Creative Summer Ministry Ideas for Churches: Why We Chose Art Camp
For years, churches have relied on Vacation Bible School as a beloved summer tradition. And for many churches, VBS is still a wonderful fit. But we began asking a different question:
What if summer ministry could grow out of the actual gifts and passions already living inside our church community?
That question changed everything.
Several years ago, we shifted from a traditional VBS model to an Art Camp model for a few practical reasons. Like many churches, we found it increasingly difficult to recruit volunteers for the long hours, multiple days, and high-energy commitment VBS often requires. We also realized not every adult felt equipped—or physically able—to spend hours sitting on floors or managing large groups of children.
So instead of asking:
“Who can help us run VBS?”
We started asking:
“What do you love to do?”
And suddenly, new possibilities opened up.
We discovered adults who loved woodworking, painting, cooking, photography, drama, dance, textiles, music, percussion, and even Legos. People who may not have volunteered for a traditional VBS role became excited to share something they genuinely cared about.
The energy shifted from obligation to joy.
And kids noticed.
Not every child connects in the same way. Some kids love sports. Others thrive in music. Some want to build things, create things, move their bodies, or tell stories. Art Camp gave children something many summer church programs unintentionally miss: choice.
When kids register, they get to choose electives and activities that spark curiosity and creativity. That simple shift helps children feel seen. It honors the truth that they are uniquely made—with different interests, personalities, and ways of engaging the world.
Over the years, our themes have reflected that vision:
Made to Create
Imagine
Shine Your Light
Becoming
Uniquely Made
Better Together
And while our camp has centered around the arts, the deeper idea is much bigger than art itself.
Maybe Art Camp is not the right fit for your church. That’s okay. Maybe your congregation is full of builders, gardeners, bakers, athletes, storytellers, engineers, or people passionate about serving others. The invitation is simply this: pay attention to the gifts already present in your church community. Summer ministry becomes more sustainable—and often more meaningful—when it grows out of the authentic passions of the people leading it.
At Common Ground Curriculum, we believe churches do not need to become bigger productions to reach children well. Sometimes they simply need permission to become more themselves.
We’re offering a free download that includes our Art Camp schedule, elective ideas, activity examples, and planning inspiration from previous years. Whether you are dreaming about an arts camp, a maker week, or something entirely unique to your congregation, we hope these resources spark fresh ideas for what summer ministry can become.