Activities: It was a great place to be. We played softball and took the children into the swimming pool, and hiked beside a small stream. Some of the children brought their bikes and we decorated them for a little patriotic parade. We had a cake walk with prizes. We had a competitive obstacle course. We had simple crafts for the children to make. We had family skits and a mellodrama which was videotaped. We had a campfire and roasted marshmellows and made smores. We told stories,. We sang songs. And after the children went to bed the adults sat around the picnic tables and played games by lantern light. The next day we went shopping in the Bavarian alps type town and visited a candy factory that gave us samples.
Each family was responsible for providing and preparing the food for one meal. Each family was responsible for one of the activities. We posted a chart giving the times of each event so no one would miss out.
The key to a successful family reunion is organization. Start a year ahead if you can. Select which family is the host and where the event will be held. Make reservations very early. Select a place that is affordable. Will it be a campout? Assign food, activity and cleanup responsibilities. Plan activities for every age group. Some reunions are larger and there is a need for a flyer or newsletter to be sent out, and monies collected. Make name tags to easily read.
Other Ideas: Swap Table for kids clothes and books; Crafts for kids; work on a charity project such as tieing a quilt or assemble hygiene kits for homeless shelter. Hold a religious service. Hold a business meeting to do family history. Display memorabilia on a table, also photos and scrapbooks.
Leavenworth, Washington
