A group needs a major activity every year

It helps a group tremendously to have a big project, preferably early in the school year. It is one of the best things you can do for group development.

• It is a bonding experience and after the fact (after all the trauma, panic and anguish) they feel proud of themselves collectively and individually.
  
• Some ideas: Party for children; a service project; invite area or denominationally related youth groups to a Rally; an inter-generational event; a congregational dinner...
  
• The youth themselves need to plan and design the event and they need to do all the preparatory work.
  
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  It is best to not repeat the project year after year but to vary it from year to year (try a 4 year cycle)
• Publicity is the hardest for younger youth to get organized in time. They may need help here.