I kicked off my summer travels at Camp Summer Fun at Zion Lutheran Church in Lexington. It was an absolute blast! For three days, this camp provided a joy-filled experience for 23 elementary school-aged children with different abilities. With a one-on-one buddy for every child and a slew of volunteers, the energy was electric from the moment I opened the doors.

Every single day was packed to the brim with excitement, featuring crafts, snacks, and games that kept smiles on every face. Here are just a few of the special highlights:

  • Monday: They dove right into the action with Special Olympics-style games, got an up-close look at a real fire truck, took turns spraying the fire hose like pros, and fell in love with Oakley, a furry, four-legged friend—service dog!
  • Tuesday: The excitement didn’t stop there! They hosted an adorable mobile petting zoo, Soccer Superheroes, and were captivated by the storytelling of Darian McCloud. Every child went home with new books to treasure, thanks to the generosity of Limitless Purpose.
  • Wednesday: They went out with a bang! The space was transformed into a summer party complete with inflatables and games.

Seeing the sheer joy and connection at Camp Summer Fun was truly inspiring. If you’re feeling moved to bring this kind of magic to your own congregation, reach out to me, and I will happily put you in touch with their incredible director, Amanda Farwick, to get you started on your own journey.

My journey then led me to the halls of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Columbia, where the air buzzed with the infectious energy of their annual Music Camp. For 20 years, this incredible program has been welcoming children from ages 4 through 5th grade—not just from the congregation, but from the community and other churches!

This isn’t your average summer camp. Each day, Monday through Friday, children embark on an adventure, rotating through stations designed to spark creativity and joy:

  • From drumming and ukuleles to the tones of chimes and bells.
  • Dedicated time for singing.
  • Snack time and craft sessions that keep hands busy and happy.
  • Engaging Bible stories that anchor the experience.

This year, the camp embraced the theme “Wade in the Water.” The grounds became a playground of water games, providing the perfect cool-down on some very hot days. There were even a couple “adult” races on the water slide!

The week-long celebration ended with a concert in English and Spanish, showcasing the children’s hard work.

“One of the greatest gifts of this camp,” Pastor Amanda Burke shared, “are the volunteers and grandparents who show up every day to help—even those who don’t have children or grandchildren enrolled.”

It is a week of music and play and lifelong memories for these children. If you’re looking for a place where heart meets musical joy, Redeemer Lutheran is truly making waves in Columbia!

RACIAL INCLUSIVITY IN YOUTH MINISTRY

The ELCA’s commitment to racial inclusivity is rooted in its 1993 social statement Freed in Christ: Race, Ethnicity, and Culture, which calls for breaking down cultural exclusivity and creating a community of genuine belonging for all. This principle can be applied in youth ministry through intentional programming, training, and structural changes.

  • Total Inclusion Resources: The ELCA’s Total Inclusion! initiative provides tools for outdoor and youth ministry settings to widen welcome, especially for people of color, LGBTQIA+, and others historically marginalized, and offers race-related resources, including equity audits, cultural competency training, and workshops to address racism in youth contexts. Total Inclusion
  • ELCA Schools and Learning Centers: Provide anti-bias education, anti-racism training, and resources to create safe, affirming environments for youth, and,

Bystander Intervention Training which teaches youth and leaders how to respond to racism and other forms of prejudice 

Educational Resources – ELCA Schools and Learning Centers

Practical Steps

  1. Integrate Racial Awareness: Use ELCA’s Together We Rise and other youth gathering resources to build cultural awareness 
  2. Create Safe Spaces: Apply anti-bias education principles to classrooms, camps, and gatherings to oppose racism and promote positive self-identity.
  3. Partner with Racial Justice Ministries: Collaborate with ELCA Racial Justice Ministries and ReconcilingWorks for targeted youth programming 

Racial inclusivity in youth ministry fosters belonging, honors God’s creation in its diversity, and equips young people to be witnesses of love and justice. By inserting these practices into daily ministry, youth programs can become living demonstrations of the church’s call to racial equity.

Be on the lookout for the SC Synod CYFM Event Calendar for 2026-2027.

It will be posted soon!

Add these events to your ministry calendars and join us for learning, training, fun, etc.

BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) and join fellow CYFM Leaders on July 14 at Noon.
Creating a Strong Youth Ministry
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86907283680?pwd=kzT8at1aWtE84qjr90TWcWZ1doaL0w.1

Phone: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 869 0728 3680
Passcode: 8037650590

ELCA YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY UPDATES

Young Adult Climate Justice Alliance AI Education Session

Three Zoom Sessions:

First, an education session that will provide statistics and studies so that leaders have resources to point to while engaging in dialogue.

The second will be a session on community organizing basics, and how to approach a conversation about AI in spaces you’re part of (church, synod, Gather site, etc.).

The third session will be a co-working space to begin initiating conversation and action.

The first session will take place on July 9th at 7pm

Meeting Registration – Zoom

FROM SMALL CHURCH MINISTRY

Reaching New Families

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Live Training • 90 Minutes • 10:00–11:30 am ET
​What Today’s Families Need – and How Small Churches Can Respond

Beyond the Christmas Program

Saturday, October 17, 2026
Live Training • 90 Minutes • 10:00–11:30 am ET
​How Small Churches Can Offer Something Deeper This Holiday Season

Small Church KidMin + Youth Ministry Conference

January 29–31, 2027

Weekend Experience • 24 Speakers • 11:00 am–7:00 pm ET
Includes:

  • Friday Night Kickoff Gathering
  • Saturday Conference (11:00 am–7:00 pm ET)
  • Sunday Masterclass

​A free event to help small churches reach more kids, find more volunteers, and have more impact.

GEN ALPHA AND SOCIAL MEDIA

What has Gen Alpha’s social media usage looked like? – Springtide Research Institute

Following Jesus – Curriculum

A Jesus-Centered Youth Ministry

Following Jesus is a new, 40-lesson, small-group curriculum experience for the church—uniquely created by Rick Lawrence to meet the deeper longings for relationships that youth and adults say they have.

Following Jesus – Curriculum – Vibrant Faith