Boys & Girls Club of Brockton, Mass., has found a fun way to engage and strengthen families through its Family Fun Night. Recently, activities during this event included a Human Scavenger Hunt, which helped more than 100 youth and caregivers meet and connect with each other in a fun and stress-free setting. Club staff made up cards that included descriptive statements such as “I’ve had a haircut in the past week” or “I plan to go to college.” Family members then mingled to match the correct statement with the right participant. This activity was an easy way to coax families out of their comfort zones and talk with strangers. By the end of the activity, there were no more strangers in the group – just families who wanted to get to know each other better.

Another Family Fun Night focused on the creative and unifying power of art. The Club hosted a fine arts exhibit with more than 20 youth-created pieces on display. Many young people painted bird houses that they then took home or to a local park.

Science is not usually thought of as a fun activity. However, the Brockton Club used science as the basis of a family race. Family members raced into the technology room at the Club to discover why Mentos® candy mixed with diet cola creates a geyser-like explosion. All families who participated in the activity received a door prize. By mixing science, art and family interactions, the Boys & Girls Club