Form a leadership team to determine the date and the menu that fits with your budget for the event. Then, choose which game/activity you think works best for your church. (See options below). One month before the event, start promoting it at church and on social media with the slide. For everyone who signs up, send a series of emails to start prepping them for this event, one immediately after sign up and a second just a day or two before the event (see samples below).

Game/Activity Options:

1. Parents vs. Kids Dodge Ball. Clear out the chairs in your auditorium or use another big room in your church for games of dodgeball. You’ll need 6-10 balls.
2. Minute To Win It Games. Compete against your son or another parent-son duo in a few of these fun games!
3. Paper Airplane Competition. Parents and kids choose a paper plane design (or come up with their own) and then have a competition to see whose plane can fly the farthest by doing head to head competitions with the winner advancing to the next round. Depending on your numbers, you may need to have two brackets going at the same time and then have the winners of each bracket face off. You may want to make copies of the 10 designs provided in the book so parents and kids have time to make their plane.
4. Race Car Derby. This is a little more complex and messy but still a blast! You’ll need to build a race track. Follow these easy instructions to make your own. This event will require painting right away so there is time for the paint to dry before the races. Set up tables where parents and kids can build their cars and then paint them.

 

Email Templates:

Sample Email #1 - After Sign up

Hey Parents!

Thanks for signing up for our “Boys Night Out” Parent/Son event! Our goal for this event is to help you get connected with your son in a meaningful way. Sure, we’ll be playing games and having fun. But more than anything, we want to create an environment where you can start talking about the stuff that matters with your kids. Our hope is that this event catalyzes a meaningful discipleship relationship that goes beyond the event itself.

We’ll get you and your kids competing with each other and laughing while you do it. Then we’ll take a break to talk about an important topic in small group settings. It’s the perfect combination of talk and fun!

So, we’ll see you at the big event! Don’t forget to put it on your calendar:

[Include Event Title, Day and Time. Include link to calendar invite if applicable.]

Sign

P.S. This event is still open to others. Know another parent/son duo who might like to join us? Invite them along, and make an impact on another family in your world!

Sample Email #2 - Before Event

Hey dads!

Our “Boys Night Out” Parent/Son event is almost here! Are you ready?

Remember, we’ll get you and your kids playing fun games laughing while you do it. Then we’ll take a break to talk about an important topic in small group settings.

Got questions? Just ask! And we’ll see you at the big event: