Family living is being discussed these days by ever increasing numbers of psychiatrists, psychologists, educators and church leaders. Much is being said about the advantages of secure family relationships and of the importance of harmonious family living to the psychological well being of children and youth. There is no better time than the summer months to engage in activities that bring the family together, or to experiment with new ways of showing our loved ones that we are interested in building special relationships with them. Summer also brings the Sunday school an increased opportunity for outreach. While family living is important and necessary to the well being of future healthy adults, the church has something even more vital to offer.
Children have long summer days to fill.
Freed from the pressure of school and its activities, time sometimes hangs heavy on their hands. They are looking for something to fill those hours and to present an opportunity to get together with other children in an experience that will catch their interest and perhaps fire their imagination, as well as produce an answer to their spiritual needs. Children and young people are looking for ways to be useful and to be of service to others. Most Sunday schools recognize the importance of the Vacation Bible School program as a part of their summer outreach ministry, and many have expanded that program to encompass a far greater outreach than the traditional five or ten days of programming. Three out of four children are not involved in any church ministry.