Thirty-Five Family Reunion Checklist Items:

  1. Create a Family Reunion Committee: Form a dedicated committee comprising family members enthusiastic about organizing the event.
    Delegate venue selection, accommodation arrangements, and activity planning responsibilities to different committee members.
  2. Set a Date and Location: Determine a suitable date that works for most family members and gives them ample time to make travel arrangements.
    Select a location that is convenient and accessible to the majority, considering factors like distance, transportation, and accommodation options.
  3. Choose Fun Activities: Gather Nostalgic Memorabilia: Encourage family members to contribute their old photos, slides, and home movies, capturing precious moments from the past to digitize and then share during a multimedia presentation.
  4. Digitize and Share Memories: Utilize professional services like ScanMyPhotos.comto digitize physical media and create digital archives that can be easily shared with everyone.
  5. Create a Memory Lane Display: Set up a designated area where all can display and enjoy digitized photos, slides, and home movies. Consider organizing them thematically or chronologically to evoke nostalgia and facilitate conversations about shared experiences.
  6. Family Tree Project: Create a collaborative family tree, where members can add their names, photos, and anecdotes. This project can be displayed during the reunion and be a conversation starter.
  7. Storytelling Sessions: Encourage family members, especially the older generation, to share their stories, anecdotes, and memories from the past. Consider recording these sessions to preserve them for future generations.
  8. Involve Everyone: Create a Communication Plan: Establish a centralized communication channel, such as a dedicated website, email group, or social media group, to keep all family members informed about reunion updates, activities, and logistics.
  9. Delegate Tasks: Assign specific responsibilities to different family members based on their skills and interests, ensuring everyone has a role in the planning process.
  10. Additional Resources: Family Reunion Helper (www.familyreunionhelper.com): A website offering a wealth of ideas, themes, and activities to make family reunions memorable. Reunions magazine (www.reunionsmag.com): A valuable resource providing tips, articles, and inspiration for planning successful family reunions.
  11. Family Olympics: Organize a friendly competition with various games and sports activities for all ages.
  12. Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues and tasks that lead participants to different locations or hidden items.
  13. Talent Show: Allow family members to showcase their talents through music, dance, skits, or other performances.
  14. Family Recipe Cook-Off: Hold a cooking competition where family members prepare and present their favorite recipes.
  15. Outdoor Movie Night: Set up a large screen and projector for an outdoor movie screening under the stars.
  16. Family Photo Booth: Create a designated area with props and costumes to capture fun and memorable family photos.
  17. Family Trivia Game: Test everyone’s knowledge about the family history, traditions, and shared experiences.
  18. DIY Crafts: Set up craft stations where family members can engage in activities like painting, pottery, or making personalized keepsakes.
  19. Nature Walk or Hike: Explore the surrounding nature by organizing a guided walk or hike in a nearby park or scenic area.
  20. Karaoke Night: Sing your favorite songs and enjoy a lively karaoke session with family members.
  21. Family Storytelling Circle: Gather around a bonfire or in a cozy indoor space to share family stories, anecdotes, and traditions.
  22. Group Yoga or Fitness Class: Arrange a group exercise session or yoga class suitable for all fitness levels.
  23. Family Bingo: Create a customized bingo game with family-related themes and trivia.
  24. Outdoor Sports Tournament: Organize tournaments for sports such as soccer, volleyball, or basketball.
  25. Crafts for Kids: Plan age-appropriate crafts and activities to keep the younger ones engaged and entertained.
  26. Family Photo Slideshow: Compile a collection of family photos, digitize and create a multimedia slideshow to be displayed during the reunion.
  27. Family History Project: Assign family members different aspects of genealogy research to create a comprehensive family history record.
  28. Group Cooking Session: Cook a meal together as a family, sharing recipes, techniques, and stories.
  29. Water Balloon Fight: Cool off and have fun with a water balloon fight, especially suitable for hot summer reunions.
  30. Outdoor Picnic: Set up a picnic area with blankets and baskets filled with delicious food for a relaxed and enjoyable gathering.
  31. Board Game Tournament: Bring various board games and organize a tournament to engage all family members.
  32. Family Talent Showcase: Provide a platform for family members to share their unique talents, such as singing, dancing, or magic tricks.
  33. Family Tree Craft: Create a collaborative family tree using crafts materials and allow everyone to contribute to their branch.
  34. Group Volunteering: Organize a group volunteer activity to give back to the community and make a positive impact together.
  35. Family Time Capsule: Create a time capsule filled with items and messages representing the present, to be opened at a future reunion.

[SOURCE: ScanMyPhotos.com]

 

Bonus: Five tips for a successful family gathering