176 | Summer Ministries

In this episode of we share about how our churches engage in summer ministries like Vacation Bible School (VBS) and youth camps, particularly at places like Jonathan Creek and Cedarmore. We describe how our students come back from camp energized and ready to serve, creating a positive cycle of involvement between youth and children’s ministries. We use trusted curricula like Answers in Genesis for VBS, and we appreciate the cooperation among nearby churches that allows kids to attend multiple programs, enriching their experiences without repetition.

We recognize that these ministries take significant time and resources, often occupying nearly half the summer with focused efforts on children and youth. We see the tremendous benefits: strengthened relationships among church members, deeper gospel exposure in a condensed time frame, and the fostering of discipleship that impacts students beyond the camp or VBS week. We also acknowledge challenges, such as costs and the risk of a temporary “camp high” that might fade, but we view these as manageable in light of the overall spiritual growth and community building.

We encourage everyone who can to get involved in these ministries, knowing that serving alongside students and children not only impacts their lives but also deepens our own faith and connections within the church family. We celebrate the joy, fun, and meaningful moments that come from these shared experiences, confident that the investment in these ministries yields lasting fruit in the lives of our young people and the body of Christ.