Some youth directors have sworn off lock-ins. I’ll admit that they are not my favorite thing to do. However, over the past few years I have realized there is so much more than staying up all night. So what makes it work? Here are a few suggestions.
1. Have a purpose – What is the purpose of your lock in? Some lock-ins are for a mission or to raise awareness like the 3o hour famine. Some lock-ins are heavily programmed. Some lock-ins are strictly hang out time. What ever your purpose, decide that ahead of time and plan accordingly.
2. Over Plan – If you are planning to have an hour of games, plan for two. This way if a game bombs, you have back ups. Or, if you need some games later on to fill time you have a few ready to go.
3. Stagger Your Adults – There are some adults who will brave all night, but not many. Stagger the times your adults help with the lock in. I like to have adults help us get started and stay till 1 or 2 a.m. Have a few who will come in and stay till 6 a.m. Then your final group who will come cook breakfast and help clean up.
4. Have a Clean up Crew – The last thing you, or any of your youth will want to do after being up all night is to clean up. I try to get the youth to do as much as possible, but having a few adults who will come in and do final clean up and reset will help tremendously.
5. Variety of Food – I’m not talking about 50 types of chips. Make sure that among the Oreos, Doritos and Dr. Pepper, there is water, fruit and other non junk food alternatives.
6. Youth Planned – Let your youth plan and lead portions of the lock in. Let them come up with the games, lead worship or do set up for the event.
These are just 6 things I thought of that would make your Lock-in go more smoothly, if you so choose to do one. What else would you suggest?