Youth & Family Ministry Idea Check Lists

Are you looking to plan a Youth / Family Ministry Event and don't know where to start? Here are some checklists that you can work with to make your event a success! Feel free to adjust and adapt to your Family of Parishes. If you have any ideas or other events you would like to add to this page, please send Christine Coyle an email or phone call if you have any questions (ccoyle@dol.ca or (519)433-0658 ext#261).

Trunk & Treat (Halloween Event)

• Set a date- usually the weekend prior to Halloween is best. 
  • Idea- have the event right after the Saturday evening mass. Parishioners are already there for mass. Depending on the parish team- invite children/ families to come to mass dressed up (no masks).  Have the start time be at least 15 minutes after mass so people that are not participating have time to leave the parking lot. Once the parking lot is cleared- have the parking lot roped off.
• Assemble a team of people to help that night of the event and to help promote, and decorate.
  • High school teens are great- they need community service.
  • A few adults to help with organizing
  • Parking lot security- before/ during/ after event- you don't want cars driving through while the children are getting thier treats.
• Promote in bulletin, social media, in the schools. Save the date
  • Drop off "Trick or Trick Blessing Bags" to the schools- as admission the families will fill the bag with items for St. Vincent de Paul or other organzations that need donations- ex: can goods or toiletry items for the homeless shelters. Great outreach idea.
• Have a goal of the amount of cars you want , for example: at least 50-60 cars in the church parking lot. 
  • invite the K of C/ CWL or other parish groups to get a bunch of cars 
  • invite people to decorate thier car for the event- maybe have a prize for best deocrated car.
  • People will ask how many children- give them a rough estimate of at least 100-200 children- or depends on your school #'s
• Have some fun halloween games in the hall of the church for the kids. You can goggle fun quick games that the high school teens could help lead.
• What if it is rainig? Move to the hall- have chairs ready to go for parisoners to give out the candy from the hall. Or if people want to stay in the car- they can- be flexible.
• A week prior- make sure you have all the materials needed for that night: game materials, extra treats, etc.
• Make up a flyer you can hand out with treats inviting the families to another event or mass, etc. Make your own "church treat bag".
• Have fun!