Kids

Ready, Set… GAME ON! I am so excited about this year’s KidVenture, an event that we plan where our only intention is for our kids and leaders to connect relationally. We feel like simply hanging out together can make such a lasting impression that when a child needs someone to trust, they can go to their small group leader.
During our initial brainstorm session, our multi-campus team was asked to bring any themes that may resonate with girls and boys alike. I think this is a challenge because we have 5-year-old girls and 10-year-old boys. We want every child to feel connected to the theme and be excited about participating. After ideas like a 50’s party, disco day and western cowboys were discussed, we landed on the idea of sports. After that, the ideas started flowing in for games, food, costumes and stage décor.
Planning for KidVenture has been so fun but definitely very tedious. We split responsibilities of large group scripting, costumes, ticket sales, look and feel and marketing. We were asked which category we would like to serve on which let us lean towards what we naturally enjoy. I think this is a great idea because if you look at each area by yourself, it can become very overwhelming and seem impossible to make happen. However, splitting the responsibilities makes it more manageable, feasible and inevitably, makes the final product better.
We also know that this is the last KidVenture for our 5th graders so we have planned a special scavenger hunt with just our 5th grade groups around the entire church. Planning something apart from the other grades makes them look forward to coming and not feel like this is the same thing they have done since Kindergarten. (I’m sure being able to run all over the church to find the elevator, baptismal and washing machine helps too!)
I have only been able to participate in one KidVenture since I have been on staff but it was one of my favorite days on UpStreet. The energy, excitement and overall feel of the morning really made our hall a place where kids wanted to be. Ultimately, we know that sometimes it’s going to be the kids that are going to bring their parents to church. We know that what we do on Sundays, or what we do at a special event like this, is going to affect more than just these kids. So, we have planned a great afternoon for them to get excited about and then we stand back and watch God do the rest.   Yeah for KidVenture ‘09 - Game On!

Post written by:  Sara - UpStreet