When it comes to planning activities for a family reunion, variety, entertainment and group participation are key factors. Try to choose activities that will appeal to guests of different ages and backgrounds. Remember that the main objective of the occasion is to get to know other members of the family, so don't organize so many activities that you have no time for the best "getting to know you" activity that there is: conversation. Does this Spark an idea?
Story Time
Telling entertaining stories about family members is a great ice breaker and a way for reunited family members to learn more about each other. Make it more fun (and competitive) by having prizes for the best stories; have categories such as funniest story, most embarrassing story and most romantic story.
Memorabilia Collection
Allocate an area for family memorabilia; ask each family member to bring something to display. Use a notice board to display photographs of ancestors that people want to know more about; somebody else may be able to recognize and shed some light on a mysterious, unidentified relative.
Group Photographs
Set up a camera so that plenty of family photographs can be taken; it is the ideal opportunity to gather many generations together for a memorable reunion keepsake. Nominate one person to be in charge of the photographs. Make a note of who wants copies of which photographs, and record on the back of each photograph the name and date of birth of everybody in it. This way, future generations who come across the photographs will know who they are looking at.
Family Map
Make sure the map is big enough to accommodate everyone.
Create a family location map to show where everyone lives in relation to the others. Buy a large United States map with plenty of detail on it so that everyone can see where they live. Paste the map to cardboard and attach this to the wall. Hand out small squares of paper and pins and let everyone pin their names to the map.
Talent Show
Discover your relatives' talents.
A family talent show is another great ice breaker; give everyone plenty of warning so that they have a chance to prepare their act and bring any equipment they need, such as a musical instrument. Print out participation certificates in advance to give to all those who join in. Create a judging panel from those who are not participating, and have prizes for the winners.
Time Capsule
Ask each family member to bring something to the reunion to be put into a time capsule. Decide as a group where the capsule will be stored and on the date that it will be opened (e.g., in 15 years time). Involve younger family members in this activity by asking them to draw pictures depicting their families and place these inside the time capsule.
Tags: family members, activities that, bring something, each family, each family member, family member