At Myrtle Grove Christian School, the Tribes program is one of the most unique and cherished traditions of student life. From Kindergarten through 8th grade, every student belongs to a Tribe—a mixed-age group designed to foster friendships, spiritual growth, and leadership development across grade levels.

This year, our Tribes are focusing on the theme “Trust in the Lord” (Proverbs 3:5). Each monthly gathering explores a Bible character or passage that points students toward trusting God fully. In September, our lesson centered on Elijah from 1 Kings 18:21, where Elijah challenged God’s people to choose whom they would serve: “If the Lord is God, follow Him.” Students learned that trust requires both faith and action, and they reflected on what it means to follow God wholeheartedly in their daily lives.

A typical Tribe meeting begins with prayer, Scripture, and worship as students gather in their small Tribe groups. Every student is paired with a Tribe Buddy—an intentional relationship that helps younger students feel known and cared for while giving older students the opportunity to practice leadership and mentorship. These connections grow stronger throughout the year, as buddies sit together during lessons, pray for one another, and encourage each other through activities.

Behind the scenes, every Tribe pairing begins with prayer. Teachers and leaders carefully and prayerfully match students, considering not only personalities and strengths but also how students might complement and challenge one another in positive ways.

The impact of Tribes is seen not only in the friendships formed but also in the way students live out their faith together. Older students gain experience leading with humility and grace, while younger students learn what it looks like to be guided by a peer who models Christ-like character.

The culmination of the year is our much-anticipated Field Day, where Tribes compete for points, not only for athletic achievements but also for demonstrating sportsmanship, encouragement, and teamwork. It’s a day filled with excitement, laughter, and a powerful reminder that at MGCS, building community is as important as building skills.

Tribes are more than just a program—they’re a reflection of who we are as a school: a family rooted in Christ, learning, growing, and trusting the Lord together.