We have a game night. Different rooms are set up with differnet games - BINGO with a them, we sell pop & popcorn for cheap, raffle of a family door prize(game pack, pizza cetifciate, movie tickets), use the cafeteria to set out different games like a big floor puzzle, checkers, we have scrabble, dominoes, etc. It's a lot of fun. We even bring in a big screen tv and the kids signup for 15 minute blocks to play video games. An adult is required to attend.
We've also participated in a Reading & Math night-the them was Wizard of Oz- we followed the Yellow Brick Road to each table, each table had a oz theme decoration and a game that had to do with math or reading. They raffled off some books at the end of the evening, the people manningthe tables and doors were dresed like the characters from the show. High FFA had babysitting service for the little critters in one ofthe gyms. It was a great evening.
Check with your widlife dept, etc. they can realy have some great programs.
One other great idea is a genuis night or art/crafts night, it takes a little time to gather up stuff, but differnt tables in cafeteria or classrooms to make simple crafts from everyones lieft overs, with a little notice you can collect all the toliet paper rings and plastic bottles you would need. For the genuis night, Pepsi or beer falt to hold a variety of things they can design into their own creation. Differnt rooms could even have different types of themed boxes. Some factories in your community probably have some great scrap materials - you'd be surprised what these kids can come up with with a few odd and end items. It's a great evening. If you need help with craft ideas email me and I'll be glad to send some specific ideas to you.
I always think there is a way to have fun and emphaise community unity so have ask the kids to bring a bar of soap, box of crayons, toothbrush, canned food, etc., and give to your local food bank, mission house, or whatever to distribute. bxtrfumc@4state,com