MEGA Sports Camp Mission Cup Helps Kids Discover Purpose Beyond the Playing Field

When Praise Assembly in Springfield, Missouri, hosted the Assemblies of God’s MEGA Sports Camp Mission Cup earlier this summer, children’s pastor Heather Marble witnessed firsthand how sports can become a powerful tool for community outreach and discipleship.

In their second year hosting MEGA Sports Camp at Praise, Marble says it was exciting to see the momentum continue to grow from the first year.

The growth in attendance was astounding. The church welcomed 156 children during the weeklong event, representing a 54% increase over the previous year. According to Marble, much of that growth came from returning families who were eager to invite their friends.

“Because it was our second year, there was already a buzz of excitement leading up to the camp,” she explains. “Many of the kids who attended last year couldn’t wait to come back and invite their friends, which created even more anticipation and energy throughout the week.”

Mission Cup, the newest theme in the Assemblies of God’s MEGA Sports Camp curriculum, draws inspiration from the excitement behind the United States hosting the World Cup this year. The program encourages children to view their athletic interest as opportunities to make an impact on the world around them and discover God’s purpose for their lives.

Just as elite athletes dedicate themselves to training for the world stage, Mission Cup teaches children to live “on mission” every day. Throughout the week, kids learned biblical principles such as focusing on what truly matters, showing respect to others, practicing humility in victory, persevering through challenges, and demonstrating leadership. The curriculum’s theme verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, was also highlighted frequently throughout the week to remind kids to live out their faith boldly, no matter their age.

The soccer-centered theme was a natural connection with many of the campers.

“The soccer theme was a huge hit,” Marble says. “With the World Cup [going on], kids were already excited about soccer, and combining it with the sports camp atmosphere made it even more engaging. The intro videos featuring World Cup Dad were great, and the kids loved them.”

Kelly Presson, national children’s ministries director says, “Sports naturally build relationships, break down barriers, and create opportunities to share the life-changing message of Jesus in a fun and authentic way.”

Beyond the fun and competition, the spiritual impact of the week is what stood out the most.

“One of the most exciting highlights was seeing more than 10 kids ask Jesus to be their best friend,” Marble shares. “Our leaders also had meaningful opportunities to pray with and encourage their students throughout the week.”

The camp also resonated with families throughout the community. Marble says several parents reached out to share how much their children looked forward to attending each evening.

“One family even told us their child chose to miss a professional baseball game on their birthday because they didn’t want to miss a single night of MEGA Sports Camp,” she says.

In Marble’s opinion, the program’s effectiveness lies in its ability to combine active learning with spiritual growth.

“Kids love being active, and MEGA Sports Camp provides a fun, engaging environment where they can learn new skills while also learning about Jesus,” she says. “The curriculum is flexible and allows churches to easily incorporate additional elements like crafts, games, and other activities. I also appreciate how strongly it emphasizes outreach” says Marble.

In addition to sports instruction and Bible teaching, the curriculum also includes videos, graphics, and customizable programming designed to help churches connect with children and families in their individual communities.

“At its heart, MEGA Sports Camp was created because we believe every church should have a practical, effective way to connect with kids and families in their community” Presson says. “Whether you’re a small rural church, a growing suburban church, or a large urban ministry, MEGA Sports Camp gives you the flexibility to make it your own while staying focused on what matters most – helping kids encounter Jesus and equipping churches to reach the families God has placed in their community.”

Ashley B. Grant

Ashley B. Grant has a master's degree in Human Services Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty University and is a credentialed Christian counselor through the American Association of Christian Counselors. Grant also holds certifications in crisis pregnancy counseling and advanced life coaching. Ashley is a fourth generation Assemblies of God preacher’s kid and has one daughter and three sons.