Before Your Volunteers Run for the Hills: Keeping Them Engaged as the Weather Heats Up

Ah, spring. The season of sunshine, blooming flowers, and the unmistakable scent of “freedom” in the air. As the temperatures rise, so does the temptation for everyone to flee their usual routines in search of beach towels, vacation days, and, let’s be honest—anything that doesn’t involve sitting in a stuffy church room teaching kids about the latest Bible story.

But hold on a second! Before your volunteers get the sudden urge to sprint for the hills (or at least the nearest exit), let’s talk about how to keep them engaged and excited as we move into the warmer months. After all, we don’t want the only thing “burning” in our ministry to be their desire to escape!

1. Sprinkle Some Sunshine on Their Responsibilities

Let’s be real: winter is long, the days are dark, and sometimes it feels like a marathon of the same routines. But now that the sun is shining a little brighter, it’s time to add a little sparkle to your volunteer experience. We’re talking about variety, creativity, and a whole lot of fun.

• Theme days: Go ahead—create a “sunny side up” vibe! Host a fun theme day where everyone wears Hawaiian shirts, or better yet, throw a “Rainy Day in the Spring” event just to keep ‘em guessing.

  
  

• Outdoor activities: If you’ve got a space, why not take it outside? An impromptu outdoor game or picnic with the kiddos can be just what the doctor (or volunteer coordinator) ordered to mix things up.

  
  

• Creative teaching: Spice up those lessons with interactive skits, water balloon tosses (OK, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea), or “pajama Sunday” where volunteers read stories in their best cozy clothes. You’ll be amazed at how these little tweaks can keep your team from yawning their way into summer.

2. Make Them Feel Like VIPs (Very Important People, Not Veggies in the Produce Aisle)

Everyone loves a little recognition now and then. Spring is the perfect time to remind your volunteers that they’re more than just a warm body who shows up. They’re essential to your children’s ministry thriving.

• Appreciation notes: Nothing says “you’re a rock star” like a handwritten thank-you note or a quick text telling them how much you appreciate their commitment. Bonus points if you include a personal anecdote about how their service has impacted a child (they’ll be glowing, trust me).

  
  

• Shout-out Sundays: Dedicate a service to highlighting your volunteers. You can give them a gift card, a homemade treat, or just a round of applause. And hey, if it’s a virtual shout-out, throw in a silly hat or goofy background for some extra laughs. It’s spring—let's have fun with it!

3. Encourage a “Volunteer Staycation”

As the world wakes up from hibernation, people are feeling the urge to travel, adventure, and take a break. But before your volunteers pack their bags and head for the hills (literally), offer them a “volunteer staycation.” Here’s how you can make it work:

• Flexible schedules: Spring is full of family vacations, soccer games, and all the outdoor adventures. Offer flexible volunteer opportunities. For example, give your volunteers the option to trade weeks or take a break and come back refreshed.

  
  

• Mini-retreats: You can get a lot of rejuvenation from a simple half-day retreat. Take your team to a park, have a casual meeting with coffee, and discuss fresh ideas for the ministry. They’ll appreciate the time to recharge and bond with one another outside the church walls.

4. Remind Them of the Impact They're Making

When the sunny weather hits, it can be easy for your volunteers to forget why they committed to this ministry in the first place. Kids grow, they forget things, and it sometimes feels like you’re just putting on the same show every Sunday. But don’t let them forget how significant their work is!

• Share stories: Remind your volunteers of the lives they’re impacting. Whether it’s through a heartfelt testimonial from a parent or a touching moment during a lesson, these reminders can reignite the passion and purpose behind serving in children’s ministry.

  
  

• Highlight transformations: Sometimes it’s hard to see the fruit of your labor in the moment, but kids are always learning. Share stories of growth—whether it’s a child’s first prayer, a breakthrough moment in a lesson, or a simple act of kindness that they witnessed. These moments are worth celebrating!

  
  

5. Create a “Volunteer Fun Zone” (Not a Secret Lair, but Close)

Last but certainly not least—create a space where your volunteers can feel like kids again. Everyone needs a little playtime, especially in the spring.

• Volunteer lounge: Consider creating a special area for your volunteers to unwind before or after service. Think comfy chairs, coffee, snacks, and maybe even a quirky game or two to keep things lighthearted.

  
  

• Volunteer bonding activities: Schedule a “mini field trip” to a local park, or organize a group game night. Who doesn’t want to build team morale with some friendly competition (and maybe a little too much pizza)? It’s a great way to remind your volunteers that ministry doesn’t have to be all about seriousness—it can be fun, too!

  
  

As we step into the warmer months and the weather starts calling our volunteers to the hills (or at least to the nearest ice cream shop), let’s make sure we’re giving them a reason to stay engaged. By mixing things up, recognizing their efforts, creating flexibility, and reminding them of the impact they’re making, you can ensure your team stays as energized as a spring breeze!

So, before they get that “run for the hills” feeling, let’s give them a reason to stay and continue making a difference. After all, this ministry needs them—sunshine, fun, and all. 🌞

For more ideas on keeping your volunteers engaged get your copy of, The Volunteers' Handbook, Today!

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