A Peek Inside our Luau-Themed Volunteer Training

This past Sunday, we hosted our annual Children’s Ministry volunteer training. It was the second year that we’ve themed this event.  Last year, our theme was a tailgate. This year, we chose to do a Hawaiian Luau. It was so much fun and very well-received by our volunteers.

This year, we wanted to include not only new and returning volunteers but those considering serving in our ministry as well. We had a packed room full of adults and students who responded to God’s call to join us in ministry this year. This was also the first year that we held our training on a Sunday after our morning services rather than a weeknight. We have found that having folks stay around when they’re already at church (and giving them lunch!) yields a much better turnout.

Guests arrived to a large room at our church that was decorated with Hawaiian flowers, leis, tiki bar backdrop and tropical colors (orange, yellow, lime green, hot pink and purple). Once inside the room, guests were welcomed, encouraged to pick up necessary paperwork, given a ticket for the chance to win fun prizes and allowed to choose a lei to wear.

Guests were then invited to help themselves to a delicious lunch buffet, which consisted of:

• Footlong sub sandwiches (turkey, ham and veggie)
• Potato chips
• Edible beach balls (cheese balls)
• Fresh fruit cups
• Cookies
• Hawaiian Punch and bottled water

Our tables were set with a simple centerpiece (a glass bowl filled with play sand, seashells and votive candles that we had on hand). Under each bowl was a sheet of chalkboard paper and pieces of chalk. At each seat, we placed a “Say Yes to the Next Generation” notepad and a personalized pen.

After a little while of fellowship around the tables, we started with the business of the day. You can download our event outline here.

Here are a few Pinterest-inspired ideas we used:

• Life preserver and rope on utensils
• Fish bowl centerpiece
• Edible beach balls
• Color scheme

For even more ideas, check out my KidMin – Luau Pinterest board.

I wonder what next year’s theme will be…