As much as we would like the summer time to be more laid back and relaxed, often in youth ministry it ends up being a different (sometimes crazier) kind of busy. We shift gears in “where” and “how” we do what we do, but we are doing nonetheless. We can typically use this busy time to create opportunities for more relational ministry. Some Youth Ministers boldly begin the noble quest of what is commonly referred to in youth ministry folklore as the elusive “getting caught up” plan. If you are successful in achieving this quest, PLEASE let me know how you did it. Regardless of what your summer is filled with, here are five things you may want to make a part of your summer gear-shifting.