There’s something about May that feels like a finish line.

The school year is wrapping up. Families are shifting into summer mode. Attendance starts to fluctuate. And if you’re not careful, your volunteer team can slowly drift into survival mode.

But here’s what I’ve learned over the years—summer doesn’t have to be chaotic. In fact, it can be one of the most fruitful seasons in your ministry… if you prepare your team now. Before summer hits, take a little time to invest in your volunteers. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just be intentional.

Here are three things I would encourage you to do:

1. Appreciate Them (Specifically and Personally)

Your volunteers just came through a full ministry season.

They showed up on Sundays. They navigated busy holidays. They served kids faithfully week after week. And many of them are more tired than they realize.

Don’t assume they know they’re appreciated—tell them.

Send a personal text. Write a handwritten note. Call out something specific you’ve seen in them.

“Hey, I’ve noticed how you connect with the quieter kids in your group. That matters more than you know.”

That kind of encouragement goes a long way.

You don’t need a big event (although those are great too). What matters most is that your volunteers feel seen, valued, and loved.

Encouraged volunteers don’t burn out as quickly. They lean in.

2. Set Clear Summer Expectations

One of the biggest reasons summer feels chaotic is because expectations are unclear.

Schedules change. Families travel. Attendance dips. And suddenly your team isn’t sure what’s expected of them.

So don’t leave it vague—clarify it now.

Let your volunteers know:

• What the summer schedule looks like
• Any changes to programming
• How often they’re expected to serve
• What to do if they’re out of town

Clarity reduces stress.

You might even give them permission to take a Sunday off or build in a lighter rotation. When people know the plan, they’re far more likely to stay engaged.

Remember—people don’t drift because they don’t care. They drift because they’re unsure.

3. Simplify the Win

Summer is not the time to overcomplicate your ministry.

This is where a lot of leaders unintentionally lose their teams. They try to maintain the same pace and complexity as the school year… but their volunteers don’t have the same margin.

So instead, simplify what success looks like.

Maybe the win is:

• Every child feels welcomed
• Every child is safe
• Every child hears about Jesus in a clear and engaging way

That’s it.

You don’t need perfect execution. You don’t need elaborate programming. You need consistency, care, and clarity.

When you simplify the win, your volunteers can breathe again—and when they can breathe, they lead better.

Summer is coming whether we’re ready or not. But with just a little intentionality now, you can set your team up to not just survive—but thrive.

And don’t forget—you’re leading people, not just running a ministry.

Invest in them.

It will make all the difference.

Ryan Frank is a pastor, publisher, and entrepreneur. He and his wife Beth are the founders of KidzMatter.