Need an idea for a good summer activity with other homeschool families? Plan a picnic! Picnics are fun, inexpensive, simple to organize, and provide a great opportunity to fellowship with other homeschool families. Whether it’s just two families getting together or several, you can make a picnic as structured or laid back as you want. And what better place to have it than at a local park? With play areas and plenty of green space, it’s the perfect spot to let kids burn off energy while parents get a chance to chat.
First Things First
Now for the planning part, which is the most important in order to have a successful picnic. After you and the other families decide where and when to meet, make a list of possible activities that everyone can enjoy. For example, older children can participate in a scavenger hunt. Ask some of the parents to think of different objects to hide around the park, and then either write down clues or draw a map for the kids to follow. Younger children can play games such as kickball, freeze tag, blind man’s bluff, dodgeball, and so on. They could also have a three-legged race or a water balloon toss. If the adults want, they can bring cornhole, croquet, bocce ball, horseshoes, or other simple games. Some familes can volunteer to bring the necessary items for these different activities.
Getting the Word Out
Social media, email, and texts are great ways to communicate and coordinate more efficiently. There should be at least one “point person” the group can contact with information and questions. This will help avoid confusion and ensure that all the details are taken care of. Whichever method you use to communicate, send out a simple list of what each family is bringing.
Chow Time
Of course, there’s another very important part of the picnic—the food! It may be easiest to have each family bring their own food and drinks; but if people choose to, they can sign up to bring their favorite dishes to share with everyone else. Again, send out a list of what each family is contributing. And remind families to bring their own plates, cups, plasticware, and napkins.
Go with the Flow
Now all that’s left is to come and enjoy a good time with other families at your well-planned summer picnic! Be willing to be flexible; you may find that some of the children would rather stay on the playground than join in organized activities, or that the adults prefer to eat and talk instead of playing games. That’s OK; remember, the goal is to fellowship and have fun with local homeschoolers, and having a picnic is one of the best ways to do just that.
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Jennifer is a pastor’s wife and mom of two young girls and loves homeschooling them. During her own twelve years of being homeschooled, Jennifer developed a passion for reading and writing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and relishes writing during her free time.