Make it Memorable
Check out this list of great activities to include along with your evening reflections.
- Keep a journal. Set aside time each evening for individuals to record their thoughts, prayers, and reflections on the day.
- Create an “Inspiration Chain” out of construction paper. Have every participant write one thing that inspired or challenged them each day. It’s amazing how fast the chain grows!
- Make a “Meditation Wall” out of butcher paper or construction paper. Hang this inside the church with a few markers near by.
Participants can record their thoughts, reflections, and prayers for the day on the “Wall.” This is a great way to bring home thoughts and insights to share with all who supported your trip.
- Have parents, friends, and sponsors from your congregation write supportive letters, cards, and postcards for members of your group. Distribute these to each person throughout the trip.
- Write “warm fuzzies.” Have every participant design a mailbox. Throughout the trip encourage members of the group to leave “warm fuzzies” in each others mailboxes. Before you leave for home, spend some time reading the words of encouragement, support, and love shared by your group.
- Cut out hands on colored paper and have members of the group write on five hands different strengths, talents, or skills used during the week. Collect the hands and at the end of the week, after giving them back to their “owner,” have them reflect on particular situations where they used their gifts to serve others. These can be kept as a memento from the trip.
- Bring a digital camera or video camera to share your experiences with your congregation when you get home. Some groups create memory videos or PowerPoint’s that are set to music. You can also include pre- and post-trip interviews from people in your group about their expectations, what they learned, and how the trip impacted their lives.
- Try an ethnic or international restaurant in Denver; expose your group to the many cultures within Denver.
