Every season of the year presents new opportunities for youth ministry leaders. The summer is no different. With students being out of school, at camps, going on family vacations, working and just regular goofing around, the summer presents some challenges, however, the opportunities Youth Ministry Leaders have with teens and parents, far outweigh the challenges. And, in this day and age, you do not need to limit yourself to just in-person gatherings. They can be online and phygital gatherings.
Here are 5 phygital summer activities youth ministries can run this summer.
Instagram Scavenger Hunt.
This could be around your town or, if you live closer to a bigger city, you could go into the big city and create a photo scavenger hunt for them there. It can be done in a variety of ways but the general idea is you have people go around find certain items or places around town and then post pictures on Instagram. The clues can be given in person or via online in some way. It gets teens out and about and having fun together both in person and online through the sharing of pictures.
Video Game Tournament
Playing video games is very popular with teens and young adults. Embrace the popularity and set up an in-person or online tournament. Either way you choose to go, embrace in-person and digital by getting people together while also utilizing digital capabilities like live streaming or updating tournament activity online. There are lots of great games you can play from Super Smash Brothers and Madden Football to Fortnite. There are also some first person shooter games that are popular, as well. But, you have to make sure your Church is comfortable with it. Regardless of the game, having a video game tournament is a great way to meet new people in your community and build relationships.
Zoom Party.
While Zoom fatigue was a very real thing during Covid, I believe we are well past that. That is why if you choose to do a Zoom party, it won't be met with eye rolls and low turnout. This is particularly true if you offer prizes such as gift cards or other treats and keep it to an hour.
A Metaverse/In-Person Youth Get Together.
While there is a lot of chatter about VR and the Metaverse, the reality is that most people still do not know what it is all about and who it is for. Organize an in-person gathering where your rent or borrow VR headsets and introduce students to it. You can get them comfortable by playing games and exploring the worlds there. Use this as an opportunity for them to get comfortable in VR so that, if you set up a VR or Metaverse room, they will know where to go and what to do.
A Parent Meet Up to Discuss Online Dangers and Opportunities.
Just like the Metaverse/In-Person student get together, this would be an in person gathering. You would meet up at the Church or Community building. While you share with parents the dangers online and ministry opportunities in person, you also have VR headsets and encourage parents to use their phones to start exploring the places their tweens and teens are going. You make it very practical and hands on so that they can physically see what their children are seeing.
Conclusion
The summer months present a lot of opportunities for youth ministers. When you combine physical, in-person gatherings with a digital component it creates a unique opportunity. Experiment with these opportunities and see how God uses them to help you minister to teens this summer.
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