School is almost out for the summer, and you know what that means: it’s vacation time, y’all! All year long we eagerly await the summer, and when it finally arrives all seems right with the world. Maybe you’re already making plans, or (if you’re like me) maybe you’re ready for the summer breeze to blow you where it will! No matter what your summertime planning inclinations may be, make sure you make a little room for children’s missions camp.

Camp is such an important time in a child’s life. I can still remember many of the lessons I learned years ago at camp. One of my memories involves a fire-building competition mishap resulting in the loss of my singed eyebrows.

The other memory I hold close even to this day is one of a missionary who was involved in a terrible car accident on the field. He had learned how to walk and talk again after many months of grueling physical therapy. But when he did stand and speak at camp, he spoke about the cost of living as an ambassador for Christ. Costly, yes, but completely worth every minute of struggle.

So, good news and real-talk news (because there is never any bad news when we talk about investing in someone’s life). Which one do you want first?

Let’s go with the good news first: The good news is that you have found your new leader! Yay! Give yourself a pat on the back for that one. Sometimes that’s the hardest part.

Now . . . real-talk news: You have to plan and be intentional about mentoring a new leader. Mentoring someone takes more than just a one-time effort. You’re in it for the long haul. So develop a plan of action.

While this is not an exhaustive list, to get off on a good foot and effectively engage in a mentoring relationship, you must have the right (1) mindset, (2) commitment, (3) availability and (4) integrity.

Hello from Birmingham, Alabama! The high today — on February 20 — is 77 degrees! Can you believe it? (Probably, if you know anything about Alabama weather.) I love the cold weather, so I'm a little put out about it. It's supposed to get into the low 80s later this week. Meteorologists are saying we're going to break record highs for this time of year. If you like warm weather, I'm happy for you! If you like cold weather, we can commiserate together.

But enough about my weather pattern opinions. Let's focus instead on that word "record" I mentioned above. We're in the midst of the final week of the 2018 Winter Olympics. While the focus is on winning that gold medal, we often hear about athletes breaking world records while they're competing. Talk about exciting! What if you could use that excitement with the kids in your missions group?

Healthy competition can be a useful tool to encourage kids' participation in missions projects and during your weekly meetings. Here are some ideas to help you take a cue from the Olympics and get your kids more involved than ever.

It's winter now, but spring break is on its way! Got plans yet? I would think many of the families in your church already have plans for spring break and maybe even have trips planned. That makes this month the perfect time to go ahead and put missions projects into families' hands for them to do while on vacation.

Consider sharing these ideas with the families of your church. (Tip: You can post these individual suggestions in social media or share a link to this blog in your church or children's ministry newsletter.)

Ideas for family spring break missions: