Planning a youth group retreat, whether it’s a summer, winter or fall retreat, is always exciting. You’ve got the schedule, the activities, the meals and the devotional time all nailed down. Now it’s time to make sure everyone brings what they need, including you. Here are a few things to make sure are on your Read more about Retreat Ready: Things to Make Sure are on Your Group’s Packing List[…]
Fall is calling! That means it’s time for the cool breeze, crunching leaves, worship, team-building, unforgettable moments and, of course, the iconic group photo where everyone is wearing matching fall tees. 📸 A great youth group fall retreat shirt does more than just make sure everybody matches, although that is an important job. It also Read more about Getting a Jump Start on Your Group’s Fall Retreat Shirts[…]
When it comes to youth group movie nights, the goal is simple: pick something clean and appropriate that everyone will enjoy. You need laughs, quotable moments and no awkward scenes you forgot were in there. With summer coming up (and the 20th anniversary of a certain youth group classic right around the corner 👀), here Read more about Top 5 Flicks for an Unforgettable Movie Night With Your Group[…]
Youth ministry is known for a few things, like games that get a little competitive (but always stay friendly, of course), snacks that disappear way too fast and inside jokes that make zero sense to anyone outside the group. And all of that is super important. But underneath the fun, your students are facing real-life Read more about Let’s Talk About It: Creating Space for the Tough Stuff in Youth Ministry[…]
Being the new kid is always a struggle for children and teens entering an already-established group environment. At VBS, it feels a little like showing up to a party where you don’t know anyone. There’s energy and inside jokes already happening, and new students can sometimes find themselves trying to figure out where to stand Read more about New Kids, No Problem: Helping Everyone Feel Welcome at VBS[…]
A youth group spring retreat isn’t just a weekend away; it’s a memory-making moment. It’s inside jokes waiting to happen, late-night talks that go on a little longer than planned (but that’s okay because there’s nothing more satisfying for a youth pastor than students reflecting together), and those unexpected worship moments that hit in the Read more about Youth Group Spring Retreat Games and Activities That Bring the Hype[…]
Valentine’s Day has a reputation. You know, pink everything, awkward PDA, way too many heart emojis and couples endlessly posting on their IG stories. But we’re here for the plot twist: Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be mushy-gushy or lovey-dovey. It can be about friends being friends and showing each other love in ways that Read more about Heart Your Friends: Celebrating Valentine’s Day Without the Mush[…]
Student leaders are showing up, stepping out of their comfort zones and actively choosing to lead when they could easily sit back. That’s definitely something to celebrate! Beyond a quick “good job,” student leaders deserve encouragement and recognition from their super amazing, awe-inspiring youth ministers (that’s you!). When they feel seen and supported, their faith Read more about 5 Ways to Make Student Leaders Feel Like the Rockstars They Are[…]
Okay, so we know that when youth ministers say “it’s time for some icebreakers,” it can immediately strike fear in the hearts of the students (if not fear, then definitely a feeling of awkwardness). Suddenly, everyone forgets how to speak, eye contact becomes illegal and at least one person considers faking a bathroom emergency to Read more about Small Group Icebreakers That Don’t Make Students Cringe[…]
The holidays are always a blast, but they can also throw everyone’s schedules straight into chaos. Once the cookies are all gone (wipes tear) and the tinsel is packed away, it’s time to help your group settle back into a normal rhythm. The start of a new year is an opportunity to set the tone, Read more about Getting Back in Sync: Preparing Your Youth Ministry for the New Year[…]