Summer is knocking on the door, and you’re about to dive headfirst into the chaos of camp, retreats, and endless youth group activities. But before you buckle up for the whirlwind ahead, make sure you have these five essential conversations with parents. Trust me, a little proactive chatting now can save a world of headaches later.

1. Expectations Chat
Kick things off by clearly setting expectations for the summer. What should parents anticipate in terms of involvement, costs, schedules, and the likelihood of their kids coming home covered in mud, sunscreen, or glitter? Clarity now means fewer frantic midnight texts later (well, hopefully).

2. “The Tech Talk” (Youth Group Edition)
Yes, this is like the awkward parental “birds and bees” talk but about phones and devices. Clarify your policy on tech use during events and camps. Remind parents that the “no phones” rule isn’t cruel—it’s to make sure their teen actually sees something other than the glow of their screen for at least a week.

3. Summer Goals and Spiritual Growth
Discuss your ministry’s spiritual goals for the summer. Parents love to hear that you’re intentionally planning beyond just keeping their kids busy. Outline what you’re teaching and how parents can support the same spiritual themes at home—yes, even when their child rolls their eyes dramatically.

4. The Emergency Protocol Chat
Have an honest (but humorous) conversation about emergencies. Clarify your procedures and reassure parents you’ve thought about everything from bee stings to homesickness to zombie apocalypses. Being prepared never hurt anyone, especially when you’re responsible for a van full of teenagers.

5. The “We’re on the Same Team” Pep Talk
Remind parents you’re allies, not adversaries, in this whole “raising a teenager” business. Emphasize open communication and mutual support. Bonus tip: throw in a casual reminder that Starbucks gift cards go a long way in securing extra blessings (just kidding…kind of).

Taking time for these five conversations now will not only smooth the road ahead—it will make you look like a ministry rockstar who really has their act together. Happy chatting!