Church picnics evoke memories of lawn blankets, potato salad and a casual gathering opportunity beyond Sunday morning service. If your church needs some fresh ideas for getting members to interact, here are 30 ideas and games to make your next church picnic a memorable one.
Ideas to Make Your Day a Hit
- Make a Good Impression - Some attendees may be newcomers to your church (or invited guests of members), so it's a good idea to include a "Who We Are" booth. Play a video introducing your church on continuous loop, set out pamphlets or set up a welcome center with your friendliest greeters to explain your core values, special ministries and upcoming events.
- Add a Service Element - Getting to know each other is a worthy endeavor, but your picnic can also include a service event like a church wide baby shower where people can donate supplies such as diapers to a local family shelter. You could also have a basket for "Christmas in July" (or whatever month!), and attendees can bring a gift card to a local grocery store for families who might come to the church seeking financial assistance.
- Get Crafty - A craft station is fun for children who might not want to play more active games. Ideas include a marble painting station, card making for those in the hospital or a make-and-take themed craft for the season of the year (such as a pinecone birdfeeder for summer). Recruit an adult supervisor or some teens to help little ones. Genius Tip: Get more inspiration with these 100 summer crafts for kids.
- Say Cheese - A photo booth is a sure way to get families to ham it up. If you include props, you can give awards for most creative, silliest or could-be Christmas-card-worthy photo! Print these out and place them on bulletin boards around your church.
