Hosting a Summertime Church Youth or College Group Party in Your Home

With the summertime still in full swing for countless middle and high schoolers, as well as plenty of college students, now is the time for church youth and college groups to begin planning summer activities. And one of the most common, particularly for student ministries on a budget, is the in-home party. These events are typically held at the home of a parent or family within the church and may involve pizza, soft drinks, games, prizes, a movie, a devotional(s), some acoustic worship, etc.

If you find yourself tasked with planning or hosting such an event, here are a few tips, ideas and suggestions to consider.

1. Plan in Advance

As a host, there's nothing worse than having hungry guests arrive at your home only to find that no food awaits them. And when these guests are teen boys and girls or, and perhaps worse, carnivorous college guys and girls, a food shortage is the last thing you want to have on your hands.

As soon as you agree to host the event in your home, ask your church youth pastor for details:

• Is there a specific type of food he would prefer served? Does the group have a favorite food? Favorite drinks?

• How many students does he expect to attend? If he cannot provide an exact number, ask for an estimate.

• Are there any game materials or prizes you need to provide?

• If you have a pet, be certain to ask about any allergies a student(s) may have.

• Will he require a certain setting or location for worship or the devotion (such as the front or backyard, etc.)?

• Is there anything else you should know before the event takes place?

2. Clean Up and Straighten Up!

This tip should go without saying, but it's always worth the reminder. The day before the group will be arriving, be certain you vacuum, dust and straighten up the room in which the group will be meeting or spending the most time. This will most likely be your den or living room. If the youth pastor requests any additional space, so that students can spread out during the devotional or worship time, be certain you are able to provide it. This may require moving a coffee table or a chair or two. You should additionally remember to provide clean restrooms.

And don't forget about your front and backyard. If the group will be throwing football, Frisbee or playing outdoor games, you will want to make sure your yard is presentable and free of any debris that may injure a student. This could be anything from water sprinklers to lawn equipment.

3. Plan for Multiple Vehicles

If your driveway is small, or if your neighborhood has a vehicle limit code, you may want to rethink hosting the party, particularly if students will be arriving on their own. This is particularly common when hosting a group of college students. If there enough room for students to park on the street, you may consider this option. However, be wary of neighborhood codes. That last thing you want is to be fined.

4. Always Serve Some Sweets

There aren't many youth and college students who don't love sweet, sugary and starchy foods. In addition to the pizza or main food you will be serving, remember to serve something sweet for dessert. A few favorites among students include brownies, cookies, ice cream, etc.

One more food note: you don't always have to serve the stereotypical boxes of pizza. Be creative. Have a Mexican night with burritos, tacos and/or enchiladas. Or you might want to have a deli sandwich, chips and finger food night, maybe even chicken fingers. When it comes to food, don't limit yourself. After all, most teens and students aren't picky and will eat just about anything.

5. Smile and Be Happy!

If there's one thing students want to see, it's a smiling face to greet them at the door. Remember that most students, particularly middle and high schoolers, are going through awkward phases in their life and do not want to feel that way around adults.

So make sure you stay upbeat, cheery and happy for the duration of the event! Offer students refills on their sodas, make sure they're having a good time and have some fun!