Things are heating up as summer rolls around, but that doesn’t mean the spiritual life of your kids has to cool down! While summertime often means even more sporadic church attendance as families enjoy trips, vacations, and downtime, the summer can be an opportunity for spiritual growth for the kids and families you lead.
Make a splash in kids’ faith this summer with these awesome resources!
If you’d like a more visual version of this page, find that here.
New for 2022
Summer Splash: Summer Event – Host a wet-n-wild summer event that helps your families stay cool and have fun! This event is designed as a relationship-building event, giving kids and parents the opportunity to hang out together and create memories. This event can be as detailed/organized or as low-key as you want to make it! Learn more here.
Go! Super Duper Curriculum Bundle – The Super Duper Curriculum Bundle includes 4 units (2 elementary and 2 preschool) from Go! Curriculum. PLUS… We’ll also give you 2 months of GO+ (which includes 9 episodes of the “Journey Today Show”) for absolutely FREE! The Journey Today Show provides you with a video-driven curriculum that’s perfect for when volunteer numbers are low. Altogether, when purchased separately, this is a $446 value for only $49! Learn more here.
Teach Us to Pray: A 9-week series on the Lord’s Prayer – Help kids in your ministry learn how to pray and discover the powerful truths of the Lord’s Prayer. This 9-week curriculum was designed with small churches in mind and includes COVID-safe, adaptable activities for a variety of age groups. It’s also a great curriculum to use over the summer when your attendance (and volunteer base) might be lower. Learn more here.
The Family 5: 5-minute sermons for the whole family – “The Family 5” is a short five-minute sermon experience designed with both kids and grown-ups in mind. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s interactive, and it’s what families will be talking about long after the church service is over. Learn more here.
PNO: Minute to Win It – Get your timers ready for this fast-paced Parents’ Night Out – Minute to Win It Event! For this event, you will need either a large gym or multipurpose room, small classrooms, or both. This event is adaptable and will fit any kids ministry, including ideas for smaller groups! It also includes a short wrap-up session that helps kids learn about time management and seeking God for wisdom in our lives. Learn more here.
Scripture Scoops – Scoop up God’s Word this summer while creating Scripture Scoops! This is a simple, hands-on way to read and write God’s Word. It’s a fun summer Bible reading plan for kids that will help them learn the Word of God. Scripture Scoops involves reading a Bible verse each day from the book of Psalms, writing the verse onto an ice cream scoop, and then creating ice cream cones! Learn more here.
KidMin Social Media Posts: June Holidays – Foster engagement and fun on your ministry social media accounts with this bundle of social media posts for June! Celebrate the serious and silly holidays in June with pre-written captions + customizable graphics to post on your ministry’s social media accounts that encourage parents and families to engage, respond, and interact. Learn more here.
Pentecost Holiday History Lesson – This lesson talks all about Pentecost and highlights the power that comes with the gift of the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit is our guide! Learn more here.
Things Dads Say: Father’s Day Mini Movie – Every dad has a collection of corny phrases and sayings that are sure to embarrass everyone in his family. It’s ok, Dad, we still love you. This is a great Father’s Day Mini-Movie for your Kid’s or Family Worship Experience. Learn more here.
Father’s Day Graphics – These graphics will help you communicate to the men in your church how awesome they are! See a regular Father’s Day Title graphic here. There are also two versions of “Dad, You’re the Best” Title Graphics (one here and one here) and they each have a matching set for social media (one here and one here).
Making the Jump: Helping Kids Transition Successfully From Children’s to Youth Ministry Online Training Session – Making the jump from children’s ministry to youth ministry can be hard for everyone involved – the preteens, the parents, and you as a leader! Kids often feel insecure, parents have a lot of questions, and you’re just trying to make sure this transitional age group stays engaged. In this online training session, you’ll discover 3 ways to ensure all your bases are covered as you help preteens transition successfully to youth ministry. Learn more here.
Dad Jokes Mini Movie – This video full of cheesy dad jokes is perfect to use as a service opener, sermon bumper, or transitional element in your Father’s Day worship services. Learn more here.
Curriculum & Teaching
Go! Super Duper Curriculum Bundle – The Super Duper Curriculum Bundle includes 4 units (2 elementary and 2 preschool) from Go! Curriculum. PLUS… We’ll also give you 2 months of GO+ (which includes 9 episodes of the “Journey Today Show”) for absolutely FREE! The Journey Today Show provides you with a video-driven curriculum that’s perfect for when volunteer numbers are low. Altogether, when purchased separately, this is a $446 value for only $49! Learn more here.
Teach Us to Pray: A 9-week series on the Lord’s Prayer – Help kids in your ministry learn how to pray and discover the powerful truths of the Lord’s Prayer. This 9-week curriculum was designed with small churches in mind and includes COVID-safe, adaptable activities for a variety of age groups. It’s also a great curriculum to use over the summer when your attendance (and volunteer base) might be lower. Learn more here.
The Family 5: 5-minute sermons for the whole family – “The Family 5” is a short five-minute sermon experience designed with both kids and grown-ups in mind. It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s interactive, and it’s what families will be talking about long after the church service is over. Learn more here.
Pentecost Holiday History Lesson – This lesson talks all about Pentecost and highlights the power that comes with the gift of the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit is our guide! Learn more here.
Lost & Found – Give your kids an opportunity to explore what it means to feel lost and then to be found by Jesus! In Lost and Found, children will study Luke 15 over the course of 3 weeks to discover how the God of love seeks and saves the lost through Jesus the Son. Learn more here.
God’s Commandments Preteen Series – Challenge and grow your preteens with this midweek, Zoom-friendly curriculum. Using object lessons, cooking, and complex crafts, they will learn about the ten commandments and how they relate to us today! Learn more here.
All the Feels Preteen Series – A 6-week, Zoom-friendly preteen study on the Psalms that explores the different emotions we feel and how God responds to them. Learn more here.
Take A Knee Series on Humility – Pride leads to destruction, but God gives grace to the humble. This 4-week series on humility uses a phrase kids hear from their coaches on the playing field to remind them to humble themselves before others and before God. These sports-themed lessons not only help you explain pride and humility to the children you serve but show them what pride and humility lead to. Learn more here.
Launch Pad – As you’re doing baptisms this summer, check out this 3-week curriculum for the new believer and curious child. We all need a starting place and a firm foundation in Christianity. This series is designed to be that foundation for the kids in your ministry. Learn more here.
Journey Through Jonah – The Journey through Jonah series is an 8-week series designed for a small church setting (anywhere from 2-20 kids), although it can be adapted for any setting, and it now includes resources and details for adapting for at-home use during the summer and quarantines! The 8 weeks will take kids through the entire book of Jonah and help them discover truths about God, the Gospel, and grace! Learn more here.
Bubbles, Buddies & Books: 12-Week Preschool Playdate Curriculum – Are you looking for a way to interact with young families throughout the week in a unique and simple way? Bubbles, Buddies & Books is a print-and-go curriculum for 12 weeks with themes, supply lists, and printables ready to be put into PLAY! Learn more here.
Identity Kids: 13-week Series – There are many voices in this world teaching our children an identity. But it is often harmful and not Biblical. In this Identity Kids series, we as Bible teachers will paint the realities of God’s Word onto the canvas of our children’s lives. All 13 lessons in this series help kids learn important truths about who God says they are. Unless kids hear and embrace the truth God declares about them, they will not come to a full understanding of who they are IN CHRIST and will never reach their full God-given potential. Learn more here.
Lessons for the Sheep about the Shepherd – This is a series of 8 mini sheep-themed lessons about Jesus. These lessons explore what it means to have Jesus as our Shepherd and what makes Him a good shepherd. Each lesson is designed to last 20-30 minutes. These lessons are perfect for a summer midweek program paired with activity nights, and activity night ideas are included. Learn more here.
Scavenger Hunt Through the Psalms – This series is an innovative and slightly wacky way to teach eight different Psalms. Each lesson begins with a scavenger hunt that your children will love, while allowing them to move around and use their imagination. Through this series, children learn that the writer of Psalms had good days, bad days, problems, highs and lows, just like we do. Learn more here.
The Great Money Adventure Curriculum – The Great Money Adventure is not just a curriculum; it’s a call to action. Over the course of 9 different sessions, kids will receive a step-by-step plan for creating their own businesses, and they will be inspired to use the money they make to make a difference in the world around them. Learn more here.
Making the Jump: Helping Kids Transition Successfully From Children’s to Youth Ministry Online Training Session – Making the jump from children’s ministry to youth ministry can be hard for everyone involved – the preteens, the parents, and you as a leader! Kids often feel insecure, parents have a lot of questions, and you’re just trying to make sure this transitional age group stays engaged. In this online training session, you’ll discover 3 ways to ensure all your bases are covered as you help preteens transition successfully to youth ministry. Learn more here.
At-Home Family Ideas
Scripture Scoops – Scoop up God’s Word this summer while creating Scripture Scoops! This is a simple, hands-on way to read and write God’s Word. It’s a fun summer Bible reading plan for kids that will help them learn the Word of God. Scripture Scoops involves reading a Bible verse each day from the book of Psalms, writing the verse onto an ice cream scoop, and then creating ice cream cones! Learn more here.
4-Week Parables of Joy Family Devotional – More than ever, kids need to experience joy and they need to know where true joy comes from. “Invitation to JOY” is a flexible, fun Bible reading plan and discussion guide for 4 of Jesus’ parables of joy. This simple family study is an invitation to participate in the joy of God when the lost are found, when the bridegroom returns to claim his bride, and when everyone is invited to the banquet. Learn more here.
Summer Devotional and Buckets of Fun – Make a “buckets of fun” summer kit for your families with devotionals, activities, and prizes to help them have fun and stay connected with God with summer. Learn more here.
Summer Family Bingo – Every summer, families get busier and busier. By the time school starts back, parents say that they have spent very little time together as a family – even on family vacations! Use this Summer Family Bingo to encourage families to spend time together this summer! Every activity is either free or very low-cost, easily fitting into a family’s budget. Learn more here.
Fruit of the Spirit Week Family Devotional – Bring Spirit Week home with the kids! This fun at-home event includes a two-sheet printable PDF that includes an instruction sheet for what to do at home for the week, plus a daily schedule that includes Color of the Day, 2 Fruits of the Spirit, Bible story, and 2 Bible verses. Each day, children will spend 15-20 minutes reading the Word, journaling, practicing gratitude, and learning about the Fruits of the Spirit. Learn more here.
What’s For Dinner Family Challenge – So many families feel overscheduled, overwhelmed and overextended. Deep inside they crave community and heartfelt connection. Going through the “What’s for Dinner?” challenge will help them experience more simplicity and spaciousness in their lives. Learn more here.
Summer Bible Reading Bingo – Help your church kids form the habit of reading God’s Word daily this summer! Summer Bible Reading Bingo is a resource for preschool and elementary children that will help them read their Bible during the summer and stay connected with God. This resource is designed to help children develop a daily quiet time with God that includes reading their Bible and getting to know God through His Word. Learn more here.
Summer Family Challenge – The Summer Family Challenge is an exciting “choose your own adventure” family activity that provides parents and children with many different options for a memorable, fun, and faith-filled summer. Learn more here.
Camping with God Family Devotional – Looking for a way to keep families connected this summer and in God’s Word? Download this Camping with God: Summer Adventure Kit that will take kids and families through the book of Exodus together! With a fun camping theme, families will accompany the people of Israel on a journey through the book of Exodus – learning important lessons about God and His faithfulness to Israel and to us. Learn more here.
Grow Like Jesus – Grow Like Jesus is a summer growth plan that gives children a clear path for improvement in every area of their lives. This is a self-guided, choose-your-own-adventure type of program. First, a child receives a printed Summer Growth Plan workbook. Then they look at the eight different challenges and choose one or two that call their name. Learn more here.
Summer to Remember Scrapbook & Devotional – Help the kids in your ministry make this a summer to remember! This summer scrapbook activity kit allows kids to spend eight weeks learning about Jesus through sheep-themed pages while making a summer scrapbook. It also encourages kids to study and memorize Psalm 23! Learn more here.
Bible Superhero Week Family Devotional – Make Bible learning fun at home! Bible Superhero Week is a family resource that provides 5 days of activities related to superheroes in the Bible. This resource for families helps children dig into God’s Word and have fun while learning about some amazing people in the Bible. Learn more here.
Bible Olympics Family Devotional – Make Bible learning fun at home! Bible Olympics is a family resource that provides 5 devotions of activities that center around different cities in Israel. This resource for families helps children dig into God’s Word and have some Olympic fun! Learn more here.
Fruit of the Spirit Church Take Home Kit – Looking for a way to keep your families connected this summer? This Fruit-of-the-Spirit-themed church take-out box is intended to provide tangible, simple ways for kids and their families to stay connected to God during the summer. Families can use the Fruit of the Spirit Church Take Home Box to take their spiritual learning with them on the road, and/or it pairs great with a fruit of the Spirit lesson series. Learn more here.
Jonah Take Home Kit – Journey through Jonah is an adaptation of the original 8-week curriculum series designed for take-home use or for using on Zoom during the summer season. Learn more here.
Family Faith Fun on the 4th – Add faith into your family 4th of July celebration! Family Faith Fun on the 4th is a family resource that provides 12 activities for families that focus on the freedom we have in Jesus. This resource for families helps children dig into God’s Word and have fun while celebrating America’s Independence Day. Learn more here.
Father's Day
Things Dads Say: Father’s Day Mini Movie – Every dad has a collection of corny phrases and sayings that are sure to embarrass everyone in his family. It’s ok, Dad, we still love you. This is a great Father’s Day Mini-Movie for your Kid’s or Family Worship Experience. Learn more here.
Father’s Day Graphics – These graphics will help you communicate to the men in your church how awesome they are! See a regular Father’s Day Title graphic here. There are also two versions of “Dad, You’re the Best” Title Graphics (one here and one here) and they each have a matching set for social media (one here and one here).
Father’s Day Lesson – This single Holiday History lesson teaches kids about the history of Father’s Day, the role of a father, and the goodness of our Father God! Learn more here.
Father’s Day All-in-One Pack – Everything you need to celebrate Father’s Day in your Kids Ministry, all you have to do is print or post! Learn more here.
Does Dad Have Hair On His Chinny-Chin-Chin? – In this on-screen game, kids/families must guess if the dad in each family photo has a beard or not. Encourage kids to shout out the answers or complete an action (for example: touch your chin if they think the dad has a beard or keep your hands in your lap if you think he doesn’t). Play in teams or as individuals in your children’s ministry, or use it as part of a family service on Father’s Day. Learn more here.
Double Vision: Father’s Day Game – In this on-screen game, kids/families must find the father-related picture on each slide without a double. Learn more here.
Father’s Day Printables – Use these Father’s Day printables to help your kids love on the special men in their lives. These printables are perfect for time fillers or early arrivers on Father’s Day week. Learn more here.
Father’s Day Dad Joke Coloring Cards – These Dad Joke coloring cards are perfect for your Father’s Day Crafts! With multiple formatting options, these cards will be a great addition to your Father’s Day activities! Learn more here.
To the Best Pop Father’s Day Printable (FREE) – Use this printable to give a little gift to the men in your church for Father’s Day! Learn more here.
Dad Jokes Mini Movie – This video full of cheesy dad jokes is perfect to use as a service opener, sermon bumper, or transitional element in your Father’s Day worship services. Learn more here.
Summer Events (VBS, Camp, etc.)
Summer Splash: Summer Event – Host a wet-n-wild summer event that helps your families stay cool and have fun! This event is designed as a relationship-building event, giving kids and parents the opportunity to hang out together and create memories. This event can be as detailed/organized or as low-key as you want to make it! Learn more here.
So You’re Going to Camp Administrative Bundle – Whether it’s your first time taking kids to camp or your fourteenth, this supplemental bundle has tips, tricks, and printables to help you plan and prep for camp. It will help you stay organized and communicate effectively with parents as you prepare to take kids to overnight camp. Learn more here.
PNO: Nerf Wars – This event includes everything you need to run a successful Parents’ Night Out event with a Nerf Wars Theme! PNO: Nerf Wars is designed to encourage kids to have fun together in a safe and controlled environment & learn more about the Armor of God and how we can protect ourselves when we are under attack. Learn more here.
PNO: Minute to Win It – Get your timers ready for this fast-paced Parents’ Night Out – Minute to Win It Event! For this event, you will need either a large gym or multipurpose room, small classrooms, or both. This event is adaptable and will fit any kids ministry, including ideas for smaller groups! It also includes a short wrap-up session that helps kids learn about time management and seeking God for wisdom in our lives. Learn more here.
Preschool Play Days Summer Event Series – Preschool Play Days are a great way to engage your preschool families during the summer! Use a 3-event summer series to fellowship & form bonds with little ones at your church. This Preschool Play Days guide has three events that can be used as a series or you can host just one individual event. Learn more here.
Bubbles, Buddies & Books: 12-Week Preschool Playdate Curriculum – Are you looking for a way to interact with young families throughout the week in a unique and simple way? Bubbles, Buddies & Books is a print-and-go curriculum for 12 weeks with themes, supply lists, and printables ready to be put into PLAY! Learn more here.
VBS Feedback Forms – You may think the most important parts of VBS end after the kids go home on the last day. But there’s still a piece of the puzzle you can’t leave out: gathering feedback. So now that you’ve torn down decorations, appreciated your volunteers, and thrown away the leftover name tags, use these simple forms to help you gather feedback on the biggest week of the summer. Learn more here.
VBS Prayer Countdown Printable – While you do need to cut crafts, build sets, and email volunteers, one of the most important parts of preparing for VBS is prayer. This free Countdown to VBS Prayer printable will help you focus your heart, mind, and prayers on various aspects of VBS in the coming weeks. Learn more here.
VBS Planning Printable – Take your VBS planning to the next level. Use this printable to get all of your VBS tasks organized and know what is the next best thing to do. This is so much more than a to-do list. This printable will take your whole VBS program and put it into a notebook for easy organization and execution. Take the frustration out of VBS planning! Learn more here.
VBS Mad Libs Game – Here’s a free VBS-themed Mad Libs game you can play with your kids that is sure to get some laughs! Learn more here.
Just For Fun
These resources include ideas, games, and printables to add a little extra fun to your summer.
KidMin Social Media Posts: June Holidays – Foster engagement and fun on your ministry social media accounts with this bundle of social media posts for June! Celebrate the serious and silly holidays in June with pre-written captions + customizable graphics to post on your ministry’s social media accounts that encourage parents and families to engage, respond, and interact. Learn more here.
Seaside Special Dynamic Dan Video – What have flip flops, sunglasses, sun-cream, water, and a sun-hat got in common? They keep us safe and protect us on a hot day. Dynamic Dan uses these objects and some summertime illusions to discuss how God protects us and keeps us safe too! Learn more here.
Chalk Draw Summer – Kids guess what summer item the hand is drawing before time runs out in this video-led game! Learn more here.
Summer Family Bingo – Every summer, families get busier and busier. By the time school starts back, parents say that they have spent very little time together as a family – even on family vacations! Use this Summer Family Bingo to encourage families to spend time together this summer! Every activity is either free or very low-cost, easily fitting into a family’s budget. Learn more here.
Summer Printable Pack – From tic-tac-toe to hangman, this printable pack is perfect for early arriver and time filler activities for any summer event. These printables are also perfect for mailing to your kids. Learn more here.
Double Vision Summer – In this on-screen game, kids/families must find the summer-related picture on each slide without a double. Learn more here.
Preschool Play Days Summer Event Series – Preschool Play Days are a great way to engage your preschool families during the summer! Use a 3-event summer series to fellowship & form bonds with little ones at your church. This Preschool Play Days guide has three events that can be used as a series or you can host just one individual event. Learn more here.
Summer Social Media Challenges – We know that summer (and especially summer in a worldwide pandemic!) can be a tough time to try to connect with families, so this resource includes eight simple and fun ideas you can post to your church’s social media page to get connected to families. Each of these 8 social media challenges is included as a square and story-style image, and the captions are pre-written for you! Learn more here.
Does Dad Have Hair on His Chinny Chin Chin – In this on-screen game, kids/families must guess if the dad in each family photo has a beard or not. Learn more here.
Sweet Summer Crew Cards – Bring some sweetness to your summer communication with these Sweet Summer Crew Cards. Learn more here.
Free Resources
Check out these FREE summer resources we have available!
Summer Bucket List Ideas – Give this free bucket list guide to families in your church to help them be intentional about fun this summer! Learn more here.
Jonah Journal – Use this Jonah Journal to help kids take the lesson home! Each week, kids explore a short Scripture passage, complete an activity, and watch a Youtube video or listen to a song. It’s designed to disciple kids at home and provide an easy take-home element. Learn more here.
Sweet Summer Bookmarks – Add a little sweetness to your kids’ summer with these tasty bookmarks! Use the black and white version as an early arriver activity. Give the colored versions out as gifts or prizes. This freebie comes with three different bookmarks with a summer theme in color and in a black-and-white version that kids can color themselves. Learn more here.
Summer Crew Card Design – You can use this freebie to brighten up the summer for the kids in your ministry! Included in this download are .jpg and .png graphics to have professionally printed postcards made. It also includes a pdf with four postcards-ready to-print yourself as well as a pdf of nine mini cards perfect to pass out or include in a gift or goody bag. Learn more here.
Sunshine Mail – Use this Sunshine Cards printable to send some sunshine in the mail to your kids! Print and cut the cards on the download below, then add a little note on the bottom or back of the card. Learn more here.
Encouragement Challenge for Kids – Summer is a great time to help kids practice the discipline of encouragement! Print or email copies of the pages in the freebie, share with your families, and challenge kids to encourage others and “fill up their hearts” this summer. Learn more here.
Thirsty for God Object Lesson – Every kid has been thirsty, and every kid drinks water throughout their week. I like to use water, straws, and Psalm 42:1-2 (NIrV) to teach kids about being thirsty for God’s Word. The best part? They’re reminded of this lesson every time they drink water! Learn more here.
And here are some blog posts (present and past) that may be helpful as you plan and prepare for summer this year!
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