Recreation Ministry
Idlewild Recreation is the largest integrated church-community recreation program in the city, nurturing participants from both the church and the community at large. The programs demonstrate the love of Christ through organized recreation by providing positive role models, capable leadership in a Christian environment, safe facilities, and an inclusive spirit. The church’s gym and recreation programs are open to all in the community.
Weather - Check field play ability or gym availability. You can also call 901-725-4165 ext. 17.
Sports Teams and Camps
Idlewild teams are a part of the Memphis Christian Recreation Association (MCRA) or East Shelby Church Recreation Association (ESCRA).
For the safety of all parties involved, all Idlewild volunteer coaches complete a background check prior to each season. If you wish to coach a team your child is on, please note in the COMMENT SECTION of your child's registration that you are willing to coach.
REGISTRATION: Click the links on the left to register online, or click here for a brochure/form to print.
Basketball Teams for Boys and Girls
Basketball is offered for boys and girls age five and older. Registration is in September. Cost is $35 for mini jammers (kindergarten); $70 for youth; $40 for adults.
The Mini-Jammer league for kindergarteners is a beginner league, hosted at Idlewild, with a focus on teamwork, fundamentals of the game, and having fun while playing. Mini-Jammers play and practice on Saturday mornings in January and February. For first grade and older, teams practice one day a week and play on Saturdays at designated locations starting in December.
Adult leagues are also available for both men and women.
Baseball and Softball Teams
We are offering baseball for all ages, with T-ball for 5 and 6 years olds, coach-pitch for 7 and 8 year olds, and majors for up to 18 years. There are softball teams for youth girls; and adult teams for men and women. Games are from April to early July. Registration will run for the whole month of February. Adult teams are in the Bartlett Softball League. Registration begins in February, and practices start in April. Cost is $60 for youth; $40 for tball; $45 for adults.
Fall and Spring Soccer for Children
Idlewild has soccer teams for boys and girls ages 4-18. Soccer is a growing sport with many youths playing in the Mid-South. Idlewild focuses on good sportsmanship and teamwork, while experiencing the love of Christ through play. Soccer is offered both in the spring and in the fall. Costs for soccer are $60 for youth; $35 for mini strikers (kindergarten).
Click here for soccer registration. Click here for letter for parents.
Spring Soccer: Registration is during February. The games begin in April and last through the end of May. Please call the recreation office for more details (901)-725-4165.
Fall Soccer: Registration is in May. Games begin in August and lasts through October. Please call the recreation office for more details (901)-725-4165.
Sports Camps
Idlewild Soccer Camp with Coach Andy Marcinko
Soccer Camp with the Rhodes College coaching staff headed by Andy Marcinko is for ages 7-14. This is the best soccer camp value in the city! Coach Marcinko works with the Olympic Development Program and young soccer players have everything to gain from his experience. Don’t forget your swimsuit! Call 725-4165 for more details. Dates for this camp are TBA
Idlewild Basketball Camp with Coach Dee Wilkes
Dee Wilkes is the head men's basketball coach at FACS. Cost is $100. Camp dates and times will be released soon. Please contact the recreation office for more details.
Rhodes College Sport Camps
Rhodes College has many wonderful camps this summer: lacrosse, soccer, basketball, volleyball, etc. Check out the Rhodes camp website for details, or contact our recreation office at 725-4165.
Outdoor Challenge, Adventures and Trips
Junior/Senior High Outdoor Challenge - July 27 - August 2, 2012
Youth craving adventure will enjoy exploring new caves, splashing down new rivers, climbing to new heights, and whitewater rafting. Cost is $585 includes food, lodging, activities. Space is limited. Call recreation at 725-4165 to sign up or for more info.
Church Camps and Retreats
NaCoMe All-Church Camp
Spring Camp - April 20-22, 2012
Fall Camp - October 5-7, 2012
Each spring and fall, spend a relaxing and meaningful weekend at NaCoMe Camp. Young and old, singles and families—anyone who enjoys the great outdoors, fun and fellowship is invited to join in these weekend camping retreats.
NaCoMe Registration Form - Spring 2012
New Orleans Trip
Dates TBA
If you missed the first trip you don't want to miss this one! Join a group and travel to New Orleans for the weekend. We will take a swamp tour, history tour and eat so much yummy New Orleans food. We will end the trip with church at St. Charles Presbyterian Church. Cost is $125 per person based on double occupancy. Trip is limited to 12 so RSVP soon! please call the recreation office at Idlewild if you have any question (901)-725-4165
St. Louis Baseball Trip
June 9-10, 2012
Idlewild Baseball fans will be boarding the bus for a trip to see the St. Louis Cardinals take on the the Cleveland Indians. The trip will be June 4-5. Cost is TBA and includes transportation, lodging, and tickets. Call the recreation office 725-4165 for more details.
Pinecrest Outdoor Challenge
Dates TBA
Have you ever wanted to go hiking or learn how to canoe on the river or just do somethings outdoors that you never got the chance to do. Whether you are in college or have kids in college, here’s your chance. You will have the opportunity to go canoeing on the Wolf River, tree climbing, a night hike, ropes course, a bonfire, and more as we travel to Pinecrest Retreat Center to build relationships and enjoy the great outdoors. This trip is open to all, but we do have limited space available so RSVP Quickly. Cost is $150 for the entire weekend. Call the Recreation office for more details, 725-4165.
NaCoMe Adult Retreat
Friday-Sunday
February 17-19, 2012
Idlewild adults of ALL ages are invited to come and spend a relaxing weekend See old familiar faces and many new to our church! Enjoy five totally delicious meals! Relax in a newly refurbished cabin! Be inspired by a powerful program! Sing along with Idlewild’s (almost-famous) musicians! Dance until dawn (or at least 9:45 p.m.) Hike, read, walk the labyrinth, bird-watch, play horseshoes, watch a movie, play cards, laugh, talk, discuss, listen, nap... More details to come.
The annual Sole to Soul 5K Race
Sole to Soul 5K & Family Fun Walk
Saturday, September 29, 2012
8:00 a.m.
POST-RACE REPORT: Thanks to the 200 runners who registered for the Sole to Soul 5k, we raised $5,000 for the Mid-South Food Bank. We also sent more than 500 lbs. of food. Yea! Many thanks to everyone who ran, walked, volunteered, donated and brought food. Sole to Soul winners will be posted soon.
The 9th annual Sole to Soul begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Idlewild Church parking lot. Run the 5K or join in the One-Mile Family Fun Walk. There will be music, games and fun for the kids. More details, race course, and registration will be posted later. Proceeds benefit the Mid-South Food Bank.
RACE REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION FEE
VOLUNTEER - To volunteer for Race Day contact Ashley LaRue,
alarue@idlewildchurch.org or 725-4165.
Trivia Night - Friday, September 28
Test your brain with trivia and your decorating skills with table trimmings. (Grown-ups only, please.) More details to come.
Classes, Arts and Crafts
The Pottery Studio
Beginners, intermediates, experts are all welcome to the pottery studio, located downstairs in the Jones Building. There are two electric wheels, slab roller, and a new kiln to enjoy. Studio hours: Wednesday night 6:00-8:00. NO COST for classes, but donations are greatly appreciated and are used to supply glazes, tools, and clay. Please contact Ashley LaRue, 725-4165, for more details.
Dance Groups
Two dance groups meet at Idlewild Church each week, and you are invited to join in the fun (plus great exercise). All dance groups are free, and open to singles and couples, young and young at heart.
Folk Waltz
1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Room 110E (Jones Bldg.). Please contact Ron McDonald for more information-mcdonaldron@comcast.net.
Contra Dance
Meets 2nd, 4th and 5th Fridays of each month, 7:30-9:30 p.m. in the T.K. Young Room.
Seasonal Church Events
Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper
February 21, 2012
Fat Tuesday is our annual pancake supper. Come and enjoy good food and fun. cost is $7 for adults and $4 for children and will begin at 5:30. This year the event will be held on March 8, 2011. Call the recreation office for more details at 725-4165.
All-Church Potluck Lunches
March 4, 2012
March 6th after church in the gymnasium. Please make plans to attend. This is a church wide event for everyone. Ms. Faye will be making her famous fried chicken. Please plan to bring the following according to your last name: A-I : desert, J-P: side item, Q-Y: vegetable. Sign up after church on February 20th or 27th or call the recreation office to RSVP.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Celebrate Evangelism Sunday with fried chicken, rolls and drinks provided. Members, if possible please bring a dish : A-I : desert, J-P: side item, Q-Y: vegetable. Sign up after church on February 20th or 27th or call the recreation office to RSVP. Even if you can 't bring anything, please come!
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Fun for children under 12 is from 10:30 until noon. Please plan to bring a dozen plastic eggs with individually wrapped candy to the church the week before. There are arts and crafts, games and food.
Fall Fun for Everyone
Halloween Carnival
October 24, 2012
Put on your favorite costume and bring your family and friends to the great annual Idlewild Halloween Carnival. Moon slide, moon bounce, face painting, candy, games — the works! Carnival-style food served before the carnival. Children $4, adults free (because grown-ups need to have fun too). October 26, 2011 @ 6:00 in the gym.
Elmwood Cemetery Tour
October 27, 2012
Discover Memphis! If you have never visited Elmwood, this tour is the best way to get to know the cemetery and the individuals who rest here. Costumed characters portraying Elmwood residents will introduce you to the history of Memphis' oldest active cemetery. This is an all-walking tour and will begin at 5:00 with dinner. We will meet at the church at 4:30. Cost is $15 for the tour, dinner not included. Call 725-4165 to RSVP!
Kids Night Out- Dates TBA
Parents...need a night out for Christmas shopping, dinner and a movie, or just a couple hours to relax? Bring your kids to Idlewild for a fun night of movies, games and more! We will order pizza, play in the gym, watch movies, and do some arts and crafts. Cost is $15 per child, ages 6-12. Led by Ashley LaRue and Anthony Albonetti. 6pm-10pm. Limit of 20 children so RSVP soon!
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