The Four Pillars
At Lake Erie Loves, everything we create, host, and offer is built on four pillars.
These pillars guide how we gather, how we teach, and how we care for one another.
They are always held in this order:
Faith · Family · Fitness · Finance
Each pillar stands on the one before it, creating a strong and steady foundation for children and families to grow.
FAITH-The Foundation
Faith is the heart of Lake Erie Loves.
It is not a class we attend — it is the soil everything grows from.
We believe children grow best when they are rooted in truth, surrounded by grace, and encouraged to build a real relationship with Christ. Faith is woven naturally into our time together through prayer, conversation, Scripture, and example.
What this means for families
- Christ-centered without pressure or performance
- Scripture used to encourage, not overwhelm
- A focus on identity, character, and calling
What this looks like for kids
- Learning that God loves them deeply
- Practicing prayer together
- Seeing faith lived out in everyday moments
Faith is not something we add — it is who we are.
FAMILY-The Framework
Family is the primary place of learning, discipleship, and belonging.
Lake Erie Loves exists to support families, not replace them.
We honor parents as the primary educators and caregivers, and we create space for families to learn and grow together. Our community is intentionally multi-age, relational, and rooted in shared responsibility.
What this means for families
- Parents remain actively involved
- Flexible participation without pressure
- A covenant-based community built on respect
What this looks like for kids
- Learning alongside siblings and peers
- Feeling known, welcomed, and valued
- Growing in cooperation, empathy, and friendship
We don’t outsource family — we strengthen it.
FITNESS-The Stewardship of the Body
Fitness at Lake Erie Loves is not about competition or appearance.
It is about stewarding the bodies God has given us.
Children are created to move, explore, and play. We prioritize movement, outdoor time, and healthy rhythms so kids can grow strong, confident, and capable — physically and emotionally.
What this means for families
- Movement built naturally into the day
- Balance between activity and rest
- A healthy view of the body as a gift
What this looks like for kids
- Play, games, and outdoor exploration
- Learning coordination, strength, and resilience
- Understanding their bodies are something to care for
Strong bodies support joyful lives and faithful callings.
FINANCE-Stewardship & Responsibility
(Taught to kids as Stewardship)
Finance is the final pillar because it serves the others — not the other way around.
At Lake Erie Loves, financial wisdom is taught as stewardship. Children learn that everything they have — time, talents, resources, and money — is something God entrusts to them to care for and use wisely.
We focus on generosity, responsibility, and gratitude rather than money itself.
What this means for families
- Teaching stewardship early and gently
- Modeling generosity and responsibility
- Creating sustainability without pressure
What this looks like for kids
- Learning to care for shared supplies and spaces
- Understanding work, value, and giving
- Seeing how their actions help support community
We teach children to be faithful with little, so they can be trusted with much.
How the Pillars Work Together
The pillars are not separate programs — they are a shared rhythm.
Every co-op day, event, resource, and gathering is filtered through these questions:
- Does this reflect our faith?
- Does this support families?
- Does this care for body and mind?
- Does this teach stewardship and responsibility?
If it doesn’t align with the pillars, it doesn’t belong here.
Our Commitment
Lake Erie Loves is not about doing more —
it’s about building something lasting, intentional, and rooted in Christ.
These four pillars guide us as we grow slowly, love deeply, and build a village where children and families can truly belong.
Faith · Family · Fitness · Finance
Built in order. Held with purpose. Grown together.