Written by Mark Kirgiss,
WyldLife Representative of the Midwestern Division.
Perhaps one of the most difficult questions for WyldLife leaders to answer is
when their WyldLife friends ask, “What are we doing at WyldLife club this
week?”
It’s a fair question that some WyldLife leaders avoid, not wanting to give away
the “surprises” of club and so leaving WyldLife teens unsatisfied with our
answers. Knowing that our middle school friends are still navigating life with
the need for concrete answers, having themes for WyldLife clubs can provide
both answers to their questions and direction in our planning of club – while
still allowing for surprises.
Themes can provide momentum, excitement, anticipation and conversation around
each club – for both leaders and young teens. They also provide
“dress-up/costume” opportunities along with contact work moments to help our
friends design their costumes (a trip to the thrift shop, for example) and be a
part of club before they attend.
Starting points for your leadership team in planning theme clubs are as simple
as Movies: Star Wars, Peanuts, Avengers; Music: Taylor
Swift; and Culture: lumberjacks and bacon. Being aware of
current trends and upcoming releases will provide you with resources to
consider for theme clubs.
Themes we have used for recent WyldLife clubs include:
- Superhero
Club - Donut
Club - Wyld
West Club - Glow-vember
Club - Jersey-
Sports Club - Ninjas
vs. Pirates Club - Hunger
Games Club - Disney
Club - Denim
Club
Theme clubs can provide direction for your leadership team
as you plan club games and mixers. However, not every game needs to tie into
the theme. Themes can also set the tone for creating memories with your
WyldLife friends.
For more themed club ideas click HERE.
What themes have been successful in your WyldLife club? We
would love to hear from you.
