“Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is – what is good and pleasing and mature.” Romans 12:2 (CEB)

Conversations about faith are important! As your children head back to school, use this as an opportunity to talk about how God might guide their thoughts and be present with them.

If you are a Church Leader click here to find the blessing of the backpack instructions, prayer, and resource to print. If you are a parent, click here. The art for additional buttons or stickers can be accessed here.

Si prefieres el recurso en español: si eres líder de una iglesia, haz clic aquí, o si eres un padre or madre, haz clic aquí. 

Keep the conversation going August 3-30, with a special month of devotions at d365.org.

How are you feeling about going back to school?

When you think about school starting, what do you feel first? (happy, worried, curious, etc.)

What are you most excited about as the school year starts? Who are you most looking forward to seeing? (New classes, seeing friends again, joining a new team or club)

Is there something from last year that you hope will be different this year? (Nicer classmates, easier classes, better grades)

What will you pack in your backpack? Name things that you normally carry in your backpack. (Books, pencils, paper, snacks, etc.)

What do we bring in addition to stuff? (Attitudes, actions, words, thoughts, feelings, ideas)

In this new school year, you may have new classes, new teachers, and new classmates. What are your thoughts and attitudes about all the things this new year will bring?

Discuss Romans 12:2, inviting your students to think about how they might be transformed or changed when they let God guide their thoughts and actions toward themselves, their classmates, and their teachers.

“Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is – what is good and pleasing and mature.” Romans 12:2 (CEB)

When your day feels hard or stressful at school, what is one way you can pause and “reset” or “renew” your mind? Take a deep breath; ask God to be with me; try again and choose better thoughts or actions

What is one way God might help you grow or change this year in how you act, think, or treat others? I can be more patient, kinder, and braver. I can make small changes that help me act and live more like Jesus.

When you make a mistake or have a tough day, what do you want to remember about God and about yourself? God loves me no matter what; God is helping me learn and grow; Just because I made a mistake today doesn’t mean I can’t try again tomorrow.

Say a prayer together for the new school year. Pray that students will do their best to see each day as a new start, and that they will work to see others and the world the same way that God does.

The Growing Faith Initiative and d365
are ministries of passportcamps.org

©2026 by Passport, Inc. All rights reserved.