August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar. Latin for "sixth month," indicating its position in the early Roman calendar. It means respected, distinguished, illustrious and impressive. For kids of around the world the last month of summer vacation typically ends in August or early September.The last weeks of August and early September are considered the last hurrah when it comes to summer vacation. When family reunions are scheduled at the end of the month just about everyone wants to make it something special. So here are five August family reunion planning tips you're bound to enjoy.5 August Family Reunion Planning Tips1. Find a Virtually Mosquito Free Area. Whether you're at home or on vacation, Find out when mosquito season is likely to be at its peak. The website Weather.com has a handy customized mosquito activity forecast, where you can type in a zip code and see a prediction of mosquito activity in that area. If mosquito activity is high consider using organic, natural repellents or planning some activities indoors.2. Dress Appropriately Each Day. While August temperatures are typically in the 80's and 90's with lots of sunny days it's best to find out the daily highs and lows, humidity and barometric pressure well in advance as this will determine what activities are best when planning your reunion event.
3. Genealogy Recital. Family reunions are not complete without a recital of family history and genealogical chronology. It's best to keep it simple and light while adding a few impressive points of note as well as humorous, inspiring anecdotes.4. Watch a Movie In The Park. If the evenings are cool and the park is open this would be a great time to snuggle up and watch a movie in the park or on the beach. Serve hot buttery popcorn, S'mores and chilled fruit salad cups with a variety of drinks.5. Play Water Sports and Games. Cool down with a line of water sports activities everyone will enjoy. Start off with wet dodge ball, which is simply a sponge ball soaked in water. Play water balloon relay or enjoy a variety of activities by the beach or at a pool.For more in depth reunion activity planning ideas read my family reunion planning book featured on this page. For family reunion event planning from start to finish access the family reunion planner social web app. Everything you need to start planning a memorable family reunion.
Showing posts with label water games. Show all posts
Showing posts with label water games. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Hot Fun In The Summertime
The weather was the hottest in 30 years. Real feel 100 degrees! A real scorcher if I should say so myself and for a time we wondered if anyone would show up.
A no-show would be no surprise considering that the night before a brutal thunder storm moved with winds as high as 80 miles per hour. The severe storm knocked out power lines over a wide 30 mile radius and downed large 20 year old trees.
Many of the invitees were without power in their homes while others had to contend with structural damage. When we arrived at the park we were glad to see that no trees were down and the pavilions were in good condition. Still we noticed that the power outlets were dead. That meant our well planned surprise mini concert would have to be postponed. Not a disappointment. We would have more time to rehearse and present it during our September event. Just one more thing to look forward to.

Still we fired up the grill, blew up and hung decorative balloons and streamers, started up the bubble blowers and made sure we had plenty of iced water and cool water games. Then we waited, and waited and waited.
A few hours later a few showed up. An hour later more arrived. In time over 60 filled the two pavilions. The congregation annual Family BBQ had begun. This summer the event would be held at MeadowWood Park in Huntvalley MD.
The small park with lots of grassland was a first for us. It had a large playing field, cool shady pavilions and a small stream and cross bridge that local kids used to catch crayfish.
Family, friends and friends of friends attended. Everyone from little ones to our eldest were fully involved in the activities of the day.
As usual Brenda and I did much of the planning organizing and directing. We like to do something different each year and build anticipation weeks in advance. Wonderful memories were made, old friendships rekindled and new ones made.

Our activity list was as follows:
1, Face Painting
2. Bubble Games
3. Water Balloon Toss
4. Card Games
5. Prizes and Rewards
1. Face Painting - Face painting is indeed a craft requiring some practice. What you need is soft oil based face paint found at any party planning store or craft store. Small soft sponges. Soft bristle paint brushes work well. Stencils for making starts and heart shapes. Paper towels and soapy water for clean up.
2. Bubble Games - Kids will play with this for hours. What you need are various bubble wands in all shapes and sizes. A large flat tub full of bubble solution. Water and towels to wash soapy hands and faces.
3. Water Balloon Toss - Water balloons are a wonderful way to cool off in the hot sun. You'll need at least one hundred balloons for 10 minutes of fun. Small balloons are preferred as they are easy to handle and throw. Multiple colors make for a more attractive display that kids can't resist. Avoid over filling the balloon as they will burst as soon as they are handled. Fill the balloons with cool water only and place in a cool shady place until the games begin.

The most exciting activity of the day was throwing water balloons at each other mainly to cool off. The kids and kids at heart loved it.
After the games were over we offered stuffed bears, flamingos and monkeys to all the kids who helped clean up the water balloon fallout. They quickly cleaned up and excitedly claimed their prized rewards with great glee. The kids seemed to like the long armed stuffed monkeys best of all.
For more ideas for your summer reunion look inside Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. Follow the link on this page or access it from my profile.
Looking for more fantastic family reunion activity ideas? Find 7 fresh ideas at... http://familyreunionplanners.blogspot.com/2011/06/family-reunion-idea.html
A no-show would be no surprise considering that the night before a brutal thunder storm moved with winds as high as 80 miles per hour. The severe storm knocked out power lines over a wide 30 mile radius and downed large 20 year old trees.
Many of the invitees were without power in their homes while others had to contend with structural damage. When we arrived at the park we were glad to see that no trees were down and the pavilions were in good condition. Still we noticed that the power outlets were dead. That meant our well planned surprise mini concert would have to be postponed. Not a disappointment. We would have more time to rehearse and present it during our September event. Just one more thing to look forward to.

Still we fired up the grill, blew up and hung decorative balloons and streamers, started up the bubble blowers and made sure we had plenty of iced water and cool water games. Then we waited, and waited and waited.
A few hours later a few showed up. An hour later more arrived. In time over 60 filled the two pavilions. The congregation annual Family BBQ had begun. This summer the event would be held at MeadowWood Park in Huntvalley MD.
The small park with lots of grassland was a first for us. It had a large playing field, cool shady pavilions and a small stream and cross bridge that local kids used to catch crayfish.
Family, friends and friends of friends attended. Everyone from little ones to our eldest were fully involved in the activities of the day.
As usual Brenda and I did much of the planning organizing and directing. We like to do something different each year and build anticipation weeks in advance. Wonderful memories were made, old friendships rekindled and new ones made.

Our activity list was as follows:
1, Face Painting
2. Bubble Games
3. Water Balloon Toss
4. Card Games
5. Prizes and Rewards
1. Face Painting - Face painting is indeed a craft requiring some practice. What you need is soft oil based face paint found at any party planning store or craft store. Small soft sponges. Soft bristle paint brushes work well. Stencils for making starts and heart shapes. Paper towels and soapy water for clean up.
2. Bubble Games - Kids will play with this for hours. What you need are various bubble wands in all shapes and sizes. A large flat tub full of bubble solution. Water and towels to wash soapy hands and faces.
3. Water Balloon Toss - Water balloons are a wonderful way to cool off in the hot sun. You'll need at least one hundred balloons for 10 minutes of fun. Small balloons are preferred as they are easy to handle and throw. Multiple colors make for a more attractive display that kids can't resist. Avoid over filling the balloon as they will burst as soon as they are handled. Fill the balloons with cool water only and place in a cool shady place until the games begin.

The most exciting activity of the day was throwing water balloons at each other mainly to cool off. The kids and kids at heart loved it.
After the games were over we offered stuffed bears, flamingos and monkeys to all the kids who helped clean up the water balloon fallout. They quickly cleaned up and excitedly claimed their prized rewards with great glee. The kids seemed to like the long armed stuffed monkeys best of all.
For more ideas for your summer reunion look inside Fimark's Family Reunion Planner Social web app. Follow the link on this page or access it from my profile.
Looking for more fantastic family reunion activity ideas? Find 7 fresh ideas at... http://familyreunionplanners.blogspot.com/2011/06/family-reunion-idea.html
Labels:
beat the heat,
cool activities,
crafts,
outdoor games,
parks,
water games
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