Summer Challenge 2026

Summer Challenge is a week of fun, faith formation and service held in early summer. It is open to students entering grades 7-12 in the 2026-27 school year. This year's Summer Challenge will be held June 8-11. We plan on having four organizations to work with, one on each day, typically between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This year's organizations are being determined and will be updated once scheduled. A registration form will be available here when registration officially opens. 

Please Note: Parents will be responsible for bringing their child to the organization location and can stay and chaperone if spots are available. Once the volunteer time is complete, parents will need to pick up their child at the location or make transportation arrangements with another parent. Volunteer slots are limited, so register early for the organization(s) where you would like to serve!  

What Summer Challenge IS

• Challenging--engaging the elderly at a community center, working outdoors clearing brush, riding in a car with people who go to different schools.
• Summer Challenge is for middle and high school students who want to get out, work hard, have fun,and talk about serious topics with their peers.
• Eye opening.  Kids will meet people throughout Austin who will inspire them with the good works they are doing. They will also meet clients served by these organizations, and will be challenged to hear their stories and learn how they can help, to see past the outside to the image of God.
• Formative. Over the years of Summer Challenge available to Middle and High Schoolers, your child will learn and grow how to see and love like Jesus.

What Summer Challenge is NOT

• Easy.  Our groups have fun but it is not easy.  It's Summer Challenge, not Summer Take-it-Easy.
• Day Camp.  This is not a drop-off day camp. Summer Challenge is a week of service--often outdoors.  Expect to get hot and dirty.
• For everyone.  If your daughter or son doesn’t want to come, please take that into consideration.  In small groups, it makes it really tough when one or two students don’t want to participate, follow directions, or be part of their group.  This situation is more stressful for the adult driver/leader and it isn’t fair to the other students in the group.
• A time to just hang out with a group of friends you already know.  Part of the challenge of Summer Challenge is meeting new people.