Lutz Campus

18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd.
Lutz, FL 33548

Idlewild at The Springs

8209 N 19th St
Tampa, FL 33604

Iglesia Bautista Idlewild

Main Campus, Student Building, Hall 2
 

Special Needs

At Idlewild, we desire to include each person in the life of the church. Our Special Needs Ministry provides an appropriate and supportive environment for the individual impacted by a disability or special needs, while other family members attend worship service, Bible Fellowship groups or serve in the church. Because of the unique nature of each individual we serve, we ask all new participants in the activities to complete a questionnaire and meet with the Special Needs Ministry leader before attending the activities.

Sunday Morning Classes

  • 9:15: Adults and older teens meet at 9:15 for prayer, Bible study and fellowship. Many of these students attend the worship service during the next session.
  • 11:00: Our group participates in the music portion of the worship service, then returns to the Suite and divides into two classes: Elementary and Teens/Young Adults. Age-appropriate Bible teaching and activities are offered in each group.
  • Double Session: For those students needing care for both sessions while family attends Bible Fellowship and Worship, respite is available for the additional time.

 

Our Preschool, Children’s Ministry, and Student Ministry all welcome students with varying abilities. Because each situation is unique, you are encouraged to call in advance so that together we can work toward the best setting for each student. We also invite you to visit on a quiet weekday so that Sunday morning can be smoother for your student.

Schedule a get-to-know-you visit

Buddy Break - Children's Respite

  • Buddy Break provides a safe place for VIPs and their siblings to have fun while their caregivers get a break.
  • VIPs are kids with disabilities or special needs. Buddy Break is for VIP children ages 2-16 and their elementary aged siblings.
  • Buddies are volunteers at least 14 years old, have completed Buddy Training 101 and are paired up with a VIP or sibling for the day. Adult Volunteers are background checked.

Want to enroll your VIP for Buddy Break?

  • FIRST create an account at buddybreak.org and complete the VIP enrollment. Please specify Region FL:WEST
  • THEN sign up your kiddo for the next event at Idlewild. Registration links for open events are located below. Idlewild hosts Buddy Break from 10 am till 1 pm on these dates.
  • ALSO print and bring these two forms with you the first time.  

Space is limited so Idlewild registration is required for each event.

The Branch - Adult Respite

The Branch is a ministry of friendship and respite for adults with disabilities or special needs.
We gather on scheduled Friday evenings for themed activities, devotions and fun.

 

Click here for our schedule.

Small Groups

Sundays | 9:15AM + 11AM
Classes for all ages with trained volunteers.

Worship

Wednesdays | 6:30PM
Classes for all ages with a focus on music and art

Recreation

Spring and Fall Leagues
For all abilities and ages

Respite Care

Quarterly Events
Abiding Kids:  Ages 2-14 and siblings
The Branch:  Ages 15+

Intricately Woven

Monthly – 1st Wednesday | 6:30PM
Parent-to-parent encouragement, prayer and resources

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Sundays | 9:15AM + 11AM
Wednesdays | 6:30PM
ASL interpretation and live captioning available

Latest Updates

  • Lake Yale Adult VBS Retreat  FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions    Contact Person: Tammy Sills    (352) 397-7501 (C) Event Dates: May 9-10, 2025  Event Times: 8:00am Friday departure, 3:00/3:30pm Saturday return  Event Location: Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center/Leesburg     Transportation: Load vans at 7:45am for 8:00am departure. Look for vans......

    07 May, 2025

  • For adults (no specific age range) with special needs, this overnight retreat packs a week's worth of VBS into two fun-filled days, May 9-10! Located at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center in Leesburg, FL....

    05 March, 2025

  • A Support Group for Parents and/or Family members of a Loved One with Special Needs....

    13 June, 2024

Register for an Event

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