GEMS stands for Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior. It is a club where girls grow to love and serve Jesus Christ as well as develop friendships with other girls and counselors. The Palo Alto GEMS Club serves girls in first through eighth grades. More information describing the purpose and goals of the GEMS Girls' Club can be found on the International GEMS organization's home page.

At GEMS we

• Sing
• Study the Bible
• Participate in skits
• Do crafts
• Earn merit badges
• Play games
• Go on fun outings
• Get involved in service projects
• Make friends

Girls who become members of our GEMS club also receive a monthly magazine called Shine Brightly, which is full of great stories, cool crafts, fun puzzles and funny jokes, and lots more.

This year’s theme, Get Wisdom: go beyond the Gold!, will help us to understand that making wise choices begins with God. Studying and then choosing to live by the wisdom found in His Word, especially the book of Proverbs, will inspire us to walk wisely and live a life that is better than one of riches or recognition.

We have two theme verses:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10

“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! The highway of the upright avoids evil; he (she) who guards his (her) way guards his (her) life.” Proverbs 16: 16-17

Check out the 2011-2012 Schedule (PDF) and come see what we're all about!

For more information, feel free to contact the club coordinator, Betsy Lindemulder.

The Calvinist Cadet Corps is an independent youth ministry organization whose purpose is to provide the local church with a ministry program that will enable them to effectively share Christ's love with boys from their church and community. Founded in 1952, the Corps has more than 650 clubs throughout North America. Those clubs are in Reformed, Christian Reformed, Presbyterian, Orthodox Presbyterian, and other Bible believing churches. The organization uses the title "Calvinist" to honor the Protestant reformer, John Calvin, who devoted his life to the religious education of God's children. Visit the International Cadet organization's home page for more information.

Cadets at Palo Alto CRC

The Cadet Corps at PACRC runs programs for boys in first through eighth grades. The focus of our program is to help the Cadets grow spiritually, emotionally, and personally. A typical meeting consists of opening activities, a time of Bible study geared towards the different age groups, a hands-on project or a merit badge, and a game and snack time to close. This year we plan to spend a lot of time working on camping skills, as the boys in fifth through eighth grade will have the opportunity this summer to go to the International Camporee. Throughout the year we also hold a number of special events—this year these will include a campout, service projects, and more. Our Cadet program goes from September to June and boys are welcome to join in at any meeting. Our 2011-2012 schedule (PDF) is now available, and it will be updated as we determine our merit badges and projects for the year.

Our theme for the year is "Prepare Yourself!" It is based on 2 Timothy 2:15 : "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" and also on the Cadets' goal to prepare boys to live Christlike lives in their community.

For more information you can contact the head counselor Tim Lindemulder.