Substance KIDS is so excited to kick off another Best Summer Ever! All summer long kids will have opportunities to join small groups to help them build friendships in the local church – so come join us! Our hope is that this summer will truly be the best one EVER for your family!
Best Summer Ever Small Groups
Here's a sneak peek of some of our amazing groups at each of our campuses! (More groups will be added in the coming weeks.)
Registration will open on Sunday, May 31st at 8:30am! Cost is $5 per child.
Northtown | Spring Lake Park
Every other Tuesday · June 23, July 7, July 21, Aug 4
Session 1 • 10:00am – 10:45am
Ages: 3 - 5 year olds
Sensory Play Group
This group is all about free play in a sensory-rich environment. Each week, kids will enjoy free play time centered around a theme. We will have tons of fun getting messy and stretching our creativity as we play together in unconventional, open-ended ways.
Ages: 3 - 5 year olds
Preschool Play Adventures
Each week features a new theme with fun dress-up prompts and hands-on materials like light-up toys, building forts, wind play, and sensory experiences. Kids will explore, pretend, and create together in a space made for imagination and movement.
Ages: 3 - 5 year old girls
Princess Storytime
Get ready for sparkles, twirling and all things princess! We will be going through the Princess Parables series as we learn how to be daughters of the King. Dress up clothes are welcome each week
Ages: completed K - 2nd grade
Gourmet Popsicles
Popsicle friends unite! If you love eating and want to learn how to make these delectable and refreshing treats, we’d be pumped to have you! We’ll be creating many tasty recipes using fresh fruit and more. Don’t miss your chance to become a popsicle-making pro this summer!
Ages: completed K - 2nd grade
Legos
Kids will be free to build to their heart's desire. Time to build and share ideas, with suggested themes each week.
Ages: K - 2nd grade
A Time to Dance: Ballet
Who's ready to dance their way through summer? Come learn ballet while having fun and praising Jesus.
Ages: completed K - 2nd grade
Soccer
Kick, run, and score in this high-energy soccer group! With fun drills, team games, and plenty of cheering, young players will build skills, confidence, and friendships on and off the field!
Ages: completed K - 5th grade
GAME ON!
Come play some fun video games as you create fun memories and build lasting friendships
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Crochet and Cross Stitch
We will learn how to crochet and cross stitch in a fun and friendly environment! No experience required, and all materials will be provided!
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Gaga Ball
Learn the basics of how to play gaga ball while making friends!
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Wood Burning for Beginners
Do you like drawing and also burning things? Then you might enjoy wood burning! Come make new friends while learning the art of wood burning.
Ages: completed 2nd - 5th grade
Creative with Construction Paper
We will be making works of art using colorful construction paper, scissors and glue!
Session 2 • 11:30am – 12:15pm
Ages: 3 - 5 year olds
Outdoor Fun
Bubbles, chalk, sunshine and more! Come ready to get messy & have a blast outdoors!
Ages: completed 3 - 5 year olds
A Time to Dance: Ballet
Who's ready to dance their way through summer? Come learn ballet while having fun and praising Jesus.
Ages: completed K - 2nd Grade
Water Wars
Get ready to splash and play in our Water Wars group! We'll have fun games, teamwork, and lots of water-filled excitement to keep everyone cool and smiling.
Ages: completed K - 2nd grade
Sensory Play Group
This group is all about free play in a sensory-rich environment. Each week, kids will enjoy free play time centered around a theme. We will have tons of fun getting messy and stretching our creativity as we play together in unconventional, open-ended ways.
Ages: completed K - 2nd Grade
Pokemon Card Trading Group
This will group will focus on learning all things Pokemon! We will trade cards and play the game as well!
Ages: completed K - 2nd grade
Creative Kids
Come enjoy an open ended project and a chance to celebrate your unique creativity with friends! Each week we will work with different materials to create something unique and fun.
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Dude Perfect
This group is inspired by Dude Perfect. Each week, kids will participate in Dude Perfect like challenges and games.
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Gourmet Popsicles
Popsicle friends unite! If you love eating and want to learn how to make these delectable and refreshing treats, we’d be pumped to have you! We’ll be creating many tasty recipes using fresh fruit and more. Don’t miss your chance to become a popsicle-making pro this summer!
Ages: 3rd - 5th grade
Spa Group
Each week, kids will get to relax, laugh, and have fun while trying different spa-themed activities like facials, nails, lip gloss, friendship bracelets, skincare, and more! This group is about self-care, making new friends, and having a fun space to unwind together. Come ready for pampering and fun!
Ages: completed 4th - 5th grade
Fashion Design
This group will teach pre-teen girls how to have fun with fashion while enjoying the body God blessed them with!
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Chocolate & Truffles
Put on your chef’s hat and get ready to make and decorate chocolates and truffles! You’ll also decorate your own chocolate box to take home all the tasty creations you make during class.
Downtown | Minneapolis
Every other Tuesday · June 23, July 7, July 21, Aug 4
Tuesday mornings • 10:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: babies - 3 year olds
Mommy and Me
Music & Storytime for ages 4 & under along with their grown-up.
Ages: 4 – 7 year olds
Princess Storytime
We will read a story from the Princess Parable series as we learn how to be daughters of the King! Girls will have a chance to make friends and create fun crafts. Dress up clothes welcome each week!
Ages: 4 – 10 year olds
Lego Storytellers
Get ready to build, imagine, and create! In this hands-on group, kids will explore the basics of storytelling while bringing their ideas to life with LEGO bricks. Each session, they'll dive into fun activities like creating unique characters, designing story settings, and mapping out exciting plots. Then, kids will use LEGOs to build their characters and worlds, acting out their stories as they go.
Ages: completed K - 5th grade
Snowcone Crew
In the Snowcone Crew, every week is a brand-new flavor adventure! Kids will get to create and try exciting snowcone combinations- from classic favorites to bold. We’ll mix, match, and taste-test all kinds of snowcone flavors. Come ready to chill, create, and have a blast!
Ages: completed K - 5th grade
Art: God's Creativity in Us
This group is a place to explore how our world reflects God’s creativity. Just like an artist leaves their signature on every masterpiece, God’s fingerprints can be seen throughout creation and within each of us! Through conversations, reflection & creating, we’ll discover beauty in creation, meaning in our experiences, and the ways God works through us to reveal His story to the world.
Ages: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Up & Coming DJs
Learn all the ins and outs of DJ-ing! We will put beats together, mix songs, and have fun!
Southside | Bloomington
Every other Wednesday · June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29
Wednesday evenings • 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: completed 4 - 6 year olds
Book and Bake
Join us for a cozy and creative summer adventure where stories come to life through art, baking, and hands-on fun! Each week, kids will read a book together and enjoy themed crafts and tasty treats inspired by the story, all while growing friendships and learning about God’s love. Be ready for creativity, imagination, and a little mess along the way!
Ages: completed 4 - 6 year olds
Outdoor Fun
Lets have a summer full of outdoor adventures, laughter, and hands-on fun as we explore God’s creation together! Kids will play games, discover nature, make messy memories, and build friendships in an exciting, active environment. Please note: kids should come dressed for outdoor play because they may get dirty and wet while having fun!
Ages: 4 - 10 year olds
Lego Storytellers
Get ready to build, imagine, and create! In this hands-on group, kids will explore the basics of storytelling while bringing their ideas to life with LEGO bricks. Each session, they'll dive into fun activities like creating unique characters, designing story settings, and mapping out exciting plots. Then, kids will use LEGOs to build their characters and worlds, acting out their stories as they go.
Ages: completed K – 5th grade
Laser Tag
Come have fun with us as we make friends while playing laser tag!
Ages: completed K - 5th grade
Soccer
We will develop basic motor skills, balance, and coordination as we learn more about the game of soccer! We will play some soccer games too!
Ages: K - 5th grade
Nail Design
Get creative with color and design in this fun nail design group! We’ll learn new techniques, try trendy styles, and express our personalities through awesome nails.
Northwest | Ramsey
Every other Wednesday · June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29
Wednesday evenings • 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Ages: 4 – 6 year olds
T-Ball Stars!
We will learn how to throw and catch the ball, hit it off the tee, and run the bases. Teamwork and friendship building skills will be incorprated as we play some fun baseball games! Parents welcome to stay and cheer!
Grades: PreK-2nd Grade
Play Adventures
This group invites kids into a world of open-ended exploration and creativity! Each week features a new theme with fun dress-up prompts and hands-on materials like light-up toys, building forts, wind play, and more!
Grades: completed K - 5th grade
Let's Make Bead Pets!
Join us for Bead Pet fun. Will be making all types of Bead Pets with pony beads as we make friends and have fun!
Grades: completed K - 5th grade
Paint and Sip
Paint & Sip is a fun and creative group where kids will complete a guided painting project step by step. While they paint, they will enjoy special drinks and tasty snacks in a relaxed and cheerful setting. Each child will leave with their own finished masterpiece and plenty of colorful memories.
Grades: completed K - 5th grade
Gardening Club
Do you enjoy dirt, plants, and learning how to make things grow!? Garden Club is for you! Enjoy hands-on garden-themed activities with friends this summer!
Grades: completed K - 5th grade
Summer Dance Fusion: Ballet & Irish Soft Shoe
Step into fun with us as we learn ballet and Irish soft shoe dancing. No dance experience required!
Grades: completed K - 5th grade
Sports
Get ready to move, play, and have a blast in our Sports Group! Each week we’ll try different sports, exciting team challenges, and fun games that keep everyone active and laughing. Whether you love sports or just want to have fun with friends, this group is all about teamwork, energy, and making awesome memories together!
Grades: completed 3 - 5th grade
Boys, Basketball, and Bibles
Boys, Bibles and Basketball is a fun and faith-filled group where boys grow spiritually through sports-themed devotionals and meaningful conversations. Each gathering includes time on the court, building friendships, and sharing a meal together.
Grades: completed 3rd - 5th grade
Clip Creators
Clip Creators is a hands-on group for 3rd through 5th grade boys and girls who love to be creative! Each week, kids will work together to plan, film, and edit their own short videos using the iMovie app, everything from silly commercials and new reporting to mini movies and creative challenges.
FAQs
How do I register my child?
Registration will be available on this page starting May 31st at 8:30 am. We also will have registration tables at all campuses on Sunday, May 31st, and June 7th to assist with any questions. This is also when your child can pick up their Best Summer Ever t-shirts for the summer! Shirts will also be available on the first day of groups.
Is there a cost for Best Summer Ever?
There is a $5 registration fee per child, regardless of how many groups they attend. This fee helps cover supply costs, t-shirt costs, and snacks throughout the summer.
When & where do groups take place?
This summer we are expanding Best Summer Ever to ALL of our campuses! We invite you to find the campus and time that fits your family’s needs best (evening only, day only, OR day + evening!)
Where do I go while my child is in their group?
Parents/guardians are required to stay on campus during group time.
How many groups can my child attend?
Families are welcome to participate in both a daytime and evening Best Summer Ever group.
What is the Chapel Experience?
Families will participate together in worship, learn our memory verse, hear a mini teaching, and eat a quick snack.
What is the drop-off and pick-up procedure?
For safety purposes, all grown-ups will need to drop-off and pick-up their children. You will go to KIDS check-in to pick up your name tags (one per child) and a parent pick-up tag. There will be a unique alphanumeric code on your tags. At pick up, you will show your pick up tag to the small group leaders, and they will match the alphanumeric code on your child’s tag. If a different adult is picking up your child you can hand off the pick up tag, or send the trusted adult a picture of the tag as well.
How old does my child need to be to attend Best Summer Ever?
There are a variety of groups for kids ranging from babies and toddlers to elementary ages. Please refer to the groups page to see what groups are available for your child.
Will childcare be available during Best Summer Ever?
Separate childcare will not be provided for children who are NOT attending small groups.
If you are interested in leading a Best Summer Ever small group, sign up here.