Summer has almost come to an end and a new school year is rapidly approaching. The kids will probably be in the “I’m bored” stage for the next two weeks before their days of summer freedom start to dwindle. If you’re looking to keep the kids occupied, but are seeking a less expensive alternative to an end-of-summer family vacation, consider an affordable outreach program for your kids.
Outreaches are held by churches, ministries and other non-profits in an effort to bring the community together in a fun, safe, Christian environment. Outreaches are also the perfect way for kids and parents to invite their non-church going neighbors and friends to get involved in the festivities. After all, isn’t that what “outreach” is really all about?
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. —2 Timothy 4:2, KJV
These outreach programs give children the opportunity to bond with one other and socialize, while at the same time diversify their cultural portfolios and get a little closer to God in the meantime. Here are a few cool end-of-summer program ideas kids of all ages can join to keep the boredom at bay and the Lord in their hearts.
- Ice cream social: The weather is still warm, the sun is still shining and there’s never a better time to savor the cool creaminess of ice cream than the summertime. Have a block party and invite all the neighbors, use the local community center or decorate the lawn of your church and hold it outdoors. Invite each parent to bring their own favorite pint of ice cream and have fun trying all the different flavors on little sample spoons. Or rent a soft serve machine and let the kids pull the lever to make their own cones.
- Summer outing: For an affordable fee, kids can pack a lunch and then go enjoy a summer outing at the zoo, park or museum. Invite members of your church to help chaperone, and see if you can use the ministry shuttle bus to transport the kids to and from the drop off point.
- Community carnival: Rent a bouncy house and invite face painters, cartoonists and balloon artists to provide entertainment for the children. Many local artists are happy to volunteer their services for a good cause.
- Water fun: At your local park, set up slip-n-slides, kiddie pools and sprinklers and fill water balloons for a fun way to cool off from the heat.
- Field day: Nothing says summer like a good old fashioned field day. Set up relay races, hula hoops, giant parachutes jump ropes and beanbag tosses and let the kids run around and have fun.
- Nature hikes: Nothing brings us closer to God quite like the beauty of nature. Explore the trails and fields in your community; bring along nature books to identify the different local flora and fauna and have the kids try to guess the names of the different birds and animals you encounter along your hike. It’s amazing what the earth and its creatures can teach us about Him.
- But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee; Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this? —Job 12:7-9, KJV
- Sing-a-long day: Collect musical instruments for the kids to play. Invite local musicians to teach them how to use the instruments, and then have the kids come up with songs and lyrics of their very own that celebrate God and friendship.
- O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory. —Psalms 98:1
Remember, outreaches are a great way to connect with members of your church while also spreading The Word to others in a no-pressure, carefree environment. The kids will have a blast, and the parents will, too.