Youth Activities

If you are needing an activity that will be a hit with the 16-18 year olds...try speed- dating.

Our church youth were invited by another group to do this last fall and we had so much fun we decided to do it again with 2 different groups. 

It takes some planning to find a group that can have both their young men and women participate.

I think it adds to the mystery and fun if you can find another high school area to include.

You also want to have about the same YM and YW.

 I teamed up with my sister in law, Carol,  and my friend Shawni.

Carol's group set-up at their church building with long tables and chairs and provided the "MC" 

and the general format of the evening.

Shawni's group made the longer drive (25 minutes) and she

 made these amazing chocolate chip cookie cups with reeses in the middle.  

They were amazing.

Our group was over the beverage so we did an Italian Soda Bar. 

The roll of the dice determined how many spots to move.

With a smaller group I would just have everyone rotate one...so that they all meet.

(We had about 60+ youth and did not want it to go all night)

 This guy came prepared.  If the conversation got tough he had a back up plan.




Here is the format I liked and some sample questions that could be used.

_________________________________________________________________________________

.....another activity I did to help build friendships and unity among our Laurel class :

We had one girl sit on a chair in front of a 

white board while the others wrote a positive phrase about them.  

They could not peek at what was being written.  It was fun to watch
the smiles on all their faces as they shared what they loved about each other.
 I took a picture and gave it to them in another lesson-- a few weeks later.
This can be a hard age for girls.  It was my hope that this activity will provide a reminder of
 the positive and sweet influence they are for others.

Family Reunion

I think Tom's grandpa Max and grandma Ruth were smiling down on this family reunion. 

They loved family gatherings and passed on a strong sense of unity and tradition.

The part of the reunion that we could attend was held at Schnepf Farms.  

Tom's cousin, Carrie Schnepf, owns and operates it.

It was the ideal venue to hold 500+ family members.

Don't under estimate the fun an egg toss can bring.

I get the giggles watching them.

As I watched Molly with little Walker, a flood of nostalgia crept in.

I remember bringing my little ones, with a baby in tow, to Schnepf Farm.

That stage goes way too quickly.

I love watching people enjoy roller coasters.  

I can't do them.  I get totally nauseous. 

I feel old and pathetic at amusement parks.

Most everyone sported the reunion shirt:

Blue was for the grand children

Red for great grandchildren

and 

Green for great-great grandchildren.

Lizzy is in the green and I believe she is the oldest great great grand-child.

I could be wrong...it is late at night and therefore extra dangerous for me to attempt a clear thought (:

By the looks of Cole, we need a little more farm experience in our lives.

We ended the festivities with a talent show. 

 Glad the girls were up for putting on their black rubber pants for the occasion.

So nice having a built-in cousin performing group.

Getaway with Friends

We got to escape for a weekend with friends

and it was dreamy.  

I think I am most happy when I see my children enjoying the outdoors,

watching husbands and fathers interact and play with their kids

&

sharing time, thoughts and conversation with people I admire and love.

Some of my favorite highlights of this get-away:

 "Go ring the bell and tell the kids it is time to come and eat."

It felt like the good ole days when I would listen for my mom's whistle

to gather us home.

Trying to find your cup in a sea of red--like solving a puzzle. 

Everyone pitching in to feed the masses. 

\

When Tom is game for picture taking (and pretending he is in a jail)...it puts a smile on my face.

Ike breaking in his new .22 rifle

Teenagers that are pleasant and fun to be around

Lots of game playing

Attempts at getting group photos

 I love watching the next generation become good friends.

Denny and his constant smile and upbeat attitude about everything.

Both Denny and Nichole could not be better hosts.