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Regular Games:
THE SIGN-IN TABLE:
On a central table, set out markers and name tags, brochures from local
attractions, a reunion guest book or poster and a schedule of events. Remember,
keep your schedule loose—people will need time to meander around and reunite at
their individual paces.
THE VOLUNTEER TEAM:
Sharing the work on reunion day is one of the best ways to get relatives
together. You can have folks sign up for chores the day of the event or organize
them beforehand.
THE PHOTO GALLERY:
Ask guests to send in a specific type of photo--baby pictures, yearbook shots or
bad hair days, for example. Arrange the photos on a poster and let each guest
guess who's who.
THE ART CONTEST:
Invite the kids to draw Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Louie and so on. String a
clothesline and hang each masterpiece for all to see.
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THE FAMILY FLAG:
Set up a craft table with squares of white fabric and fabric paint. Ask each
family to make a square that represents them, then glue the squares onto a
backing cloth.
HEIRLOOM SHOW & TELL:
Have everyone bring in a family object (clothing, a book, a work tool, a
knickknack) with a history. Display the items and, later, make time for a
storytelling session.
FAMILY LINEUP:
Put enough family members together, and odds are you'll have representatives of
every astrological sign, every political party affiliation and a handful of
hometowns. In the game Family Lineup, the aim is to get your team (of eight or
more players) lined up according to a single distinguishing characteristic
that's called out by an emcee: birth order, age, height, distance traveled to
the reunion, alphabetical state of origin and so on. The first team to get lined
up yells out its order and wins. For a more challenging variation, ask the teams
to figure out their order without speaking.
FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT:
In this twist on an old favorite, the search isn't for items, but for family
information. It's particularly suited to kids, who have an innate gift for
asking endless questions. Before the reunion, gather clan lore and trivia from
your extended family members. Then type up a list of questions (questions can
pertain to reunion day happenings too). Here are a few examples.
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How did Grandpa propose to Grandma?
Which relative traveled to this country by boat?
Who traveled the farthest to be here today?
Who has the worst sunburn?
Which relative has the most children, and what are
their middle names?
Who has the reddest hair? The loudest laugh? The
biggest feet?
Let players pursue their questions in teams
throughout the day—then trade their completed questionnaires for a prize.
Dinner Table Games & Ideas:
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Place disposable cameras at each table for candid
reunion snapshots.
Use rolls of plain white butcher paper for
tablecloths and set out cups of crayons.
Place cards with family trivia questions on the
table as conversation starters.
For one meal at least, organize a true mixer. Have
everyone draw a number out of a hat and set corresponding numbers beneath the
plates.
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