The farther ahead you plan, the more luxury you, parents, and members have to collect interesting materials and information and take advantage of seasonal opportunities and community events. The topic was birds, and the members made suet feeders. They also mixed suet and took home a recipe so they could replenish their supply on their own. Give members something to take home with them whether it's a small token or something they made, built, or planted. It s exciting, and it gives them something to extend the lesson or activity at home.
Some people think meetings are too short to bother with refreshments.
But it's amazing what a little snack can do for morale. It s a good way of bringing the meeting to a close and allowing members to takes turns helping, and the kids always look forward to it. If your meeting had a particular emphasis or special program, align the snacks with the theme. Evaluate and get feedback at the end of each meeting. Partnering members for activities is a good way to encourage cooperation without boring experienced members or overwhelming new ones.