{"id":23805,"date":"2017-07-14T11:16:26","date_gmt":"2017-07-14T15:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=23805"},"modified":"2021-04-19T09:51:40","modified_gmt":"2021-04-19T13:51:40","slug":"summertime-fun-how-to-plan-a-family-reunion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/summertime-fun-how-to-plan-a-family-reunion.html","title":{"rendered":"Summertime Fun: How to Plan a Family Reunion"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega provides some suggestions for planning and hosting a family reunion \u2013 a great time for genealogists to gather family history information. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book \u201cFrom the Family Kitchen.<\/span>\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s that time of the year! Families often hold reunions in the summer \u2013 a great time for family fun. What will your family do? Some family reunions are small, quickly planned gatherings over a meal \u2013 but planning for others may take longer in order to coordinate the schedules and interests of 100 people or more. No matter what type of get-together you\u2019re planning, here are some ideas to consider for your own family reunion.<\/p>\n

\"Photo:<\/a>
Photo: picnic shelter at Indian Springs State Park, Georgia. Credit: Dsdugan; Wikimedia Commons.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most obvious part of planning a reunion is the most important: when will the reunion take place? The answer depends on how many people are coming, from how far away, and their schedules \u2013 as well as the schedule of the host and the facility where the reunion will take place. Many families plan at least a year in advance and need to take into consideration family work schedules, children\u2019s school schedules, and reservations or deposits that need to be made. This is especially crucial for a larger family reunion where you may need a dozen or more hotel rooms put aside.<\/p>\n

In addition to the date\/s it will take place, what days of the week will the reunion span? Will it just be a dinner, a one-day get-together, or a series of events that last over a long weekend? Your answer will dictate the money spent by those attending, food and lodging needs, as well as activities planned. You may also need to charge a fee to cover food, the facility, or even mementos like family reunion t-shirts. But remember, as this newspaper article on family reunion tips points out: the lower the cost of the event, the better the attendance.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Aberdeen Daily News (Aberdeen, South Dakota), 12 July 1992, page 27<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Host<\/strong><\/p>\n

Planning a family dinner is much different than holding a reunion for 100 people \u2013 which is more like putting on an event for work or church. Who will host your reunion? This person, hopefully with others assisting, needs to make the final decision about things like the program, deposits that need to be made, and negotiating hotel rooms and meeting rooms. Ideally, the host should be someone who lives near where the event is being held.<\/p>\n

If you are the host, don\u2019t keep all the work to yourself. Enlist a committee or at least helpers that can assist with tasks to make the job easier. Break up those tasks into planning tasks (checking out hotels, finalizing menus, ordering t-shirts, planning events, sending out emails) and on-site tasks (like trash detail, assisting with the food, gathering everyone together, helping with activities).<\/p>\n

Place<\/strong><\/p>\n

Where will the reunion be held? A small get-together lasting just a few hours might be held at someone\u2019s home or a local restaurant, but what about a larger and longer gathering? Campgrounds, hotels, resorts, and even a cruise might be possibilities. A \u201cdestination location\u201d might ensure that people can not only attend the reunion but incorporate it into their vacation plans.<\/p>\n

Each of these types of facilities have their benefits \u2013 for example a family reunion aboard a cruise ship means not worrying about food at all since that is covered in your cruise fee, and there may be planned activities for children available through the cruise line\u2019s \u201ckid\u2019s club.\u201d<\/p>\n

If a hotel or resort is involved, what amenities does that facility have? Summer reunions with lots of kids might benefit from a hotel with a pool. Hotels that offer a free breakfast might help families save money. Conference room space will be helpful for dinners or meetings you have planned. Consider the space needed to allow family members a place to gather to visit, participate in activities, or just relax.<\/p>\n

Activities for All Ages<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who will be at the reunion? Take into consideration activities that appeal to multiple age groups. I recently received an email survey from the host of a 2018 family reunion. Questions about activities included kids\u2019 ages, possible family history class topics, and what types of outdoor activities would be of interest. A survey is a great way to gauge what activities will have broad appeal. A survey provides the host with an opportunity to understand the needs of those who are attending and make sure that there is something of interest for all attendees.<\/p>\n

\"An<\/a>
Register Star (Rockford, Illinois), 14 July 2002, page 44<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Need some ideas for your family reunion? Some activities to consider:<\/p>\n