2012

Family Badminton Event

Idea – We were surprised at this event as to just how many parents and children enjoyed badminton. We hired four courts at our local sports center and a coach to teach the children, as well as a separate room for creative crafts. We then split all the children into two groups, with the first playing badminton and receiving some coaching tips, while the other group made sports crafts, did activity sheets and enjoyed a drink and a snack.

After an agreed time the two groups exchanged. In the meantime, we had two courts for the adults to compete, as well as a steady flow of teas and coffees. Those adults who weren’t too interested in badminton, enjoyed chatting and drinking coffee and watching others. As at the play barn event, we also placed “Connect Live” information boards in the Sports center reception so people could take a leaflet. We ended up giving away leaflets even to those who were not part of our event (but could well be in the future)!

Time – Sunday 4-6pm

Organizing – The craft activities took a bit to organise but the leisure centre were very helpful with booking the badminton instructors.

Adapt to You? – hire a court and invite a family you know, or perhaps one you would like to get to know, for a game of badminton.

Would I do it again? – Yes, but in a different venue. The craft room was quite small and there were a lot more adults than I’d anticipated wanting to play badminton. In hindsight, I’d have booked a third court for them. All in all, the children had a wonderful time and all came out very hot and sweaty.

Idea – There are few families who don’t enjoy a good couple of hours at a creative play barn. We’ve found it to be one of the easiest events to invite families to. The children themselves not only have great fun, but you also get a good deal of time and opportunity to speak with parents while they are doing it.

In addition to asking families, we also encourage a good deal of Christians to come along, even those without families, to chat with the parents and encourage a real sense of welcome.
At such events we also take the various pop-up boards advertising our church and any relevant flyers etc, and simply invite people to take info regarding up and coming events.

This was our format…

Time – 3.30-5.30 on a Sunday

Organizing – It’s very easy to plan- contact a local play barn and ask to bring a group. They are often eager to have a group in and should do a deal. We got a free tea or coffee for every adult and a meal deal for the children and adults…

Adapt to you? – Why not invite a group of school-mums to a play barn for coffee as a one off or you might try to develop it into a weekly event?

Would I do it again ? – We did this event just after Christmas before the children went back to school and found it worked really well. Parents and children were keen to see one another before starting another school term. It was just the right event: easy, relaxed, informal, to come at the end of what many found to be a hectic Christmas. A real winner!