Bonus Post: The Ultimate Summer Program for Groups of Fathers and Their Sons (2024)

Bonus Post: The Ultimate Summer Program for Groups of Fathers and Their Sons (1)

Attention Fathers,

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This summer, your sons need you more than ever. They don’t need a college student or an intern to build their faith – they need you. They prefer you. They want you! They really do! We have compelling data showing that the greatest impact on a boy's faith journey comes directly from the involvement of his father and the community of men within his church. Yes, your son needs to be encouraged by the other fathers in your church to be the man that God wants him to be. You’re not raising your son alone. You’re in a covenant community.

Faith transmission in the lives of boys must be centered on their fathers first and foremost.

Why You Matter:

The most significant predictor of faith persistence in boys is how engaged their fathers are in their spiritual and relational development. Your active participation in your son’s spiritual formation is 1000% more impactful than any youth program or summer camp. It’s time for us to recapture the essence of Exodus 4-6 and prioritize what’s best for the church’s sons—namely, their fathers (not paid staff). This summer, you can make a profound difference, locally, by working together with other fathers to change your sons’ lives.

Your Role:

You are the most important man in your son’s life. Your influence on his faith and future cannot be overstated. Your presence, guidance, and example are crucial. Moreover, all the boys in our community need to witness the commitment of the men in the church. They need to see us standing together, invested in their growth and spiritual journey.

My Challenge to You:

Below, I’ve outlined some program ideas for groups of fathers to lead their own summer activities with their sons for different age groups1 These activities are designed to be engaging, challenging, and spiritually enriching. You don’t need an official church program to make this happen – you can take these ideas, adapt them, and make them your own. The impact of this direct involvement will resonate through your sons' lives for generations. The age groups listed below are not static and are generalizations based on maturity levels. You know what your sons can and cannot handle, so design your summer accordingly.

I. Summer Program for Fathers and Sons: Boyhood (Ages 3-7)

Program Overview: This summer program is designed to deepen the connection between fathers and their young sons, foster faith development, encourage open communication, and provide fun and engaging activities. The program is based on Christian principles and inspired by the concepts in the provided content. The program will run once a week. My guess is that 3-8 families works best.

Goals:

Develop the sons' faith in Christ
Deepen emotional connections between fathers and sons
Provide a fun and engaging environment
Build trust and enjoyment through shared activities

“Boyhood—To begin with, there is boyhood, a time of wonder and exploration. A time of tree forts and comic books, pollywogs and Popsicles. Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails, as the old nursery rhyme has it. Above all else, it is the time of being the beloved son, the apple of your father’s eye. A time of affirmation…I believe [the] Question, “Do I have what it takes,” [Can I do hard things? Am I competent enough? Do I have the right stuff? Etc] is far more urgent to the boyhood stage and after. Before and beneath that Question and a man’s search for validation lies a deeper need — to know that he is prized, delighted in, that he is the beloved son.” ~Fathered By God content, John Eldredge

Weekly Themes and Activities:

Summer Program Plan for Fathers and Sons:

Week 1: Introduction and Bonding

Theme: The Beloved Son

Scripture: Psalm 17:8

Activities:

Icebreaker: Fathers and sons introduce themselves, sharing one favorite memory from their boyhood years.
Story Time: Read a Bible story emphasizing being God’s beloved son (e.g., Jesus' baptism).
Craft: Create a "Beloved Son" artifact for each boy that reminds the boy that he is beloved by his father.
Activity: Some that invites fathers to communicate, “I believe in you.”
Discussion: Fathers share their boyhood memories and discuss how they felt loved by their fathers or father figures.

Week 2: Exploration and Wonder

Theme: Adventure and Discovery

Scripture: Genesis 2:15 (Adam in the Garden of Eden)

Activities:

Nature Walk: Explore a local park or nature reserve.
Exploration Kit: Each boy receives a supply things to record his experience. Have them record what they see. A notebook to document their discoveries. Binoculars or magnifying glass.
Discussion: Fathers and sons discuss their discoveries and relate them to God’s creation and care.

Week 3: Safety and Security

Theme: Safe in the Father’s Arms

Scripture: Matthew 6:26 (God’s care for us)

Activities:

Story Time: Watch “The Lion King” and discuss the father-son relationship.
Trust Fall: Safe and supervised trust exercises where sons fall into their fathers' arms. You can find some online.
Discussion: Fathers share stories of when they felt safe as children and relate them to God’s protection.

Week 4: Adventure and Play

Theme: Fun and Play

Scripture: Psalm 126:2 (Laughter and Joy)

Activities:

Obstacle Course: Set up a playful obstacle course in a park.
Games: Organized games like tag, hide and seek, and relay races.
Discussion: Fathers discuss the importance of fun and play while they were growing up and what their favorite games were.

Week 5: Creativity and Expression

Theme: God’s Creative Gifts

Scripture: James 1:17 (Every good and perfect gift)

Activities:

Art Project: Create a father-son art project using paint, clay, or other materials.
Music Time: Fathers and sons make music together using simple instruments.
See Also
Zip Lining & High Rope Adventure | UK School Trips white-badge-ca1(s)eliens/.CREATE/collect-white.pdf · white-game-chance(s) world(s) / experience(s) / mechanics(s) / pattern(s) chance is tricky stu , because it intertwines hard - [PDF Document]10 Family-Friendly Things To Do In JB That Are Cheaper Compared To Singapore Lehi Veterans of World War II 1941-1945
Discussion: Fathers share how creativity plays a role in their lives and how it reflects God’s gifts.

Week 6: Questions and Answers

Theme: Open Communication

Scripture: Matthew 7:7 (Ask, seek, knock)

Activities:

Question Box: Boys can anonymously submit questions about faith, life, and God.
Q&A Session: Fathers answer the questions in an open, non-judgmental setting.
Role-Playing: Practice asking and answering questions with empathy and understanding.

Week 7: Strength and Courage

Theme: The Heart of a Warrior

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18 (The Armor of God)

Activities:

Mini Warrior Training: Simple, fun physical activities that symbolize strength and courage.
Discussion: Fathers discuss the importance of courage and how to face challenges with faith.

Week 8: Faith and Trust

Theme: Trusting God

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord)

Activities:

Trust Walk: Fathers guide blindfolded sons through a simple course, emphasizing trust.
Story Time: Read a Bible story about trust (e.g., David and Goliath).
Discussion: Fathers share experiences where they had to trust God deeply.

Week 9: Reflection and Remembrance

Theme: Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: Psalm 77:11 (I will remember the deeds of the Lord)

Activities:

Memory Book: Fathers and sons create a scrapbook of their summer experiences.
Story Sharing: Each pair shares their favorite memory from the program.
Discussion: Fathers and sons reflect on how they have seen God’s faithfulness in their lives.

Week 10: Celebration and Commitment

Theme: Celebrating the Journey

Scripture: Philippians 1:6 (He who began a good work)

Activities:

Potluck Picnic: A celebratory meal with all the families.
Certificate Ceremony: Each child receives a certificate or something tangible celebrating their participation in the summer. Some type of memento.
Commitment Activity: Fathers and sons write a commitment letter to continue building their relationship and faith throughout the school year.
Closing Prayer: A group prayer thanking God for the summer and asking for His continued guidance.

Goals:

Develop the sons' faith in Christ
Deepen emotional connections between fathers and sons
Provide a fun and engaging environment
Encourage open communication and sharing of life struggles
Build trust and enjoyment through shared activities

“The adventure stage comes next, around the period of adolescence. It is the time of learning the lessons of the field, a time of great adventures and testing, and also a time for hard work. The young man learns to hunt or throw a curveball or break a horse. He gets his first car and with it an open horizon. He takes off into the woods alone, or with a few buddies…A time of daring and danger, a time of learning that he does, indeed, have what it takes.” He begins to believe in himself ~Fathered By God content, John Eldredge

Weekly Sessions

Week 1: Introduction and "Adventure Stage"

Scripture Focus: Luke 2:52

Activities:

Welcome and Ice Breakers: Fathers and sons introduce themselves and share what they hope to gain from the program.
Story Time: Read a favorite story about a boy on an adventure.
Discussion: Fathers share their own experiences of adventure and challenges during their adolescence.
Activity: Construct something out of wood together, symbolizing the start of their adventure.
Prayer: Group prayer asking God for guidance and courage for the journey ahead.

Week 2: Embracing Adventure

Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 17:34-37

Activities:

Adventure Walk: Go on a fairly challenge nature hike or bike ride. The intensity should push them a little.
Courage Course: Set up a fun activity to teach resilience and courage.
Discussion: Fathers share their own adventurous experiences as kids and what they learned from them.
Craft Activity: Build a something simply together that can used back home.
Prayer: Thank God for the spirit of adventure and ask for continued courage.

Week 3: Hard Work and Perseverance

Scripture Focus: Proverbs 14:23

III. Summer Program for Fathers and Sons (High School Age): The Warrior Stage

Goals:

Develop the sons' faith in Christ
Deepen emotional connections between fathers and sons
Provide a fun and challenging environment
Encourage open communication and sharing of life struggles
Build trust and enjoyment through shared, challenging activities

“Sometime in his late teens there emerges the young warrior, and this phase lasts well into his thirties. Again, the stages overlap, and there is some aspect of them in every phase of a man’s life. Whether six or sixty, a man will always be a warrior, for he bears the image of a warrior God (see Exodus 15:3). But there is also a time in a man’s life when one of the stages is prominent. The warrior gets a cause and, hopefully, a king. He heads off to law school or the mission field. He encounters evil face-to-face, and learns to defeat it. The young warrior learns the rigors of discipline — especially that inner discipline and resolution of spirit you see in Jesus, who “set His face like flint” (Isaiah 50:7 NIV) and could not be deterred from His mission. He might join the marines, or he might become a math teacher in the inner city, battling for the hearts of young people. That he gets a mission is crucial, and that he learns to battle the kingdom of darkness is even more crucial. Passivity and masculinity are mutually exclusive, fundamentally at odds with one another”. ~Fathered By God content, John Eldredge

Weekly Sessions

Week 1: Introduction to the Warrior Stage

Scripture Focus: Psalm 45:3

Activities:

Welcome and Ice Breakers: Fathers and sons introduce themselves and share what they hope to gain from the program.
Story Time: Read a story about a teenage boy who had to fight against something huge.
Discussion: Fathers share their own experiences of battles and challenges during their adolescence.
Activity: Create something together, symbolizing their commitment to the journey.
Prayer: Group prayer asking God for strength and courage for the journey ahead.

Week 2: Physical Endurance and Team Building

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:31

Activities:

Challenge Course: Participate in a some activity that very hard and challenging. One that requires teamwork and physical endurance.
Discussion: Fathers and sons reflect on the experience and discuss the importance of perseverance.
Activity: Fathers encourage sons to push beyond their perceived limitations.
Prayer: Thank God for the strength to endure and overcome challenges.

Week 3: Spiritual Warfare and Prayer

Scripture Focus: Ephesians 6:10-18

Activities:

Prayer Walk: Conduct a prayer walk around the local community, praying for protection and strength; and praying against the devil’s attempt to destroy your community.
Discussion: Fathers and sons discuss the concept of spiritual warfare and how prayer is a powerful weapon.
Activity: Practice different types of prayers (intercessory, thanksgiving, etc.) together.
Craft Activity: Create something to symbolize their commitment to spiritual warfare and supporting each other. Maybe something out of Ephesians 6?
Prayer: Engage in a group prayer session focusing on their battles and struggles.

Week 4: Facing and Overcoming Fears

Scripture Focus: Psalm 56:3-4

Activities:

White-Water Rafting: Engage in a white-water rafting adventure that requires teamwork, trust, and courage. Fathers and sons will navigate through challenging rapids, working together to steer the raft and maintain balance. This activity will not only test their physical endurance but also strengthen their bond as they rely on each other to successfully navigate the turbulent waters.
Discussion: Fathers and sons share their fears and how they face them.
Activity: Fathers share stories of times they had to trust God in difficult situations.
Craft Activity: Create something to carry as a reminder of their strength in God.
Prayer: Ask for courage to face fears and trust in God’s protection.

Week 5: The Warrior’s Discipline

Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Activities:

Boot Camp: Participate in physical that requires discipline to accomplish
Discussion: Discuss the importance of discipline in the life of a warrior and Godly man, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Activity: Fathers and sons create a personal discipline plan for daily life that they can use to encourage each other. It should be simple and not too intense.
Craft Activity: Make something to highlight any progress made in the journey. Celebrate victories often.
Prayer: Ask God for the discipline to follow through on their commitments.

Week 6: Serving Others as Warriors

Scripture Focus: Matthew 20:28

Activities:

Service Project: Engage in a challenging service project such as building a community garden or repairing a playground.
Discussion: Reflect on the importance of serving others and how it relates to the heart of a warrior.
Activity: Fathers and sons work together to complete the project, encouraging each other along the way.
Prayer: Thank God for the opportunity to serve and ask for a heart of compassion.

Week 7: The Warrior’s Heart and Integrity

Scripture Focus: Psalm 78:72

Activities:

Heart-to-Heart Talk: Fathers and sons have a deep, honest conversation about integrity and the challenges they face in maintaining it. This will require vulnerability and trust. Confidentiality must set the tone and mutually agreed upon.
Discussion: Share stories of personal integrity and the struggles to maintain it in difficult situations.
Activity: Create a "Code of Honor" that they commit to following when going be home. You can find examples of honor codes online.
Craft Activity: Make something to symbolize their commitment to integrity.
Prayer: Ask God for a pure heart and the strength to maintain integrity.

Week 8: Celebration and Reflection

Scripture Focus: 2 Timothy 4:7

Activities:

Warrior Feast: Celebrate with a feast, games, and fellowship. Feel free to include mothers and sisters.
Reflection Time: Fathers and sons share their favorite memories and lessons learned from the program.
Story Time: Read a Bible story about the ultimate warrior, Jesus Christ (Rev. 19).
Craft Activity: Finish the summer journal with final reflections and photos.
Prayer: A closing prayer thanking God for the time spent together and the growth experienced.

Again, these are just ideas. Tweak this and create your own.

I’d love any feedback at the end of the summer!

Much of this comes from the stages of masculine development in the lives of boys and men that can be read in Michael Gurrian’s book, A Fine Young Man, and John Eldredge’s workbook for Fathered By God.