This was the scene in one church in Bedford last summer. For many years the church had run a holiday club for primary-aged children using the hall and grounds. But some parents from the toddler group had asked for something for their younger children. A small group planned a short programme, moved some furniture in the church, decorated the church and then welcomed the under 5s and their parents for a short time of worship, story and fun. At first only a few came, but last year there was barely room for the numbers gathered around the parachute. The parents were grateful for something to do on those mornings with their young children, breaking up the long summer holidays. It gave the church the opportunity to maintain contacts with these families and to provide a Christian experience of worship and teaching, alongside plenty of fun.
Perhaps you want to continue your toddler group work alongside the holiday club, or you run a creche for the young children of the holiday club volunteers and want them to be more involved. Or maybe, you want to put on an Under 5s service and need some ideas. You don't need very much - just some space (think flexibly), someone to tell or read a story, some worship songs, a few toys, some refreshments, a small willing team and some young children.
On the following pages are some ideas to help you create short programmes using the same Bible stories as the main holiday clubs, plus some thoughts to help you think through how to use the ideas. For more information on running holiday clubs for 5-11s, click on the link to the right.