What Riverwoods Contributes
Our track record of successful ministry to the under-resourced coomunities through camp and communities ministries dates from 1977. The Lord has taught us much that we can share with our church partners, and we learn from them too.
Our dedicated staff of Community Advocates, each working full time in a specific low-income neighborhood, build relationships with people who may not be reached by church programs. In a partnership, Riverwoods Advocates work alongside the staff and volunteers of our church partners to multiply opportunities for effective ministry.
Our 85-acre camp headquarters makes a wonderful site for events like outdoor concerts, retreats, picnics, work treks, and family camps sponsored with our church partners throughout the year.
Our bus and vans make it possible to transport children and families from their neighborhoods to programs sponsored with our church partners.
Case Study: Everlasting Word Church and Riverwoods
Some call bringing two entities together a duplication of services. In ministry it's an example of a three-strand cord. Cooperation is how God intends for Christians to serve Him. 
In 2002 we brought two ministries together: Everlasting Word Church and Riverwoods. Now the work that is going on in Aurora's Jericho Circle housing project has become a more holistic endeavor. Some people from Jericho Circle had a difficult time understanding how Riverwoods' weekly programs were different from other groups coming in the area picking up kids. The answer involves an Advocate and a Church.
The Riverwoods Advocate builds consistent relationships with youth and plugs them into existing ministries of the local church. One of the best partnerships is the Friday night ministry we call Teen Nite where teens are offered a place to positively interact with their peers playing basketball, group games, and board games. The evening ends with a devotion that is delivered by one of the church's ministers who relates well with youth. Because the space is donated by Aurora Christian School, there is no limit on time or the content of our message. We are able to preach the Gospel each time we meet. Sunday school is another cooperative ministry for the youth although it can be difficult to convince kids that they can learn anything at 8:00 on a Sunday morning!
This partnership has fostered many positive peer relationships among the youth as well as mentoring relationships with the leaders. It's important to talk about the Word and teach it, but statistics say modeling what you teach is a much more effective learning tool. Modeling takes time. Riverwoods has invested twenty-seven years of service in Jericho Circle. Now Riverwoods is united with Everlasting Word Church in its dedication to youth ministry in the Aurora area.
