By: Kimba Campbell
As the school year draws to a close and the first hints of summer start to appear, children everywhere eagerly look forward to the possibilities that await them. To kids, the beginning of summer isn’t just a change in the weather; it’s a gateway to a world of endless adventures and unforgettable experiences. Kids dream about the promise of ice cream cones, staying up past bedtime, swimming and water play, family vacations, and day camps or overnight camps.
Ministering to children during the summer is crucial for nurturing their faith, fostering community, and helping them grow in their relationship with Christ. It is important for several reasons:
Spiritual Growth: Summer offers a break from the routine of school, making it an opportune time to focus on spiritual growth. By engaging children in church activities during the summer, you provide them opportunities to deepen their understanding of faith, learn biblical principles, and develop a personal relationship with God.
Continuity and Connection: Many families may travel or have disrupted schedules during the summer months. By maintaining consistent programming for children in church, you provide continuity in their spiritual education and help them stay connected to the church community even when they’re not in school.
Building Community: Summer activities in church create opportunities for children to bond with their peers and develop meaningful relationships with adult mentors in the congregation. These connections foster a sense of belonging and support within the church community, which is essential for children’s spiritual and emotional well-being.
Positive Use of Free Time: During the summer, children often have more free time on their hands. By offering engaging and constructive activities in church, you provide them with alternatives to idle or potentially negative behaviors. This helps them use their time productively and encourages positive habits.
Fun and Enjoyment: Summer ministry programs can be designed to be fun, exciting, and enjoyable for children. This makes learning about faith and participating in church activities a positive and rewarding experience. When children associate church with joy and fulfillment, they are more likely to continue their involvement as they grow older.
Outreach and Evangelism: Summer provides opportunities for outreach and evangelism, as many families may be more receptive to exploring faith-related activities during vacation time. By organizing special events or inviting non-churched families to participate in summer programs, you can introduce them to the love of Christ in a welcoming environment.
Ministering to children and families during the summer can be a meaningful and enriching experience. Here are some creative ideas:
- Vacation Bible School: Lifeway’s Breaker Rock Beach VBS
- Campfire Worship Nights
- Water Fun Days
- Mission Projects in your community
- Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts
- Family Movie Nights
- Day Camps
- Sports Camps
- And more! The possibilities are endless!
Overall, summer is a crucial time to minister to children and guide them to grow into disciples of Christ. It’s a time to sow seeds of faith that can bear fruit for a lifetime. Summer is also such a fun time to create lasting memories filled with laughter, joy, and meaningful connections!
Kimba Campbell serves as the Lifeway Kids Publishing Team Leader for Bible Studies for Life. Before coming to Lifeway, she served on church staff for over 18 years in Texas, Georgia, California and Tennessee. Kimba is a Texas Aggie (Gig ‘Em Aggies!) and also earned a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She and her husband, Paul, stay busy with their three boys.
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