So it's July and I'm already stressing about back-to-school stuff. Kids disappear for three months then suddenly they're all taller and forgot everyone's names and act like they've never been in our building before.
Last year was disaster. Thought I'd just jump back into regular programming Labor Day weekend. Kids were cranky. Parents were stressed. Half our volunteers forgot they'd committed to help again.
Took like six weeks to get any kind of rhythm back. By then we'd lost some families who got busy with school activities and sports and whatever else.
This year trying different approach. Actually planning some specific back-to-school events help everyone transition. Get kids excited about coming back. Remind parents we exist. Give volunteers chance to reconnect before we need them every week.
Been looking at what other churches do and trying some new ideas. Some working better than others but least I'm being intentional about it instead just hoping everything works out.
Backpack Blessing and School Supply Drive
This one's pretty obvious but works really well. Have families bring their kids' backpacks to service Sunday before school starts.
Pray over the backpacks and kids. Nothing fancy just asking God to help them have good year. Make friends. Learn new things. Stay safe.
Parents love it because validates that school is important not just competition for church time. Kids think it's cool because their backpack gets blessed.
Do school supply drive same time. Families bring extra supplies for kids who can't afford everything. Donate to local elementary school or family services.
Sarah's daughter Emma asked if her backpack blessing would help her make friends at new school. Made me realize how much kids worry about this stuff we don't think about.
Parents take pictures. Post on social media. Free advertising to other families who might be interested.
Back-to-School Pool Party
Partner with family who has pool or rent community center one. Nothing complicated just swimming games food.
End of summer families looking for one last fun thing before school craziness starts. Perfect excuse get everyone together.
Kids get to reconnect with church friends before they're all scattered different schools activities. Parents catch up with other families.
Mike brought his nephew who'd never been our church. Spent whole party asking when he could come back. Sometimes just needs be fun for kids to want be involved.
Make sure have life jackets available different sizes. Not everyone prepared or can afford them.
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Invite teachers from your church and community. Free breakfast before school year starts. Small thank you gifts. Let them know you appreciate what they do.
Teachers deal with so much criticism and stress. Little appreciation goes long way.
Had principal from local elementary school come thank us for thinking of teachers. Said most people only contact school when they're complaining about something.
Creates good relationships with school community. They remember churches that support them.
Some teachers mentioned they'd like visit our church. Couple of them have families started coming regularly.
Family Game Night Back-to-School Edition
Set up different game stations throughout building. Board games card games video games outdoor games if weather's nice.
Make it potluck so everyone brings something share. Way easier than trying provide all food yourself.
Mix of competitive games and cooperative ones. Something for every personality and age group.
Kids who've been apart all summer get reconnect. Parents catch up while playing games together. Way more natural than sitting listening to someone talk.
Tom's family brought friends who just moved to area. Kids immediately included them in games. Parents felt welcomed. They've been coming Sunday mornings since then.
School Supply Shopping Trip
Organize group trip to Target or Walmart when they have back-to-school sales. Meet there Saturday morning help families find deals.
Parents love saving money especially with multiple kids. Creates natural time for fellowship while walking around store.
Volunteers can help families who don't speak English well or aren't familiar with school supply lists.
Bring gift cards to help families who are struggling financially. Do it quietly so no one feels embarrassed.
Jessica mentioned this was huge help because she was overwhelmed by her son's supply list for kindergarten. Other moms showed her what brands work best what stuff is waste of money.
Ended up at McDonald's afterward because kids were hungry. Turned into three-hour social event that cost basically nothing but built tons of relationships.
What Doesn't Work
Events that feel like obligation instead of fun. People already stressed about school starting.
Too many events too close together. Families getting busy can't commit to everything.
Events that obviously just trying get people Sunday morning instead genuinely helping with back-to-school transition.
Competing with school events instead working around them. Check community calendar first.
Making events complicated expensive to attend. Keep simple accessible.
Keys Success
Start planning early. July not too soon especially if want partner with schools or community groups.
Keep simple and focused. One main goal per event not trying accomplish everything.
Make genuinely helpful for families not just excuse get together.
Advertise to community not just church families. Back-to-school stress is universal.
Have activities different ages. Teenagers don't want same thing as preschoolers.
End events with information about fall programming but don't make whole thing sales pitch.
What I'm Learning
Families actually really grateful for help with back-to-school transition. It's stressful time everyone trying figure out new routines.
Events that serve practical needs work better than just social events. People come because actually helpful.
Kids who have positive church experience right before school starts more likely stay connected during busy school year.
Parents dealing with new schools new teachers new schedules appreciate having familiar community support them.
Simple events often work better than elaborate ones. Don't need be Pinterest perfect just needs be genuine helpful.
Planning for This Year
Doing backpack blessing because families specifically requested it again. Easy win.
Pool party at Mike's house because offered and kids loved it last year.
Teacher breakfast because principal asked if we'd do it again. Clearly made impact.
Skipping some ideas that didn't work well last year. Live and learn.
Adding school supply shopping trip because several families mentioned would be helpful.
The Real Goal
Not just trying get people back Sunday morning though that's nice side effect.
Want help families transition well into school year. Show we care about more than just church attendance.
Want kids associate church with positive helpful experiences not just more obligation on calendar.
Want strengthen relationships in our community especially with families schools.
When we genuinely serve people during stressful transitions they remember. They trust us with other parts of their lives.
That's what we're really going for here.
