The season of back-to-school covers the approximate time from the appearance of in retail aisles to the last sale of supplies. That seems to be most of the year! Families of kids ages three through college are inundated with a costly array of needs. Like a bayou, or swamp, families’ finances, energies, and time are sucked into this back-to-school season. This can be simply overwhelming. I wonder how we can use the clear water of acceptance and understanding to clear the muddy waters of the back-to-school bayou. I do have a few back to school ideas that have worked for me in the past.

Keeping back-to-school simple

First of all, school supplies do not all have to be new. It is a tough sell for kids, but families need encouragement to follow this path. Families also need to understand that the faith community is not part of the larger “kids as consumers” landscape in the world. Try to emphasize that everyone has enough rather than everyone needs more new supplies.

The back-to-school trading post

I’ve had great fun with a back-to-school trading post with my church this time of year! This could be a table in the church entry with labeled boxes for “crayons,” “pencils,” or any other supplies that you find necessary for back-to-school, as it seems the supply lists change frequently. If you have a mobile church, use hanging shoe pocket storage units to label and hang on doors. These are easily rolled and set in a box for the week. Then unroll them on Sunday and re-hang them.

Plan and communicate

Ask your congregation to donate items. Families can contribute leftover supplies from the end of the previous school year. Then follow with a back-to-school trading post opening for families.

Schedule this just before the first day of school. Give families time to look around and collect items. Have copies of school supplies available just like retail stores.

Blessing of the backpacks

Invite kids to bring empty backpacks to worship or Sunday school for a “Blessing of the Backpacks”. This helps emphasize that it is the process of lifelong learning and the precious learners being blessed rather than the consumable materials inside the backpack. Remember to have a few extra backpacks for the kids who may not have one or forgot theirs that day. Follow the blessing with the opening of your back-to-school trading post.

Adults in today’s constantly changing world of employment may be starting a new school year, too. Many parents are taking new training and furthering their own education at the same time as they work and journey through their child’s school experiences. This too can add to the challenges of family life.

As members of a church family, be aware of the realities and needs of all ages, as they look for support and strength in the hard job of being family at home during the back-to-school season and throughout the academic year.

Need more resources like these back to school ideas to help return to fall programming? Check out our Resources page to find free downloads, including activities, checklists, and eBooks to help you get started.