Summer provides a lot of opportunities for outdoor events that aren’t as much fun any other time of the year. Swim parties, barbeques, and bocce ball tournaments aren’t quite as much fun in winter. However, doing the same events summer after summer can get a little boring for both the planners and attendees. Here are a few ideas for fun summer events:

Utilize resources. Ask around within your church for families that would be willing to host an outdoor youth event at their home. There may be couples and individuals who care about your youth ministry, but simply don’t have the time during the school year to devote to being a youth leader. Hosting a bonfire, volleyball tournament, croquet extravaganza, or picnic during the summer might be something they’re willing to do.

Mix it up. A youth group mini golf outing might start to lose some of its glamour after the 38^th time. However, if you play in teams with free ice cream for the highest and lowest scoring teams, it might put a little of the spark back in the game. Try having  a roller skating rink in your church parking lot and sell ice cream and cold drinks as a Speed the Light fundraiser. Watch a Nooma video and have discussion outside to mix things up. Offer popcorn, popsicles, and drinks for free or as a fundraiser.

Ask around. Summer fun doesn’t have to mean spending $35 per person to go to an amusement park. Call around to see what parks, pools, and golf courses offer group or non-profit reduced rates. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal either. If students in your group are strapped for cash, have a car wash or offer scholarships to help cover some of the costs.

Some of my fondest memories from growing up in youth group resulted from us being stranded on the side of the road with a broken bus or took place while traveling to our destination. Whatever fun events you plan this summer, remember that it rarely matters what you do, it matters that you do it together. Try to keep a positive attitude that your students can imitate. With a little creativity, you can make any situation fun and memorable for your group!