While the idea of an overnight with 30 fifth and sixth grade youth strikes terror in the heart of the majority of fully-functioning adults, there is no better program to give young people the feeling of ownership of and belonging to their home Church. It is true that overnight events carry a considerable amount of risk for the sponsors of these events, but this can be minimized if some basic planning and preparation takes place.

An "overnight event" (for this paper) is defined as an event where the youth group spends the night at their home Church or at a sponsor's home (not recommended). An "overnight" is not a "retirement". With a retreat, the youth group travels to some place other than their home Church.

When planning the following suggestions should be considered:

1. Be sure to enlist enough sponsors. There should be at least one female and one male adult (21 and older) who would be willing to handle a crisis in case the youth group leader is not available. For most elementary age youth groups, a ratio of one sponsor for six youth (1/6) works well. Trained high school youth can be used to help fill this requirement. (Using high school youth as sponsors at events gives them a recognizable purpose within their Church.)

2. Advertise the event with the parents so that they know what to expect.

3. Explain safety rules and enforce them. Do not let the youth go outside without a sponsor present.

4. Plan controlled sleep time. It is not fair to parents to send home children who have had no sleep. Sleep rules are an agreement between the youth leader, parents, and youth. This agreement must be in force at all overnights. Some suggested bedtimes are as follows:

First and Second Grades 10 p.m.

Third and Fourth Grades 11 p.m.

Fifth and Sixth Grades 12 p.m.

Seventh and Eighth Grades 1 a.m.

Wake up for all ages should be 7 a.m. Some youth are unable to sleep past sunrise when they are away from home. When they arise, they will not be able to be quiet.

5. Plan a simple program (seasonal themes work well). Include games, a late night snack (pizza!), a simple breakfast, and finish by 9 a.m. Sometimes a movie may be used, but remember that movies take a lot of time. Crafts are very effective with first through fourth grade youth.

6. Plan free time that will allow the sponsors and leaders to spend one-on-one time with the youth. As in all things, love is the most important tool you have. Use it often.

Robert J. Conway, 1990