Hosting a back to school bash for children at church is a great way to show them support when going into a new school year.
Beginning school for the first time, or even starting a new grade each year can be frightening for children, and it’s comforting for them to know that there are other people along with their parents who love and support them.
Host a back-to-school bash as an out reach ministry or as a private event for those in your congregation. The kids will be so glad to get together with their friends and other kids to celebrate a new school year!
How to prepare for a back to school bash
1. Set the Date and Time
Choosing the right date and perfect time is crucial for maximizing attendance. Finding a great time will depend on your location and the schedules of the families this event will be for.
It could be ideal to plan a back-to-school bash prior to the school season starting, however many people still have summer activities going on or might be going on final vacations before school starts.
For us, the best time was to pick a Friday evening after school has started. This allowed the most people to attend without conflicting schedules. Typically elementary schools will not have school events planned on Friday evenings.
Another option is hosting on a Sunday afternoon. That could be particularly effective, especially if families are already accustomed to attending Sunday school and church services, making it a convenient extension of their day. However, this could potentially be difficult for families with younger children also who still need an afternoon nap.
When setting the date, consider the schedules of both parents and children. The beginning of the school year can be a busy time, so try to choose a date that avoids major school events like orientations or open houses. It’s also wise to check the calendar for any significant local events that might conflict.
Once the date is set, decide on the duration of the event. A two to three-hour window is typically sufficient to allow for various activities without overwhelming the children.
2. Choose a Theme
A well-chosen theme can make your event even more memorable. There are many different ideas out there for themes. A few ideas include super hero’s, adventure awaits, school spirit, etc.
We went with a classic school themed back-to-school bash. All things apples, pencils, lined paper, and cap erasers helped this party all come together!
When choosing a theme it doesn’t have to be super fancy, but having an overall theme to the party really will help make it a great event.
The theme should be engaging and fun, but it can also be educational.
With a Superhero theme, it could incorporate stories of Biblical heroes like David, Esther, or Daniel, who showed great courage and faith.
A School Spirit theme could have an activity where the kids can create a mural or banner and can write what they are looking forward to in the new school year.
For an Adventure Awaits theme, set up exploration stations where kids can learn new things, similar to different subjects they will encounter in school.
3. Plan Fun Activities
When planning an event for kids, there needs to be something for them to do. If you want to make it a super easy event, plan it at your local park under a pavilion. This is a great place for kids and can be a great idea to include others from the community who might also be at the park during your party. Kids will love running around and burning off all of their energy if they have been at school all day.
If you decide to host in a different location, be sure to organize a variety of activities to keep the children engaged and entertained.
When planning activities, ensure they cater to a range of ages and abilities. Younger children might enjoy simpler crafts and games, while older kids might prefer more challenging activities.
For craft stations, provide a variety of materials and examples to spark creativity. In games and relays, focus on inclusivity and teamwork rather than competition. For the photo booth, provide a mix of fun and educational props that tie into your theme.
Here are some great activity ideas:
- Craft Stations: Let kids personalize school supplies like notebooks and pencil cases. These crafts not only provide a creative outlet but also give kids something useful for the new school year. Consider adding friendship pins as a craft, where children can make and exchange pins to symbolize new and ongoing friendships.
- Games and Relays: Host outdoor games such as sack races, hula hoops, and scavenger hunts on the school grounds or at a local park. These activities promote physical activity and teamwork, which are important both in school and in their faith journey.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props and backdrops that match your theme for fun photo ops. This creates lasting memories and fun take-home mementos for the children.
- Storytime and Songs: Include a session with stories from the children’s bible and sing-alongs that reinforce positive messages. This can be a time to teach important biblical principles in a fun and engaging way.
- Scavenger hunt: Provide a simple scavenger hunt for the kids to enjoy This will vary based on location, but there are many ways to get the kids working together in small groups and give them an excellent opportunity to build relationships.
4. Provide Snacks and Refreshments
Offer a variety of kid-friendly snacks and drinks. Make the refreshments match the theme if possible!
Consider options like:
- Healthy Snacks: Fruit skewers, veggie cups, and cheese sticks. These snacks are not only delicious but also promote healthy eating habits.
- Sweet Treats: Cookies, cupcakes, and popcorn. Consider incorporating themes into the treats, such as school-themed cupcakes or cookies decorated with school items.
- Drinks: Water, juice boxes, and smoothies. Ensure there are plenty of options to keep the kids hydrated, especially if the event is held outdoors.
Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies when planning snacks and refreshments. Provide a range of healthy and treat options to cater to different tastes. Setting up a refreshment station with clearly labeled snacks and drinks can help kids easily find what they like. If possible, involve the children in preparing some of the snacks, such as decorating cookies or assembling fruit skewers, as an additional activity.
Decorate the Venue
Go as fancy or as simple as you would like with this one. We chose to decorate pretty simply with some plastic tablecloths, centerpieces, and a few banners.
You could transform your space with vibrant decorations that match your theme. Use balloons, streamers, and banners to create a festive atmosphere.
Consider setting up a bulletin board with messages of encouragement and Bible verses about the new school year. The bulletin board can serve as a focal point where kids and parents can leave notes of encouragement or prayer requests.
Decorations can transform your venue and set the tone for the event. Use large, eye-catching decorations that fit your theme, such as superhero cutouts, school-themed banners, or adventure maps.
Incorporate educational elements into your decorations, like posters with encouraging messages or Bible verses. A well-decorated venue creates a welcoming and exciting atmosphere that can enhance the overall experience.
How to decorate on a budget:
Buy inexpensive party supplies like plastic tablecloths. This will transform plain tables and also make for an easy clean up.
Find supplies that can be reused in a new purpose. For example, use old canned goods can for decorating. The can be used to hold plastic utensils or act as a center piece.
One thing you don’t want to forget is table cloth clips to keep your table cloths from blowing away! These can be reused over and over and are a huge life saver!
Include a Back-to-School Blessing
This can look many different ways. A special school blessing can provide spiritual encouragement.
We had school themed mini devotional books to give to each child at the end of the party. This is an easy way to encourage the kids and parents to have a bible study before school. It’s a great way to remind kids that they are supported by their church community. Giving them some words of encouragement and Biblical lessons that apply to school can really help each child and provide support as they start the new school year.
If you want to use these mini devotional books for your back to school bash, download it for free by scrolling to the bottom of the post!
The back-to-school blessing can be a powerful moment of connection and encouragement.
Distribute School Supplies
Another way to provide blessings could be through a blessing backpack; a backpack full of supplies that will bless each child during the school year.
Organize school supply drives leading up to the event and distribute the collected items during the bash. Provide each child with a bag of essential school supplies such as pencils, erasers, notebooks, and crayons. This not only supports their academic success but also adds to their excitement for the new school year.
If you choose to give out school supplies, it will take a bit of planning ahead. Organizing a school supply drive involves collecting donations from .church members. Promote the drive through social media, church announcements, and local businesses.
On the day of the event, set up a distribution station where children can receive their supplies. Personalize the experience by including a note of encouragement or a Bible verse in each supply bag. This not only helps meet practical needs but also shows the church’s support and care.
Promote the Event
Advertise your back-to-school bash through social media platforms, church bulletins, newsletters, and during church services. Encourage church members to invite new families and friends from the surrounding community, making it an inclusive event. Use visuals and engaging content to create excitement and anticipation. Highlight any special activities, guests, or themes to attract attention.
Effective promotion is key to ensuring a good turnout. Use a mix of digital and traditional media to reach a wide audience. Create engaging posts on social media with visuals and countdowns to build excitement.
Use church bulletins and newsletters to keep regular attendees informed. Consider partnering with local schools and community organizations to spread the word further if you want it to be a community event. Personal invitations, either in person or via phone calls, can also be very effective in encouraging attendance.
Have people sign up to help give you an idea of how many people to expect at your event. Sign up below to get this free sign up sheet!
Get Volunteers Involved
Recruit volunteers that are part of the church to help with various tasks like setting up, running activity stations, serving refreshments, and cleaning up. Having a team of dedicated helpers will ensure everything runs smoothly and allows for more personal interactions with the children.
Volunteers can also serve as role models, demonstrating the importance of service but also the value of each child at the event.
Volunteers are the backbone of any successful event. Start recruiting early and clearly communicate the roles and responsibilities. Provide training and resources if needed to ensure volunteers feel prepared and confident.
Recognize and thank your volunteers both before and after the event, as their dedication and enthusiasm contribute greatly to the event’s success.
Follow Up
After the event, send a thank-you note or email to the families who attended, expressing your appreciation and sharing highlights from the day. This is a good way to maintain connections and encourage continued participation in future church events. Consider including photos from the event and information about upcoming children’s ministry activities.
This may not be possible to do on a small scale to each individual who attended, but it is easy to make a post on social media in your church group, expressing gratitude for each child who can and to all of those who made the event possible.
Sharing photos and stories on social media and in church newsletters to celebrate the success and encourage future participation. Use the opportunity to invite families to upcoming church services, Sunday school, or other events, keeping the connection strong.
Parents always love to see photos of their children at events like these.
Additional Tips for a Successful Back-to-School Bash
Incorporate Educational Elements
While the primary focus is fun, incorporating educational elements can add value to your event. Set up stations where kids can learn about different subjects, such as science experiments, math games, or reading corners. These activities can spark a love for learning and help kids get excited about the new school year.
Foster Community and Friendship
Create opportunities for kids to make new friends and strengthen existing relationships. Plan activities that require teamwork and cooperation, such as group games or collaborative crafts. Encourage parents to participate in some activities, fostering a sense of community and support among families.
Highlight the Importance of Faith
Throughout the event, find ways to integrate faith-based messages and activities. Use storytelling sessions to share biblical lessons relevant to the new school year. Encourage kids to write down their prayers or goals for the year and place them on a prayer wall. This reinforces the idea that their faith is an integral part of their academic journey.
Capture the Memories
Designate a team member or volunteer to take photos and videos throughout the event. Capture moments of joy, laughter, and connection. Share these memories with families and the church community, both online and through physical photo displays in the church. These memories can be cherished and looked back on fondly.
Hosting a back-to-school bash is a great way to show the children in your church that they are loved, supported, and prayed for as they embark on a new academic adventure. With thoughtful planning and a focus on fun activities and community building, your event can become an annual tradition that children look forward to every year. By incorporating these ideas and detailed steps, you can create a memorable and meaningful experience that celebrates the beginning of the school year and strengthens the bond within your church community.
This comprehensive guide ensures that your back-to-school bash is not only a fun event but also a great opportunity for spiritual growth, community building, and educational support. With careful planning and execution, your event can have a lasting positive impact on the children and families in your church.
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