Outdoor family reunions typically encompass a few days and can be held at the beach, in the mountains, or anywhere outside. A longer reunion gives people more time to get reacquainted and bond as a family, plus there are no technological distractions. The most important thing in planning an outdoor family reunion is choosing a location that offers plenty of activities for the family.
Outdoor family reunions often center on water. If family members have boats or other water recreational vehicles, contact them prior to the reunion and see if they would be willing to bring them. My dad’s family often used my uncle’s boat at family reunions. This was especially good when we were teenagers, because it gave us incentive to come. If cost if not an issue you could rent a boat or wave runners for use during the reunion.
Even if you don’t have access to a boat the water is fun for children to play in, build sandcastles, or go fishing. Remember if you plan on people fishing they will need a license, unless it’s free fishing day in your state.
Along with water activities it is a good idea to bring card games and sports equipment for family members to enjoy.
You might consider a winter reunion and go skiing, snowmobiling, or other winter recreation activities. You would need to have a house large enough to accommodate the family, rent a cabin, or stay at a resort. This idea is more practical if a member of the family owns a cabin or time-share rental and would be willing to share.
Another possibility is four-wheelers; you can rent or use family members. They can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with water recreation.
When planning an outdoor reunion you will need an idea of how many people are planning to attend so you can reserve campsites, RV sites, or a combination. The most popular campsites fill up quickly and reservations should be made no later than February. Some campsites have special areas reserved for large groups. Many campsites have websites where you can look at the site amenities and make reservations on-line. Try not to schedule reunions over holiday weekends because many people make family plans. Campsites and lakes are always more crowded at this time as well.
If your family isn’t the camping type you could always reserve rooms at a beach or mountain resort or rent cabins. Then you get all the amenities and the outdoor recreation.
You will need to decide how to plan the food, will everyone eat together or prepare their meals separately. You might have families prepare their own breakfasts, have food available during the day (sandwich fixings, salads, fried chicken, snack food), and then eat dinner as a family. My family often assigns a meal to each family, they are required to plan, buy the food, prepare, and clean up their meal. This way one person is not stuck doing all of the work.
A fireside program is a great way to bring the family together. This could include stories (about ancestors or current family members), songs (guitar accompaniment is always nice), and talent presentations.
Whatever you choose to do remember that a family reunion is of course all about family.