One fun ward activity is the ward camp out. I remember a lot more of these planned when I was a child, then I do now. However, it is a great activity. A ward camp out can create opportunities to bring the ward closer. There is something about sitting around the fire and telling stories that really promotes bonding.
If you are planning a ward camp out you will need to schedule a campground several months in advance. You will want to find a campground that is fairly close to the ward. You do not want to put undue strain on the members to travel. It is also important to set up rules about youth or children being unaccompanied. Parents should come and be responsible for their own children.
Generally it is easiest to have each family bring their own dinner. You may want to provide marshmallows and things for s’mores at night. You can also cook a pancake breakfast for the ward in the morning. This is easy and fairly inexpensive. You may want to see if there are extra tents that members without tents can use.
It is important to have plenty of cold drinking water available throughout the day. The families will arrive at various times throughout the day and the evening. You may want to plan a game of softball or other activities to do while people are setting up camp. You can have a short devotional at sundown and then settle everyone down around the campfire.
With a little planning you can have an activity that the ward will be talking about for years. You may end the activity immediately after breakfast or you may offer an optional hike in the morning as well. It is important that you leave the campground clean and well cared for, you want to leave a good impression on the other campers and rangers.
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