Easy event idea: Host an open house for Lights On Afterschool

Hosting an open house is a great way to shine a light on your community’s afterschool and summer programs. It’s also an opportunity to engage with students, families, teachers, school administrators, and elected officials about the importance and impact of these programs.

There are many ways to make your open house fun and memorable, from centering it around a certain theme to incorporating family-friendly games and activities into your event. Here are a few examples of successful open houses previously held for Lights On Afterschool:

• CT: EdAdvance School Age Programs at Vogel-Wetmore School hosted a Halloween-themed open house for Lights On Afterschool and Nickelodeon Worldwide Day of Play. The event began with a group of older students sharing insights on the importance of afterschool programs. Afterwards, students, families, teachers, and school administrators enjoyed spooky snacks and participated in group games, including Zombie Tag, Ghost in the Graveyard, and Capture the Flag.
   
• NY: In an open house hosted by New York Edge at P.S 41Q, parents were invited to follow their children through their afterschool program for the day. There was a letter-writing station where students and parents wrote letters about the highlights and importance of afterschool, a poster-making station where students showcased posters they had been working on, and a music station where students sang songs they had written as a group. Attendees also participated in physical activities, including a football game, a health and wellness discussion, and a dance class."
• AL: The New Brockton Community Learning Center organized a health-focused open house at New Brockton Elementary School revolving around the theme "Camping in the Wilderness." The program's nutrition and health center distributed a nutritious trail mix and provided a helpful booklet on safe camping tips. Daycare students engaged in a fall-themed art project, the school's cheerleaders and mascot led a drug-free pep rally, and a local nurse offered blood pressure checks and advice on maintaining good health during the cold and flu season. Parents had the opportunity to visit each program room and witness firsthand the diverse enrichment activities their children participate in. Attendees also had the chance to enter contests to win school spirit prizes.

If you are considering hosting an open house for Lights On Afterschool this year, you can find other inspirational ideas for your event in our searchable events database!

Here are some key tips to keep in mind when coordinating your open house:

• Start planning as early as possible!
• Create a media plan to effectively promote the event and encourage attendance
• Showcase youth projects or highlight unique activities that students engage in day-to-day
• Incorporate multiple hands-on activities for youth during the event
• Enlist afterschool students as event hosts to provide guided tours and facilitate meaningful interactions with attendees.
• Partner with community organizations to expand event promotion and outreach.

Registration is now open! Sign up now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the Lights On Afterschool planning season.