~ 2026 TRAINING GUIDE ~

WELCOME TO SUMMER BLAST

This is our 12th year of Summer Blast and we couldn’t do it without you! Over the years, thousands of kids have joined us for the best week of their summer. Hundreds of children have accepted Christ, received their very first Bible, and experienced the love of Jesus in a real and personal way.

Lives have been changed. Families have been impacted. Generations have been affected because leaders like you chose to show up and invest in kids.

Thank you for showing up, loving, leading, and helping make Summer Blast happen!

OUR CULTURE

As Team Members, we want every guest to experience a culture that is:

  • Safe
  • Fun
  • Engaging
  • Life-Giving

We want every child and parent to feel welcomed, valued, and loved from the moment they arrive. Bring energy, be intentional, and help create a VIP experience for every family.

YOUR ROLE AS A LEADER

  • You are a connector — helping your kids feel included and make friends.
  • You are a protector — keeping your kids safe and accounted for.
  • You are an encourager — making your kids feel loved and valued.
  • You are a spiritual influence — helping your kids take their next step with Jesus.
  • Your energy sets the tone for your group!

Kids may forget games and prizes, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Parking

Team Member parking is located in the ACA soccer field parking lot off Kansas St.

Arrival Time

Arrive by 7:45 AM in the small gym (Rally Room). Light breakfast and coffee provided. 

Team Shirts

Please wear your Summer Blast Team shirt every day.

Volunteer Childcare

Children under Kindergarten age may be checked into the Littles Area

Game Time

Be in your assigned area by 8:20 AM and ready for kids to arrive. Gates open at 8:30 AM.

Security & Support

Security and nurses will be available throughout the week. Every rotation will have a leader with a walkie-talkie if you need to get a hold of them.

Questions

Visit the Info/Registration Tent or find someone wearing a tan staff shirt.

DAILY SCHEDULE

7:45AM

Leaders Arrive

8:10AM

Rally

8:20AM

Game Time

8:30AM

Gates Open / Registration

8:40-9:00AM

Arrival / MC on Stage

9:00-9:20AM

Welcome / Worship / Skit

9:30-9:50AM

Rotation 1

10:00-10:20AM

Rotation 2

10:30-10:50AM

Rotation 3

11:00-11:20AM

Rotation 4

11:30-11:50AM

Rotation 5

12:00-12:15PM

Closing Rally / Raffle / Worship

12:16

Dismissal

DAILY THEMES

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” –  Psalm 121:1–2

Monday

Take the First Step

Tuesday

Don’t Hike Alone (Group Photo Day)

Wednesday

Trust God on the Tough Trails (Crazy Hair Day)

Thursday

Point Others to the Top

MORNING CHECK IN

  • Pick up your Team sign, bag, and daily schedule after rally.
  • Be at your designated spot by 8:20 AM with your Team sign visible.
  • Keep your Team inside your designated area.
  • Check in each child by marking attendance on your roster.
  • Ask parents about allergies, medications, or medical needs.
  • Have parents bring medication to the registration tent for nurses.
  • Welcome kids enthusiastically and help them connect with others.
  • On Day 1, distribute shirts and write names on the upper right front.

PROGRAM FLOW & ROTATIONS

Main Stage

Stay engaged during worship, skits, and stage activities.

Games

Jump in, help lead games, and have fun with your kids.

Inflatables

Summer Blast shirts may be taken off if they have appropriate swimwear underneath. (all of our kindergarten and first graders will also have a matching colored wristband so that we know what group they are in)

Activities & Performers

Help kids with activities and encourage participation.

Small Group & Snack Time

Focus on meaningful conversations, prayer, and helping kids process what they are learning about Jesus. Please help keep all of your kids seated and on your blanket during small group time. We will have a leader under the tent that will help direct your small group time.

Bible Lesson

Help kids stay attentive and minimize distractions during teaching time.

If you need a bathroom break or would like to grab a quick snack just make sure that another leader in the group knows. If your group needs additional help while you step away, just let one of our staff know and we can jump in and help.

If you are unable to make it one day that you are scheduled, please just let us know in advance so we can make sure that all of our small groups are covered. Also, if during the week you need help with a child or extra help in your group just let a staff member know we are here to support you!

SAFETY & SECURITY

  • Keep kids inside designated areas at all times.
  • Only adult female volunteers (16+) may escort children to the restroom.
  • Take at least two children at a time to the restroom.
  • Water stations will be available throughout campus.
  • Walkie-talkies are available if assistance is needed.

PICK-UP PROCEDURES

  • Keep all children seated until picked up.
  • Do not leave until every child in your group has been dismissed.
  • Parents/guardians must show their QR code at pickup. (if they don’t have one, please get a staff member or someone from registration to assist. Do not allow a child to leave with someone without a QR code.)
  • Mark each child checked out once they are picked up.
  • Return attendance sheets, Team signs, and bags to the Rally Room after dismissal.

JUNIOR VOLUNTEERS

  • Stay engaged and helpful throughout the day.
  • Keep phones away during serving times.
  • Ask leaders how you can help.
  • Let your Leader know if you are going to take a quick bathroom or snack break. Please limit these as we need you to be with your assigned group.
  • Remember that you are serving as a leader and role model.

RAFFLE TICKETS

  • Kids earn Raffle Tickets each day for wearing their shirt, saying the memory verse, participating, being kind etc…
  • Make tally marks next to the kids names and at the end of the day you can fill out the raffle tickets.  Make sure to include their first and last name, group name and number.
  • At the end of each day make sure to put them in the bucket on stage at the closing time under the tent. 
  • We’ll pick 6-10 raffle tickets a day and if one of your kids is picked they get to come to the stage to pick out a prize!

TOP 5 THINGS TO REMEMBER

  1. Your energy sets the tone.
  2. Safety comes first.
  3. Stay on schedule.
  4. Keep kids engaged.
  5. Make every child feel seen.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT

This week matters more than you know. Your energy, kindness, patience, prayers, and presence could impact a child forever. Thank you for making Summer Blast possible.

Let’s make this the best week of the summer.