The great outdoors
Over the weeks of the summer holidays, we’re giving you some ideas of what you can get up to with children and young people during August. This might be your own family, or with a group as part of some summer outreach. Whatever the context, you’re likely to have a bit more time to spend together, so why not try something different and more ambitious!
OK, the recent weather might not have been much to write home about, but who knows? It can only get better (I’m an eternal optimist…). Going outside to parks, fields or even the wide open country can be a great thing to do during the summer. Parks are places which provide you with lots of space (more than you have in your own garden, unless you happen to be The Queen) and are accessible to most. London is full of green spaces which you can explore, play or just run around in!
Play some games
You don’t need lots of specialist equipment to have some fun playing games. There are lots of traditional games you can play. If you have more than four or five children or young people, play tag in one of its many variations. All you need to do is define the playing area and make sure it’s clear from trip hazards or big puddles!
Some equipment is cheap and easily available from supermarkets. Frisbee is fun and children and young people are often happy to play it for hours! Some might need help with throwing or catching, but they’ll soon get the hang of it, and the throws that don’t quite go where they were intended are the most fun to try and catch. Make sure you playing area is free from trees and overhead cables. A football, sponge ball or tennis ball and bat can be used to create games in lots of different combinations!
Go searching
Create a scavenger hunt and explore your local park or open space. Make up a list of items to collect, such as an oak leaf, a daisy or a bark chip. Alternatively, take a camera and put together a list of things to take pictures of.
You can also do more faith-based activities outside. Challenge the children or young people to find something that represents what they love about God’s creation. Take a Bible and read some ‘creation’ psalms (such as Psalm 8 or 148) and then have a go at writing your own.
Go further afield
If your choice of local green spaces is limited, then why not go further afield? A tube ride out east can take you to Epping Forest, Wanstead Flats or the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Go south west and you’ll get to Richmond Park or Bushy Park.
Remember, if you’re doing any of these things as an organised church activity, then you’ll need to risk assess your trip and get permission from parents or carers. However, it will be worth it as you’ll create some great memories for the children or young people who go with you!
Do you have any other outdoor ideas? Camping in your garden? A prayer walk? Share them with us on Facebook or Twitter!
Photo credit: Alex Taylor.