Big Beach Weekend 2026

Cabin Times

A practical guide for creating honest conversation, helping students process each message, and pointing your group toward Jesus.

Leader guide

Leading a Great Cabin Time

You do not need to have every answer. Your role is to make room for students to speak, listen well, and help the group connect the message to real life.

1

Set the tone

Choose a comfortable space, remove distractions, and remind everyone that personal stories stay within the group.

2

Start simple

Begin with an easy question. Give students time to settle in before moving toward something more personal.

3

Listen, don't lecture

Ask follow-up questions such as “What makes you say that?” Resist the urge to fill every silence or correct every answer.

4

Invite every voice

Make space for quieter students without forcing them. Gently redirect anyone who is dominating the conversation.

5

Follow the Spirit’s lead

Don’t be a slave to the questions. Notice where your students’ hearts are—they may not be where you are. Don’t rush. Add your own thoughts and follow the conversation where it needs to go.

Challenge students before the next chapel: “During our next chapel, I want each of you to listen for one thing you find interesting or insightful, or that challenges your thinking. Come ready to share it at our next cabin time.”

Speaker discussion questions

Choose Your Session

Open the session that matches the message your group just heard. Each section can be expanded or collapsed as you lead.

01 Friday PM The Pharisee and the Tax Collector Luke 18:9-14 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing that stood out to you from this parable?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to think like the Pharisee in the parable?
  3. How does the gospel make it easier for us to be honest about our sin?
  4. The tax collector made a humble prayer to God. What does it look like to live that prayer out practically, in your relationship with God and others?
02 Saturday AM Hear with Your Heart Matthew 13:1-23 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing from this parable that challenged you?
  2. What’s something that encouraged you?
  3. Like the thorns in our parable, what are some of the things in our lives that capture our hearts and take our eyes off Jesus?
  4. If we’re having trouble understanding the gospel, what can we do?
  5. What are some ways our lives will look different if God’s Word is bearing fruit in us?
03 Saturday PM How the Kingdom Grows Mark 4:26-32 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing that stood out to you from this passage?
  2. Kingdom growth comes from God. How does that comfort you in your own life and your relationships?
  3. Kingdom growth is slow but certain. How does that truth encourage you in your current circumstances?
  4. What are some of the “little things” you might be called to do this week, to better love God and others?
04 Sunday AM Seats of Honor Luke 14:7-14 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing from this parable that challenged you?
  2. What are some ways we’re tempted to exalt ourselves, especially in comparison to others?
  3. Can you think of anyone in your life who models what it looks like to be a humble servant?
  4. How did Jesus humble himself?
  5. What does it look like to live humbly like Jesus, and what are some practical ways we can do that this week?
05 Sunday PM The Great Banquet Luke 14:15-24 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing from this parable that either challenged you or encouraged you?
  2. What are some of the barriers you face to accepting Jesus’s invitation? What excuses do we make?
  3. Why is choosing to follow Jesus worth it?
  4. Who are some of the people God might be calling you to invite to follow Jesus, or invite to your church? Be specific.
06 Monday AM Using Your Talents Matthew 25:14-30 (ESV) · Read passage
  1. What’s one thing that stood out to you from this parable?
  2. What are some specific ways God has gifted your friends, and how can you encourage them to use those gifts for the good of others?
  3. What barriers keep us from using or trying out our gifts in our community?
  4. What is something you think God has gifted you with, and how can you use that gift to bless your community?
Before you finish

Thank students for sharing. Name one theme you heard, invite a practical response, and close in prayer. If a student shares something involving safety, abuse, self-harm, or danger, follow your church’s reporting procedures and contact the appropriate camp leader.