We are all coming up with NEW ideas to help connect with our kids and families this summer.  We may not be able to gather in large groups, but we can still CONNECT in creative and meaningful ways.

I have gathered ideas, suggestions and try-it’s to share.

This is a start; I am sure this awesome group of Ministry Leaders/Teachers/Educators will keep adding to the list.  Most of these you can do with a small group 3-5 people or families can meet up and participate as their own small group.

*Meet up or Drop off (limit 3-5 people and observe social distance protocols)

• Bike Ride
• Visit a farm – the Bible uses a lot of farming and shepherding metaphors (ask the farmer to demonstrate calling animals for feeding time or how they plant a field or to explain what gleaning is)
• Drive-thru farm (we have a few of these in Ohio)
• Serve at a Soup Kitchen or Homeless Shelter
• Petting Zoo
• BinGO – Bingo in the church parking lot. Open the back of the mini-van or SVU, sit in lawn chairs near your vehicle.  Use a bull-horn to call #’s.
• Movie – outdoors (bring your own blanket or chairs)
• Book Club – read a book together and discuss in person or over zoom
• Dog Show – dress up your dog, best groomed, tricks or agility (even if you don’t have a dog, it would be fun to come and watch)
• Hike at a local park
• Walk and meet at smaller/less known Nature Preserves
• Kayaking or Canoeing
• Video – send in a 60-second video of anything – blowing a bubble from bubble gum, cup stacking, playing the piano, reciting a poem, doing a trick on their bike, burping the alphabet…etc

*Disclaimer: I wouldn’t use the church van this summer but encourage parents to meet you or drop kids off for a designated work time.  I would also encourage mask wearing.

Low Touch or No Touch Games

• Frisbee golf (each participant brings their own frisbee, or provide cleaning wipes)
• Bocce Ball
• Cornhole (make up new bags using ziplock baggies, easy to wipe down)
• Badminton
• Capture the Flag
• Croquet
• Supersoakers – water fight

Things I have been thinking about, but not sure how to do

• Theology on Tap with Kids — Lemonade on the Lawn?
• Some Good News – based on John Krasinski’s SGN channel – ask people to send in short videos of people doing good things (make a compilation video to share)
• Mission UNTRIP – serve locally – dog shelter, resale or thrift shop, food bank, community garden, etc…
• Unwind at 9 – a meet up time with parents to check in, share fears and hopes and connect

What have you been thinking about?

What can you add to this list?

Update in the comments – share your ideas.

  Jenni Whitford is a Certified Christian Educator in the PC(USA) and Director for Children’s Ministry at Worthington Presbyterian Church (Columbus, Ohio), Member of Hope4CE Steering Committee