I grew up an only child. It seemed that most of the other kids had siblings, so when I’d meet a kid who was also an only child I instantly felt a connection. If a recreation organization had offered a program for kids who didn’t have siblings, I would have been there.
Consider offering outings or events for specific groups of kids. It doesn’t have to be a huge event. Something small is fine. Here are some suggestions:
- Take the group to a movie
- Have a party with food, music and games
- Go to a miniature golf course
- Go bowling
- Have a picnic, fly some kites, and run some contests
- Hang out at a pizza parlor
- Go to the beach
- Go boating or kayaking
...or just take some fun pictures
By offering programs/events like this there’s a good chance you’ll attract kids that you normally wouldn’t in your other programs. The main thing, though, is that you’ll be connecting kids who have something in common. Depending on what the commonality is, it can be a very powerful connection.
Besides kids who are growing up as only children what other groups could you target?
- Kids from single parent homes
- Kids who have a military parent oversees
- Kids who are overweight
- Kids who’ve had a death in the family recently (this one hits home)
- Kids who have a dog (how about a dog walk or workshop on taking proper care of your pet)
- Kids who play music (or a specific instrument)
- Chess lovers
- Girls only
- Horse lovers
- Kids from low income families
- Kids who’s parents came from a different country
Think about offering a monthly outing. Each month you could target a different group.
Recreation is a wonderful career. Sometimes I can’t believe I get paid to do what I do. The real rewards of this career, though, is when I feel that I have made a difference in a person’s life. These are the types of programs that can do just that, make a difference.
