How to Host a Family Lego Event at Your Church
Lego is one of the most fantastic toys ever, isn’t it? It spans ages, genders, and languages and is as creative as you want it to be. It even says ages 4-99 on the box. This is why a Family Lego Event is fantastic for any size church.
How to Set It Up
Lego can be super expensive, so borrowing pieces from your church members is the easiest way to get going. However, it retains its value and is often almost as expensive as brand new. You can also look at purchasing it secondhand. Setting up various tables to go with themes is a fun way to do it, For example, Lego friends, Ninjago, cars, trucks, etc. This will also help keep it organized and easy to return to church members that have lent it to you.
A separate section for toddlers and preschoolers for Duplo and Megablocks allows families to include children of all ages. Use foam floor mats for crawling babies and chairs for parents.
There are so many fun Lego-themed games and activities out there. A table with colouring sheets, Lego ring toss, and brick-scotch are a few that are easy to set up and super fun!
A table at the entrance with a friendly greeter and a draw to enter to win some Lego prizes will send people in the right direction and start the Lego fun right away (a clear jar with some bricks for a “guess how many bricks” is a good and straightforward way to do this). A draw is a way to get info from people so you can follow up. Don’t forget to prominently set up a prize table where kids and adults can see it.
Advertisement
Of course, you want many people to come out for your Lego event. Get creative with a name (ours was Brickfest) and share the event not only with your congregation but also with your community. Many parents look to social media for family activities. In addition to sharing this on your church’s social media platforms, look at the active community social media groups in your area. Many will allow you to post or will post on your behalf when they hear about your fun and free community event.
Cost & Decorations
This event is cost-effective. Decorations and props for games can be purchased from a dollar store (I found Dollar Tree to have the best brick-themed things). Lego prizes can be bought at Walmart, or even Amazon. Keep an eye out for sales and deals. We put this event on for $125, including ten prizes. Decorate in “Lego” colours with tablecloths, balloons, etc. to make the atmosphere even more fun.
Execution
You made it! It’s Lego day. Lego is such a creative toy where the only limit is your imagination! As families arrive, have a friendly greeter welcome them and direct them in. Set up team members to facilitate fun and connection at the tables, games, and a toddler area. A few building contests for prizes throughout the event can include the best vehicle, the funniest minifig, and the most creative build.
As you say goodbye to families, have something to give them that includes your family ministries’ information and service times. Continue to pray for those families and your community.
Guest Author, Jaclyn Stahls
Questions? You can reach me at jaclyns@freedomcentre.org
Jaclyn is the Children's and Youth Pastor at Freedom Centre Church in Edmonton, Alberta.