Youth Ministries
At First Pres, students participate in youth ministry because of the warm community, the fun experiences, and the valuable life lessons we learn together. Because our ministry is open to all youth in grades 6-12, students easily feel welcome at "the Coach House."
After too many months apart, we were thrilled to begin meeting regularly in Fall 2021! We are looking to more youth groups, fun outreach events and even summer trips in 2022!
COVID Update (1-10-21): Due to recent spike in COVID cases in La Crosse County, we will pausing programming until February 9, 2022.
Current Programs for Middle & High Schoolers
"Sunday Snack" for Ages 13-17
Sundays at 10:45AM-Noon in the Coach House, beginning February 9th!
High school students are invited to hang out in the Coach House for an activity involving baking/making a sweet treat, while we chat about life & faith.
Preteen Youth Group (ages 9-12)
Wednesdays at 5:30-7:00PM, beginning February 9!
Students ages 9-12 are invited to a youth group at the Coach House, where we play games, make crafts, eat dinner, and learn about the love of God!
COVID Update (1-12-22): Due to the recent rise in COVID cases, we will be implementing new safety measures when we begin meeting in February. Click below to view the Children's Ministry Team's plan for restarting the Preteen Youth Group in 2022...
Plan for Restarting Preteen Youth Group in 2022 (PDF)
Meet our Director of Youth Ministry 
Alex Jerve, alex@firstpreslax.org
Although I grew up going to church, my faith in Jesus Christ became big priority after being inspired by… Read more about Alex…
Youth Summer Trips...
First Pres has a long history of offering annual mission trips for grades 6-12.
Surf City (for grades 6-9)
We head out to beautiful western Michigan for a fun-packed week of swimming, biking, boating, games, worship, and so much more! This trip has become an annual treasure for our middle schoolers. Although we missed going in 2020 & 2021, we know that the impact made on our 100+ former Surf City participants continues to be used by God each and every day.
High School Mission Trip (for 10th graders thru recent grads)
Jesus has set a powerful, high expectation for us: "I assure you, servants aren’t greater than their master, nor are those who are sent greater than the one who sent them," (John 13:16 CEB). We introduce our highschoolers to the aspect of servant leadership through our incredibly impactful mission trips. We select a new destination each year in order to broaden the experiences of our students.