3 Summer Program Ideas to Engage Your Community

by Rebekah Simon-Peter | Apr 25, 2024 | 0 comments

Summer is on the horizon, and that means routines often get tossed out the window. Keeping the community engaged in faith can feel like wrangling cats. Worry not! Summer is not only a time to do creative fundraising, it’s also an opportunity for churches to ditch old routines. Take the opportunity to design short-terms programs that captivate your community and deepen their faith journey.

We all crave connection with each other. The church is in a unique position to provide that connection throughout the summer months. In this blog, I will offer three summer program ideas to help engage your larger community.

But first, let’s take a look at a common summer programming myth that often leads to community disconnect. The myth that a one-size-fits-all approach is what your community needs.

The Myth That One Size Fits All

The one-size-fits-all approach might have once been tried and true. But these days, it’s important to consider your community’s demographics before establishing your summer programming. Each community has a different vibe, and that means different needs and interests. Start by surveying your congregation. Ask them about their ideal summer faith experience. Then consider partnering with local organizations for joint events that bridge faith and community needs. Finally, find ways to weave faith exploration into engaging activities.

Now, let’s get down to the three summer program ideas to engage your community.

3 Summer Program Ideas to Engage Your Community

Summer church programming isn’t about filling seats. It’s about cultivating a vibrant faith community. It’s about being creative, inclusive, and meeting your community where they’re at. Here are three ideas to help create a summer experience that strengthens faith and brings joy to all:

Thematic Camps with a Twist: Go beyond the basic camp set-up by incorporating more engaging themes. Combine science experiments with discussions on environmental stewardship from a faith-based perspective. Explore Biblical themes of justice through service projects and discussions on current social topics. Consider partnering with other houses of worship for an interfaith camp that celebrates diversity and explores shared values. Looking to keep it closer to home? These ideas can be incorporated into backyard camp-outs that are perfect for families with young children!
Bite-Sized Bible Studies: Summer is the perfect opportunity for Bible studies that aren’t bogged down with hours-long discussions. Tailor the themes to your community’s interest. Some themes to consider include “Faith & Feminism”, “Science & Spirituality”, or “Race & Religion”. Build in connecting with food by having a potluck “Theology & Tacos” or “Coffee & Contemplation” theme. Tie in your Bible study with other media like a movie on Netflix and then encourage thought-provoking discussion afterwards.
Community Outreach Initiatives: Try hosting practical workshops for community members with themes like financial literacy, healthy relationships, navigating faith in a modern world, or family, faith, and technology. Welcome the community in by hosting a BBQ with free food, music, and games for the neighborhood. Partner with your local park district to host family-friendly movie nights in the park. You can even help relieve parents by organizing a “Backpack Blessings” drive in the community that fills backpacks with school supplies that will be needed in the fall.

Best Practices for Success

Finally, let me leave you with best practices for implementing a successful summer program.

No one will show up if they don’t know about it. Promote and get the word out about your summer programs using social media, your church’s website, and local community channels.

Don’t forget to keep it fun and engaging for the community. By focusing on building relationships and keeping a welcoming atmosphere for all, people will feel more comfortable asking questions and exploring their faith.

The key is to be creative, inclusive, and cater to your community’s specific needs. Summer church programming should be a launchpad for deeper connections, not a party for people who already belong. So, get those brainstorming juices flowing and design a summer program that’ll leave your community saying, “Wow, can’t wait for next summer with the church!”

Looking for even more creative (and visionary!) ways to keep your congregation and community engaged?

We can help!

Get your creative juices flowing during my free 90-minute online seminar, “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success”. There are two dates in May to take advantage of this offer – just in time to plan for summer!