Summer is almost over?

Now that we’re past the 4th of July, the start of the 2026-2027 school year seems to be rapidly approaching. Some schools start early in August, while others kick off after Labor Day. Either way, as a youth worker, you can never be too prepared. So, your fellow DVULI alumni offer you some back-to-school tips to help maximize your impact this year! 

 

1. Back-to-School Prayer Guide – Tara Bollinger-Oksuzler (Dallas 2019)  

Create and distribute a prayer guide for local schools with prompts for administrators, teachers, students, and campus safety. This gives your community a simple way to pray intentionally as the new year begins. 

2.  Volunteer Registration – Will Cumby (Houston 2010)  

Register as a volunteer with all your local school districts. When the district has a need, you’ll be able to show up and help. It could be the beginning of a future organizational partnership; however, if a need arises and you’re not registered, chances are, you won’t even be able to get on campus. 

3. Monitor School and Community Events – Amanda Covarrubias (Phoenix 2024)

Track fall sports schedules, concerts, theater productions, parent nights, and other school events. Attending and promoting these events is a simple way to support students, connect with families, and stay visible in the community. 

4. School Supply Drive Pivot – Will Cumby (Houston 2010)  

Adopt specific schools, ask what they need, share that information with your donors, and deliver supplies directly to the schools rather than waiting for pickup. This is a shift from the traditional model where parents and students come to your giveaway event. 

5. Collaborate with Other Partners – Jeff Chupp (Phoenix 2024)  

If you operate a church or parachurch ministry, look at the other organizations that support the same schools and organizations you support for opportunities to collaborate both now and later in the school year. 

6. Back-to-School Teacher Breakfast – Will Cumby (Houston 2010)  

Host teachers at your church or organization on a Saturday before the school year. Include breakfast and prayer as a gesture of honor and support. 

7. Community Youth Kick-Off Event – Tara Bollinger-Oksuzler (Dallas 2019)  

Partner with local churches and organizations to host a community-wide back-to-school youth event. Include fun, games, and prayer to help students build connections while strengthening collaboration among youth workers. 

8. Managing Relationship Expectations – Jeff Chupp (Phoenix 2024)  

New students take time to adjust. Manage your expectations for how quickly students will connect with leaders. Understand that, for example, the first few months as a sixth grader or ninth grader in a new school or youth group will require a lot of adjustment for them and for you! 

9. Build Your Support Team Early – Jenna Mata (Phoenix 2017)  

Identify the volunteers, partners, and community members who will help you engage students throughout the year. Establish expectations and key dates before school begins to create alignment and consistency. 

10. Begin Healthy Rhythms Now – Jeff Chupp (Phoenix 2024)  

Maintaining balance in the heat of the school year is important. Begin forming those healthy rhythms now so they’re locked in by September and October. Establish rhythms such as: 

• Early morning prayer time with the Lord to fill your cup 

• A healthy date-night cadence with your spouse 

• Routine family check-in time with your spouse and/or children 

• Your exercise routine 

• A healthy sleep schedule 

When your schedule fills in the fall, having these in place will help you stay balanced. 

  

Honorable Mention (Retirees)

Morning Drop-Off Volunteering – Tara Bollinger-Oksuzler (Dallas 2019)

Ask schools about serving during morning drop-off. Volunteers can greet students, hold doors open, and help with arrivals. Consistent presence, even for a short time each week, can build meaningful relationships across campus. This is great for retirees and those with free time in their mornings. 

Enjoy the remainder of your summer and have a strong 2026-2027 school year!