Kids Conference: Mental Health, Games, And The Fruits Of The Spirit

This year, our Kids Conference looked a little different from previous years. Instead of gathering indoors, we brought the event outside and created opportunities for children to learn through participation and hands-on experiences. While the setting changed, our purpose remained the same. We wanted children to better understand the connection between faith, emotions, and the choices they make each day.

We began the day with a time of praise and worship. Children were given flags and streamers and encouraged to participate alongside our volunteers and team members. From the start, our goal was to create an environment where children felt comfortable expressing themselves while learning that worship can be both personal and engaging.

The main focus of the event was a series of outdoor games centered on the Fruits of the Spirit. Each activity was designed to highlight a specific character trait and help children experience that lesson for themselves. Some games challenged them to practice patience, while others focused on kindness, self-control, or encouragement. After each activity, we took time to discuss what happened and connect those experiences back to the Fruit of the Spirit being taught.

These discussions allowed us to introduce important conversations about mental health in a way children could understand. We emphasized that our thoughts, attitudes, and responses play an important role in how we handle challenges. By connecting these ideas to biblical principles, we encouraged children to see how qualities such as peace, patience, and self-control can help guide them through difficult situations.

Throughout the day, we invited children to think about how they respond when they feel discouraged, or upset. Our goal was to help them recognize that faith can influence the way they navigate emotions and interact with others. By making these conversations practical, we hoped to provide lessons they could apply at home and in their daily relationships.

Following the games and reflection activities, children had the opportunity to design and paint their own bags. This activity gave them a chance to express themselves creatively while creating something they could take home. We believe experiences like these are valuable because they encourage self-expression and help children develop confidence in their ideas.

Lunch was also provided during the event, giving families, children, and volunteers an opportunity to spend time together and continue conversations throughout the day.

As we reflect on this year’s conference, we are encouraged by the engagement and enthusiasm we saw from the children who participated. Every activity was designed with a purpose, helping children better understand how faith and mental health can work together in everyday life.

This conference was about more than spending a day outdoors. It was an opportunity to help children develop practical tools for navigating their emotions while learning how biblical principles can shape the way they respond to the world around them.