Different Ways to Engage Kids This Summer

Chances are you’ve looked at the calendar and you know that summer is coming! Chances also are that you’ve looked around your church and realized that kids are going to need something to do to stay engaged while home during the summer. Depending on where you live, and the restrictions in your locale, you might be needing something different and creative to reach out to the kids in your ministry. Here are a few suggestions depending on your church’s level of return and comfort.

If you have no plans to be on campus during the summer months consider these suggestions for staying engaged with your kids. 

• Hey, there’s always the old fashioned telephone. Giving kids (with parent’s permission) a quick phone call periodically just to catch up will go a long way in keeping them engaged in what’s happening in your kids’ ministry.
• Have a drive by parade, only in reverse where you take the time to drive by the kids’ homes and shout a greeting. If you can, stop and pray for them from your car. 
• Send virtual challenges through email or text as appropriate. Think of creative challenges kids can complete by themselves or with a sibling and have them record themselves completing the challenge and email or text it back to you. 
• Host a virtual VBS event.

If your church and city are more open and you can have folks gather outside, consider some of these suggestions for staying engaged with your kids. 

• Host family events at the church on Saturday’s or whatever day works best for you. Some of the fun things you could do outside are water day, fun field day, bicycle or tricycle parade, ice cream social or host a family picnic. 
• Have your families gather to enjoy popsicles in the park.
• Host outdoor neighborhood VBS events.

If your church and city allow on campus meetings, consider these suggestions for staying engaged with your kids.

• Host a family game night where everyone brings their favorite board game and let everyone choose which game to play.
• Organize a parent’s night out where you have fun games and activities for the kids while mom and dad get a few hours to relax, knowing their kids are well taken care of. 
• Host a traditional on campus VBS event.

Staying engaged with the kids in your ministry is very important and hopefully some of these suggestions will spark an idea for you. 

Tim Pollard teaches 3rd graders at Tulip Grove Baptist Church. He’s passionate about helping kids dig deep into Scripture, which he pursues through his daily work as leader of the Explore the Bible: Kids team. Tim lives with his wife and daughters in Mount Juliet, TN.