This year’s Summer Kickback will be experience designed to create space for students to encounter God in a real and personal way. Inspired by the prayer of Jesus, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven,” our heart is to give students a glimpse of what it looks like when heaven touches earth.
Throughout the weekend, students will enjoy high-energy games, team competitions, worship, and community—but at the center of it all is a deeper purpose. Every moment is intentionally designed to help students not only have fun, but also grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, and experience the presence of God.
We believe that when students step into an environment filled with God’s presence, it can a lasting effect on your life. Our prayer is that they leave not just with memories, but with a genuine encounter that strengthens their walk with Jesus and reminds them that God is near, active, and moving in their lives.
What is the Summer Kickback?
The Summer Kickback is a 4-day, high-energy youth event that blends the thrill of team competitions with powerful worship and real moments with God. Students are drafted into one of four “tribes” and go head-to-head all week in tournaments, team challenges, and water games—all for bragging rights, prizes, and the ultimate Tribe Wars Championship Belt.
Day 1 – Draft Night (June 10, 6:30 PM)
A hype-filled launch where students get placed on teams through a live draft experience. With team chants, colors, and plenty of energy, it sets the tone for the week. Think: team spirit, hilarious MC moments, and tribal pride from the jump.
Day 2 – Kickoff Night: Tribes Assemble (June 11, 5:30 PM)
The official start of the Tribe Wars tournament with games like Tug of War, Dizzy Bat Race, and Four Corners. There’s also live worship, dinner, and a powerful word and salvation moment. It’s a mix of fierce competition and spiritual impact.
Day 3 – Tournament Night: Finish Strong (June 12, 5:30 PM)
The competition heats up with events like Toxic MeltDown, and Table Games. But it’s not all about games—students also gather for small groups, hear a short message, and engage in ministry time. The night ends with leaderboard reveals and strategy talk as teams prepare for the final showdown.
Day 4 – Water Day + Tribe Wars Finale (June 13, 5:30 PM)
The grand finale: a water games blowout with Four Corners (Splash Version), Sponge Relays, BlindFold DodgeBall (Splash Version) , and more, Tribe Wars will Kickoff the Night, Followed Up with Just Kicking back with water fun, food, Followed Up by Baptism (Families are allowed to attend) Lastly the crowning of the Tribe Wars Champions—with losing team leaders getting dunked or pied in the face!
Overall Vibe:
- Competitive but Christ-centered
- Fun but full of purpose
- Community-driven with lasting team connections
- Creative with engaging game formats and strong visuals
- Transformational with nightly messages, worship, and ministry moments