Kidology.org
Why I'm Returning to Yosemite

Returning to Yosemite Summit this year, Patrick McWhorter shares his reasons for experiencing this Kidology retreat one more time:
 
The number one reason to go back - I know that I need the time away. I love what I do, don't get me wrong. But throughout the year, the emotional stress can wear you out.

...I know that I Yosemite Summit & Unbridledneed the time away to leave the work of ministry behind, to leave the daily tasks behind, and to focus on ultimately what is most important, my own personal relationship with Christ.

The time away last year allowed me to refocus my life and set my eyes on what was most important. I am looking forward to the time once again to refocus my life and to continue to grow as a child of God.

The opportunity to get with other guys from across the country and share life together was amazing. We all shared the common ground of children's ministry but it was great to get to know each other, pray for each other, and encourage each other in our personal walks with Christ. I am looking forward to that fellowship again this year. [Read more]

There are only 4 spots remaining for Yosemite Summit (for Men, May 23-27) and just 1 spot open for Unbridled (for Women, May 24-26).  Don't miss out on these awesome opportunities!

Because Jesus Loves Children,

Karl D. Bastian - a.k.a. "The Kidologist"
Uncle Charlie's New Worship Handbook
Get Your Kids Excited About Worship! HandbookGet Your Kids Excited About Worship! is a handbook by Uncle Charlie (Charlie Bancroft) where he shares practical tips, philosophy, and ideas from his 13 years of experience on the road singing with kids!

Topics include:
  • Having the Right Heart to Lead Kids Worship
  • Helpful Tips for Leading Kids Worship
  • Kid-Friendly Children's Worship
  • Having Purpose and Balance
  • Putting Together a Kids Worship Set
  • Involving Older Boys in Worship
Only via Kidology: Your purchase of this 22-page PDFdownload includes 3 BONUS music videosin MPEG format: "2x2", "A Plan", and "Your Love Is Deep".


» Just $9.99 for Kidology members!
The Kid's Church Cookbook - Part 3: Developing the Recipe
Part 2: Setting the MoodThe Kids Church Cookbook - Part 3: Developing the Recipe, features an idea-packed and training-rich 34-page PDF.  You'll learn how to create powerful lessons from any passage of scripture. Your presentation skills will be transformed as you develop your own recipes and formulate your own "secret sauce."

You'll also receive a "side dish" consisting of a 35+ minute Training Videoas part of The Kids Church Cooking Show... Episode 3 - Balloons! This is a great resource to learn how to use balloon art to enhance your teaching in children's church.

Kidology Premium Members can pick up this installment for just $11.99. Save more by pre-paying for all 7 Kids Church Cookbook installments using our Subscription Plan option! If you have previously signed up for the Subscription Plan, Part 3 should already be in your Inbox!

» Part 3: Developing the Recipe - Members save $3
» Part 2: Setting the Mood
» Part 1: Called to be a Chef of God's Word
» Learn more about The Kids Church Cookbook
The Kitchen
The Kitchen
Continuing the theme of cooking-related children's ministry resources, have you heard about The Kitchen? No, not the one in your house. It's the all new children's ministry curriculum from our friends at KidzMatter.

It's completely downloadable, media-enhanced, teacher-driven, and Bible-based. You'll find videos, games, lessons with PowerPoint, object lessons, science experiments, and so much more. Whether you have 30 minutes or 2 hours to fill, you'll get just the right amount of "ingredients" to fill your time up.

Let's see what some real-life children's pastors had to say about it:
  • "We love The Kitchen ... this is a great investment, even for small churches." -Leslie
  • "[Volunteers] are excited and the kids are captivated." -Amy
  • "I love ... all the options." -Pam
What's not to love about that? Find out for yourself just why these children's ministers love The Kitchen so much. Visit kidzmatter.com/kitchen to see the scope and sequence, FAQs, and even download a free sample lesson. Subscriptions are just $149 for 3 months or $499 for a full year.

Hop over to KidzMatter.com and use Coupon Code kidkitchen to save 10% off a subscription to The Kitchen (Expires 4/30).

» Learn more about The Kitchen
Kid Builders Conference, May 7-8
Kid Builders
"I'm excited to be heading to Canada on May 7-8 for the Kid Builders children's ministry conference in Ontario," writes Karl Bastian, founder of Kidology.

"It is looking to be a wonderful gathering of practical trainerswho bring a wide variety of hands-on skills for leaders and volunteers."

"I hope that you will be able to join me and the other wonderful speakers that will be gathering at Kid Builders in May - it is shaping up to be a fantastic conference! Don't miss this first annual event! Years from now, you can say, 'I was at the first one!'"

» Kidologist.com: Learn more about the Kid Builders Conference
» KidBuilders.ca
Collaborate: Save a Buck... or Win A Copy!
CollaborateA new book is hitting bookstores entitled Collaborate: Family + Church. Written by Michael Chanley (founder of CMConnect.org) and a cast of 34 children's ministry leaders & thinkers, Collaborate focuses on the idea of engaging parents and working together to blend family and the church.

Save A Buck!
This book is currently available in the Kidology Store. If you are a Kidology Member, you can pick it up for $1 less than Amazon... so how's that for a deal!  Free shipping during the month of April!

Win A Copy!
We're discussing family ministry and Collaborate in the Kidology Forums.  If you join the conversation, you might even win a free copy! Simply post an informative question or comment as part of our discussion and you'll be entered to win. Deadline is April 21, so put those thinking caps on and join the conversation!

» Pick up a copy of Collaborate - Best Deal
» Join the conversation and WIN A COPY!