Welcome

We are so glad that you are joining us on our Adventure this summer. We know that the past few months have not been easy with children at home, juggling work, missing family and friends and limited trips to release energy. 

Do read 'Making the most as a family' on the Resources page for more ideas and tips.

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Useful for everyone

Whether you have been invited on this adventure by your church or you are doing it yourselves these a few things to help you get the most out of it.

• Be enthusiastic. If you aren't interested they won't be either.
• Create the space. Calm, comfy and big enough for you all will help you focus. (Ideas for creating a special space simply are in the resource mentioned above.)
• Timing is everything. Some churches are running this at specific times. But if you chose the time, think about what will work best for you all. It may be dedicating time in the morning or afternoon. It may be spreading the activities over the day (try and keep each session the same).
• Do it as a family. Learn together, talk together. They will learn from you and you will learn from them.
• Join in. Not just being with them, but do the activity too or work on it together.
• Encourage worship. The idea is that the joyful time can go beyond singing and activities into a time of worship. Are there things your children want to add in?
• Singing. Jumping around, doing the actions, singing loudly or curling up and listening quietly are all ways to worship. 
• Meal chatter. This is a chance for you to share and reflect. Make sure you ask and answer. It's a great time to bring in family members who were working etc.
• Have a wonderful time! Adventuring at Home with God has potential to be a very special family time during what has been a challenging time.

Below are a few tips and thoughts for those who are attending as part of a church club and then for those who are running it as a family.

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If your church is running it...

Churches are using this material in different ways and we are excited to hear what you do. These are a few reminders that will be important for you and them.

• Permission. Make sure you give permission to the club leader to take part if it is online. If it isn't online, let them know that you are taking part.
• Share. Let your church know how you are getting on. You might send them photos, write what you have been doing or learning or praying about. It doesn't need to be long but it will be a real encouragement to your church.
• Thank you. Do thank your church and those who have organised this for you. Tell them what you've enjoyed and what it has meant to you. They will not know unless you tell them.

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If you are running it yourselves...

Well done for deciding to do this as a family. Here are a few things that may be helpful.

• Calm and enjoy. This should not be an added stress or burden. Find a space and time that works for you. Remember this is about enjoying being together with God, it doesn't need to go super smoothly. If it is feeling tough, stop for a drink and snack.
• Invite your friends. Invite a friend or two to do it too. You may not do it at the same time or in the same way, but share what you are doing on a group chat. Encourage one another and share the little things that have helped you connect with God as a family. Perhaps you could do a video chat together each week for the children to share (if they are young it can be just a few minutes).
• Extra notes. On the Resources page there is a 'Home pack' which is the downloadable version of what you see online with added information for leading it. It is worth reading over them before you start a session so you know where you are going.
• Tell your church. They may not have seen it and want to join in or share with other families.