Creative Summer Ministry Ideas for Churches: Why We Chose Art Camp

For years, Vacation Bible School has been a beloved summer tradition in many churches. And for good reason. VBS has helped generations of children learn Bible stories, build friendships, and experience God's love.

But several years ago, at Hayes Barton Baptist Church, Children's Minister Sarah Mears began asking a different question:

What if summer ministry could grow out of the gifts and passions already present in our congregation?

That question led to a new approach: Art Camp.

Part of the shift was practical. Like many churches, they found it increasingly difficult to recruit volunteers for the long hours and high-energy commitment that traditional VBS often requires. We also realized that not everyone felt called—or physically able—to spend a week leading games or managing large groups of children.

So instead of asking, "Who can help us run VBS?" they started asking, "What gifts has God already given our people?"

The answers were remarkable.

We discovered artists, musicians, photographers, woodworkers, cooks, dancers, actors, crafters, and storytellers. We found people who were excited to teach children something they loved. Individuals who may never have volunteered for a traditional VBS role suddenly found a meaningful way to serve.

In many ways, Art Camp became a reflection of what the church is meant to be.

The beauty of Art Camp is watching children and volunteers share their gifts, embrace their creativity, and create something meaningful together.

Lego Art is one of our most popular choices at Art Camp!

Scripture reminds us that the body of Christ is made up of many members, each with different gifts. The church works best when people are invited to contribute their unique passions, talents, and experiences. Not everyone serves in the same way, and that's exactly how God designed it.

The same is true for children.

Not every child connects with faith in the same way. Some learn through music, movement, storytelling, building, or creating. By offering a variety of experiences and electives, Art Camp helped children discover new interests while engaging faith in ways that felt natural and meaningful to them. It is a good reminder that God created each person uniquely and that there is room for all kinds of gifts in the kingdom of God.

Maybe Art Camp isn't the right fit for your church. That's okay.

Perhaps your congregation is filled with gardeners, bakers, athletes, builders, engineers, scientists (summer science camp sounds fun!), mentors, or people passionate about serving others. The goal isn't to copy someone else's model. The goal is to discover what God has already placed within your congregation and build ministry from those strengths.

When summer ministry grows out of the authentic gifts of your church, it often becomes more sustainable, more meaningful, and more engaging for both volunteers and children.

At Common Ground Curriculum, we believe churches don't need bigger productions to make a lasting impact. Sometimes they simply need permission to become more fully themselves.

That's why we're offering a FREE Download with Art Camp schedules, elective ideas, planning tools, and examples from previous years. Whether you're dreaming about an arts camp, a maker week, a service camp, or something entirely unique, we hope these resources help you imagine new possibilities for helping children discover God's love through the gifts of your church community.

We'd love to hear from you. What creative (or slightly crazy) ideas is your church trying this summer? What worked? What didn't? What would you absolutely do again—and what are you pretty sure you'll never attempt twice?

Share your stories in the comments. Some of the best ministry ideas come from learning together.