Come alive to God.
First Free Students is a community of teens and adult leaders who worship, grow and serve together. Together, students discover their true identity in Jesus and pursue authentic friendships.
Wednesdays
Worship and Message | Year-Round
Our primary venues for students to worship, grow and serve together. Social time, games, high-energy worship led by a band, a transforming message from God’s Word, and small group discussion times.
6:15–8:15 p.m. Wednesdays
Element High School
Heartbeat Middle School
Year-round
Main Campus – Lower Level
Rockford, IL 61107
East Wing – Student Rooms
Life Groups
Student Communities | School-Year
Small gatherings where students can pursue authentic friendships, be transformed by God’s Word and ask hard questions about life and faith. High school and middle school groups meet in host homes across the Rockford and Belvidere areas.
Element High School
6:30–8:30 p.m. Sundays @ Various Locations.
Heartbeat Middle School
12–2 p.m. Sundays in the Heartbeat Room. Lunch provided!
Retreats
Community and Transformation
Retreats for both high school and middle school students. These are great opportunities to spend extended time with each other to learn, grow and create lasting memories. Unique outdoor activities, special speakers and worship experiences all focus on inspiring students to follow Jesus ever-more closely.
Snow Camp 2025 –
ELEMENT (High School)
Dates: January 17–20, 2025
Cost: TBA (scholarships available)
Winter Retreat 2025 – HEARTBEAT (Middle School)
Dates: January 31–February 2, 2025
Cost: TBA (scholarships available)
First Free Youth Connect
Middle & High School | Year-round
Sundays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Element room. Both middle and high school students are invited to come, eat breakfast together, engage in intentional conversation and have a time of casual fun before going upstairs together for the 10:30 a.m. service.
Summer Camp
High School and Middle School
Engage in worship, hear inspiring messages, and deepen your relationship with God and others.
Dates: 2025 dates TBA
Location: 2025 location TBA
Registration & Cost: TBA
Mission Trips
High School
Challenging students to put their faith into action in new ways, to humbly serve others and deepen their relationship with God.
2025 trip dates: TBD
Locations to be announced!
Around Town Thursdays
High School & Middle School| School Year
Throughout the year, our Students director meets with students in coffee shops and cafés across Rockford. It’s an open-house extension of our pursuit of authentic community. Check our social platforms for schedules and details.
Rooted Young Adults
Ages 18–30 | Year-Round
Community for young adults and college students. We gather weekly on Tuesdays to help each other grow in our relationships with God, each other and the church family. Find your identity centered in Christ, pursue God-given dreams and goals, have fun together and ultimately enjoy a deep support system during all the transitions of young adulthood. High school seniors are welcome too!
ONE INCREDIBLE NIGHT
5–9 p.m. Wednesday, August 7
Students grades 6–12 are invited to One Incredible Night from 5–9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7! Bring some friends and enjoy one incredible night of food, inflatables, games and music. The event will be held on First Free’s main campus located at 2223 N Mulford Road in Rockford, IL. Activities will begin at the outdoor fields and then move inside to the downstairs Element room.
First Free Students is a community of young people and adult leaders who worship, grow and serve together. We exist to help students come alive to God by creating a safe space to experience radical love, embody true identity in Jesus, and pursue authentic friendships. Our culture thrives on being ridiculously fun, pursuing God’s mission, experiencing God’s Word, and investing in one another.
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Meredith Domanico
Student Ministries Director
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Kendra Johnson
Administrative Assistant
