A Substitute Activity:

The Surprise:

Have an expected, truly enjoyable activity when a less attractive activity was publicized.

The activity can be as simple as a volleyball game or going out to eat, or as elaborate as a road trip to a concert or theme park.

Why do this Surprise?

• This becomes a reward for the faithful who come regardless of the activity.
• This will mute the common complaint of the regulars concerning those who only come for the "fun" activities.
• This will provide a little more incentive to come regularly, rather than miss a surprise activity like this.

How to do the Surprise:

As with everything else, the surprise should be thought through – is the destination actually available at this time? Are there enough drivers? Is there any special equipment needed?

If you are going to something that requires money, you or the church will need to provide that money, since many kids may come without cash and a few may come without discretionary funds available – they might not be able to afford it.

Finally, if the activity will require more time that they expect or will be taking them some distance from where the parents think their child is, have each youth call home to tell of the change of plans. In all cases when leaving the premises, leave a note on the door as to where you will be. It is also wise to have one driver hang back for 15 minutes to gather any stragglers.

What to Avoid:

• Replacing a program or activity that some of the youth really were looking forward to – if nothing else, at least promise to carry it out at another time.
• Having a substitute event that might not be appreciated by some of the youth or their parents (such as a Rock concert).

Variations:

• Start the stated meeting then break it in mid sentence and announce the change in plans.
• Start a tradition of surprise "road trips" that are randomly scattered through the year.
• After doing a few "road trips" take suggestions on where to go, what to do.