Here is what we do… Ecclesiastes 3 says there is a time for everything. Wouldn’t it be great if the season went on and on forever, though? Ok, you’re right, it probably would be a little less than great. So what do we do when the final set of ribbons and trophies have been passed out and everyone goes their separate ways until next fall? If you want your quizzers to continue to grow, here are three keys that will help them get ready for next year.

1. Take a short break. As counterintuitive as this may seem, a short break will go a long way in helping your quizzers prepare for the season ahead of them. The season can be long, and without this break seasons can begin to run together. Allowing a short break like this actually brings our quizzers back hungry to tackle a new season when they come back in the fall.

2. Slow the pace down. Remind your quizzers to slow down, not just with the buzzers, but also with their study. Slowing the pace will actually give them opportunities to study the Scriptures and have a better understanding of what they are learning (not just cramming their heads with facts, but actually applying the Word to their lives).

“Look for ways to make sure your kids are having fun, and they will keep studying all year long!” – Scott Berkey

3. Ramp up the fun! We play games with the kids to keep them engaged, but these games don’t even remotely look like traditional JBQ. Some weeks during the off-season, we don’t even get out the buzzers. Instead, we will do JBQ Ninja Warrior. This is a game where we set up simple obstacles, but before kids can move from station to station, they have to answer a question. Look for ways to make sure your kids are having fun, and they will keep studying all year long!

(an article from the JBQ Newsletter, by Scott Berkey, Children’s Pastor at Victory in Tucson, AZ)