to manage their own hair with independence and want to learn more.
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!
Youth • Animal Day Camp
Animal Day Camp
(completed 6th-11th grade)
October 25, 9am-12pm
Calling all animal lovers! Animal Day Camp is a fantastic chance for kids to get time with our barn animals, learn new abilities, and see how animal interactions can teach us biblical truths. During camp we will:
Work with our equines (the little ones and big ones!)
Make new animal loving friends
Study the Bible together with interactive lessons and worksheets
Animal Day Camp is open to all foster and adoptive youth, and biological children in families that foster.
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.
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!
Christmas Store Drive 2025
Children impacted by foster care have few opportunities where they are provided with dignity, choice, recognition and control. They have many people in their lives who they care for deeply, and little opportunity to extend generosity or recognize that relationship in a tangible way. That’s why we have an annual Joy Meadows General Store!
Every December, Joy Meadows hosts a Christmas event for over 500 foster and adoptive children. It is full of fun activities for the children, but the main event is the General Store. Children get to “shop” and pick out new gifts for someone that they love. They get to wrap the gift with care and create a personalized card. It is amazing to see their joy in getting to select something for someone else.
Here is how you can help provide that joy through a General Store Gift Drive:
1.) With your team, organization or volunteers, collect donations of new gifts that cost $10. This can be done at an event or an ongoing basis that works for your team. Think of gift ideas your children would buy for a mom, dad, brother, or sister. A few examples include:
For mom: candles, lotion, journals, spa gifts, blankets, socks
For dad: gloves, hats, card games, shaving kits, sports items, coffee
For siblings: games, arts and craft kits, sensory items, toys, hats/gloves
For everyone: gift cards to various stores for $10
Email jarred@joymeadows.org to schedule drop-off of items by December 5 so they can be available for children at our Christmas Event.
Simple Option: Purchase items from the General Store Amazon List to have them directly shipped to Joy Meadows. Scan the QR Code below for link.
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.
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.
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!
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
Prayer & Worship at KCK Campus
Join us for an evening of worship, prayer walking, and speaking scripture over the land as we ask for God’s blessing and guidance for all that is ahead.
Bring your lawn chair, walking shoes, and water/fan to keep cool.
No registration necessary.
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).
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 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
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 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
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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.