CONSIDER DOING A “GROUP” VACATION
A powerful way to take a family vacation to the next level is to draw other families into it with you. One family wanted a meaningful family vacation one year so they decided to go camping. They had so much fun and appreciated the time so much; the couple decided the next year to invite everyone from their Small Group to come with them. They picked a date, made plans and waited to see what would happen. They thought, like most of us, that the other families would be too busy to go because of other commitments during the summer. But, incredibly, that first year five other families decided to join them! camping together every year. This “small group” turned into a “large group” as families joined. Eventually this “vacation group” swelled to over 12 different families. One of the most beneficial elements was the diversity. Single moms came with their kids. Senior couples came in their retirement RVs. Large families came, small families came, and singles came. Even people who would never attend church ended up joining this “vacation group.” As word spread each year about the trip, people set aside work priorities, sports commitments, and other chances for vacation to make this a part of their summer. That prioritizing wasn’t just because of the epic water fight that happened every year or the outstanding potluck dinner that always ended the weekend. It was because the adults benefited from a time of real connection and authentic conversations. The kids benefited from relationships outside the regular “church” context with children from other families. Families benefited from being in a place with organized activities and a fun facility where the pressure was off to try and figure out how to create memories together. One woman we know attended all ten years of these campouts throughout her childhood. She told us, “I used to come with my mom (who was divorced) and three sisters. It was really the only vacations we went on because it was What followed was ten years of families from that Small Group making it a priority on their calendar to go
the only vacation where my mom didn’t have to do it alone. When we arrived, a team of men from the church would help us set up our campsite. When I wanted to go to the pool, I could tag along with one of the other families while my mom stayed back for some adult conversation.” These trips became a time of tangibly caring for one another that was both unexpected and spiritually refreshing. Another woman told us, “Personally, it is one of my favorite childhood memories. I remember recognizing that even my parents were having more fun on this vacation.” Taking a “group” family vacation offers you the chance to deepen your relationships outside your typical environment, to enjoy different experiences, and to borrow someone else’s’ marshmallow sticks when you realize you forgot to pack yours. SUCCESSFUL GROUP VACATIONS So how do you take a successful group vacation? It starts with the facility. The group mentioned above originally started camping together at a state park. But they soon realized the time would be more enjoyable if there were more activities for the kids. So they changed campgrounds and never looked back. Try to pick a place that meets the needs of your group, and don’t be afraid to change if the first time isn’t all you thought it would be. It should be: • Relatively close to where you all live • Financially feasible for the majority • Enjoyable for multiple age groups and family units SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE IN CHARGE Choose a point person from the group to pick the dates, make the calls, and have the plan. Otherwise, there are too many opinions, and stuff falls through the cracks. Everyone will have their preference for activities and location.
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