Summer faith experiences for children can be touchstones in their lives. The opportunity to go to camp, attend Vacation Bible School, or even visit a new church with a friend of family member can deepen a child’s understanding and experience of God. When I was a child, I was always excited to visit my grandparents. Although both sets of grandparents lived in the same small town in Wyoming, they attended different Lutheran congregations. I loved visiting both churches and seeing what was new and different. Sitting with someone I loved in their congregation, singing, and praying created a core memory for me that I still remember vividly nearly forty years later.

Outdoor summer ministry is also a vibrant way for children to encounter God afresh. Vacation Bible School, summer church camp, summer retreats, or church camping trips can all offer profoundly new experiences. Getting outside the church building to experience God is a wonderful way to build spiritual growth. There are new sights, sounds, smells, and wonders to take in with every sense expanding. Singing hymns and camp songs around a campfire under the stars is worship in God’s creation.

Summer experiences can be expensive to attend. In the past decade I have been pleasantly surprised at the shift towards affordability and access for all children by church-run outdoor ministries. The camps in our area, for example, offer scholarships, a tiered pricing system, and outreach to churches and families that might not otherwise be able to afford the cost. Our congregation supports summer faith experiences for all children and youth with a partial scholarship for everyone, no matter their financial situation. We have dedicated a fund for this resource and regularly raise money for it, as well as including it in the list of areas that memorial gifts can be directed. When members of the congregation hear that we have kids who would like to go to church camp but cannot afford the cost, they step up with support.

Finding new ways to encounter God over the summer is a wonderful way for children and youth to grow in their faith. Visit a congregation with a friend or family member, find a church camp or Vacation Bible School experience, head to a summer retreat for youth, join with another congregation on a mission project—whatever experience you find, God will be there, too.