Reunion Ideas for all ages!

Reunion FUN!

Here are some great ideas for pulling off a stress free family reunion.  Getting everyone involved with simple activities will provide hours of entertainment for all.  It also provides "busy time" for younger people so those who wish to socialize can do so without much interruption.



Easiest way to Tye Dye tshirts
Tye dying tshirts is a great reunion past time, but can be a daunting and messy task.  Here is a simple and mess free way to achieve similar results.

Supplies:

• t shirts
• Rit dye (multiple colors)
• small spray bottles (your local Dollar stores carry the perfect size)
• table covering/newspaper
• paper stencils (optional) covered with clear acrylic spray
• rubber bands

Instructions:

1. Cover table with plastic, newspaper or paper table covering.
2. Scrunch t shirt together
3. Spray with dye
4. You can repeat steps 2 & 3 as many times as necessary or to achieve the look desired using multiple colors.
5. You can also use pattern stencils made from paper (spray with clear acrylic spray to make them durable for multiple uses)
6. You can also take sections of the t shirt and tie with a rubber bands.  Spray with the dye until the section is saturated.  Remove rubber band and you have a unique look and design. 

Boondoggle
This is a fun activity that has been around for generations.  So many fun and unique new ways to keep you busy for hours.  Absolutely THE best patterns for Boondoggle is http://boondoggleman.com/.  Amazing patterns EASY instructions and so simple that kids can follow along!

Supplies:

• Rexlace or plastic lacing
• Design instructions from website mentioned above
• key chains, safety pins, etc. (things to hook to your boondoggle)

Instructions:

1. Follow instructions and create unique and fun boondoggle crafts.

Friendship Bracelets

These are a fun and easy activity for ALL ages.  A great activity to pass the time, have something to do while just sitting around, etc.  Best patterns are available at  http://www.peacepattern.info/ or http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com/friendship-bracelet-instructions1.html

Supplies:

• Embroidery Floss - multiple colors
• Safety pin 

Instructions:

1. Select pattern and number of colors of embroidery floss desired/needed to create your bracelet.
2. Secure floss to safety pin and follow pattern

Ancestor Sharing
Doing some research of ancestors can be, not only fun, but extremely educational for everyone involved.  Bring photographs, journals, family stories, etc. to display and share.  Learning about your family history can be a great way to connect with everyone attending the reunion, regardless of age.

Great sites for family history:  https://www.familysearch.org/   OR   http://www.ancestry.com

Personalized Table Cloth

Make an easy camping table cloth with sentimental value and a personalized touch.

Supplies:

• twin sheet
• fabric crayons, markers or pens
• iron to set designs
• sewing machine or serger

Instructions:

1. Remove all the folded edges off of the sheet and serge or finish the edges.
2. Have everyone create their own unique art work on the cloth.
3. Add their initials or names next to their art work.  You can also add the age and date at well.
4. Set with an iron. Ready to use!

Kids Road Trip Busy Box

Busy Box

Supplies

• Empty food boxes: Cereal, rice, jello, cake mix, etc.
• Decorative paper or wrapping paper
• Coordinating card stock 
• Scotch spray adhesive or tape runner
• 2 yards of 1" wide ribbon
• Letter stickers or vinyl letters
• Large grommets 
• Eyelet setter
• Velcro (hook side)
• Embellishments
• Paper cutter
• Scissors
• Scoring tool

Instructions

1. Decide how you want each box to be utilized in this project (horizontal or vertical).  Cut off edges of the box that will be the top.  Secure all the remaining edges and reinforce if necessary.  
2. Cover each box with decorative paper or wrapping paper.  Be sure to cut paper large enough to fold over the top edges and adhere them to the inside of the box.  
3. Glue boxes to each other in the desired location.  Make sure to use plenty of adhesive, possibly even E-6000 to make sure they stay put.  Hint: this project can be used on a table top as well as the car IF you create a solid bottom with all the boxes...meaning, make all the box bottoms even line up (don't have a smaller box bottom glued above the largest box bottom).
4. Add embellishments...ribbon, flowers, bows, buttons, etc.  Have the kids help you add the finishing touches.  
5. Next cut the ribbon piece in half.  These will be your two ties so that you can secure it to the headrest of the seat in front of child's seat. Fold up the end of the ribbon 1" and punch a hole through the ribbon using your "Crop-a-dile".  Do this to each piece of the ribbon.  
6. Now punch holes into the BACK top edge of the largest box.  
7. Place a grommet into each piece of ribbon and into the holes in the box.  Set each grommet into place using your "Crop-a-dile".  
8. Add letters to spell out "Road Trip" & "Busy Box" or the child's name, etc. 
9. Tie to the headrest of the seat located directly in front of your child's seat, fill the busy box with assorted games, activities, maps, white board, etc.  Don't forget the treats too! :)

WHITEBOARDS MADE EASY

     There are 4 ways to make an individual white board for your child.  

1. Take a clean page protector (NOT THE GLARE PROOF) and slide a piece of white card stock or chipboard inside.  EASIEST WAY! 
2. Use a piece of white acrylic plexi-glass and cover the edges with vinyl adhesive or decorative duct tape. Another easy way!
3. Take a piece of melamine board or old clipboard.  Paint with high gloss white (or other color) paint.  Let dry and add two more coats.  Make sure each coat is COMPLETELY dry before adding the next so that you can maintain the nice smooth surface. 
4. 8X8 white ceramic tile...a little heavier, so not the best choice for a very small child, but again...very easy! 
5. ERASER:  Take a 2"X24" piece of an old t-shirt,  flannel or felt, fold accordion style and secure with a clothespin! Fast and easy!