“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
— Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
A new school year brings a fresh rhythm to family life. Backpacks are packed, calendars fill up, and children step into new classrooms with new teachers, friendships, challenges, and opportunities.
It is also a natural time to renew the habits that matter most.
Schools can teach math, science, history, and language, but a child’s spiritual formation cannot be handed off to a classroom. God has given parents the privilege and responsibility of helping their children know His Word, recognize His truth, and learn what it means to follow Christ in everyday life.
That does not require a flawless routine or an elaborate family program. Faith is often formed through small, faithful practices repeated over time: a prayer before the school day, Scripture around the dinner table, honest conversations after a difficult afternoon, regular worship with the local church, and parents who model repentance, grace, and trust in God.
The following ministries and organizations offer practical help for Colorado families. Some provide resources parents can use at home; others help children and teens find Christian mentors, friendships, service opportunities, worldview training, or time away to grow in their faith.
1. Focus on the Family
Best for: Biblical parenting guidance and family devotionals
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Focus on the Family offers articles, broadcasts, podcasts, devotionals, counseling resources, and practical guidance for parents in every season of family life. Its Plugged In reviews can also help families make informed decisions about movies, television, music, games, and books.
2. Awana Clubs
Best for: Scripture memory and weekly discipleship for children
Awana partners with local churches to help children learn Scripture, build Christian friendships, and grow through age-appropriate teaching, games, and caring adult leaders. Programs vary by church, so families can use the Awana club finder to search by ZIP code for a nearby program.
3. Young Life
Best for: Christian mentors and community for middle school and high school students
Based in Colorado Springs, Young Life reaches adolescents through local clubs, caring mentors, Bible studies, and camps. Its ministries include Young Life for high school students, WyldLife for middle school students, and Capernaum for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
4. Fellowship of Christian Athletes — Colorado
Best for: Student-athletes, coaches, and campus fellowship
Colorado FCA helps students and coaches connect faith with athletics through campus groups, team Bible studies, camps, and leadership opportunities. For young athletes navigating competition, pressure, and team culture, FCA can provide Christian encouragement and relationships during the school year.
5. Christian Home Educators of Colorado
Best for: Homeschool guidance, community, and family discipleship
Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) helps families understand Colorado homeschool law, evaluate curriculum, find local groups and activities, and approach home education from a biblical perspective. CHEC also offers seminars, conferences, a podcast, publications, and resources for parents at every stage of the homeschool journey.
6. Dare 2 Share Ministries
Best for: Helping teenagers understand and share the Gospel
Colorado-based Dare 2 Share equips teenagers and youth leaders with Gospel-centered training, events, Bible-study materials, and evangelism tools. Its resources can help teens explain what they believe with clarity, compassion, and confidence as they interact with friends at school.
7. Summit Ministries
Best for: Biblical worldview training for older teens and young adults
Located in Manitou Springs, Summit Ministries helps students examine the ideas shaping today’s culture and learn to think biblically about faith, truth, purpose, and public life. Its Colorado student conferences are designed for ages 16 to 22, and Summit also offers curriculum and online resources for families, churches, and Christian educators.
8. Compassion International
Best for: Teaching children generosity, prayer, and concern for others
Headquartered in Colorado Springs, Compassion International works through local churches to serve children living in poverty around the world. Sponsorship, letter writing, prayer, and family giving projects can help children see that following Jesus includes caring for vulnerable people in both word and action.
9. Camp IdRaHaJe
Best for: Christ-centered camps, retreats, and outdoor experiences
Located in Bailey, Camp IdRaHaJe has served Colorado families since 1948. The ministry offers Christian summer camps for children and teens, outdoor education through its Mountain Lab School, winter camps, and retreat opportunities that combine biblical teaching with adventure in the Rocky Mountains.
10. Sky Ranch Colorado
Best for: Family camps, student leadership programs, and group retreats
Sky Ranch Horn Creek, near Westcliffe, offers family camps, leadership camps, and retreats in a Christ-centered mountain setting. Its programs give families and students time away from everyday distractions to strengthen relationships, enjoy outdoor adventures, and focus on spiritual growth.
Begin with One Faithful Step
No ministry, camp, or curriculum can replace the daily influence of a parent or the life of a faithful local church. These resources are tools—valuable ones—but the most important step may also be the simplest: choose one spiritual habit your family can practice consistently this school year.
Pray together on the drive to school. Read a short passage of Scripture after dinner. Memorize one verse each month. Ask your children where they saw God’s goodness during the day. Find a church community where your family can worship, serve, and grow.
Small acts of faithfulness, repeated with love, can help build a foundation that lasts far beyond the school year.
A Prayer for the New School Year
Heavenly Father, thank You for the children and young people You have entrusted to us. Give them wisdom as they learn, courage when they face pressure, kindness toward others, and discernment in a world filled with competing voices. Protect their hearts and minds, surround them with faithful friends and mentors, and help them grow in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. Give parents patience, consistency, and grace as they lead their families. May every lesson, challenge, and opportunity draw us closer to You. Amen.
Program availability, schedules, age requirements, and costs may change. Parents should review each organization’s current information, safety policies, and statement of faith before enrolling a child or registering for an event.
