Year-Round Activities that Strengthen Your Family’s Ties to God

Living through the thrill of a family adventure – from tackling the rapids in a raft to rappelling off a steep cliff – strengthens family bonds and deepens our relationship as we struggle – and succeed – in His beautiful world. The Diocese of Orlando’s Polk County schools have a handful of activities that will help your child and your family strengthen their bonds with God.  BikingBike trails are slowly taking over many suburban areas in Florida. Find a trail near you, and pack the bikes in the back of the family vehicle. Fill a backpack with lunch supplies. and spend the morning exploring before a fun lunch break under a shade tree. See who can climb a hill the fastest, or who can find the largest number of different types of trees.   CampingBeing in touch with nature can be thrilling, especially when you pitch a tent in a forest rather than a campground. Spend your time communing with nature by fishing, swimming, bird watching, tracking wild animals, or identifying different trees in the woods. At the end of the day, light a campfire, roast marshmallows, and list what you liked most and least about the day.  HikingTake in God’s magnificent bounty in any one of Florida’s beautiful state or national parks, at a local city park, around the neighborhood, or, if outdoor areas are limited, around a shopping center. Wherever you are, take in the surroundings God has provided for us. Dew on a spider web, a snake shed, shiny beetles, and soft rabbits may abound in parks if you take the time to look for them. VolunteeringDropping off your children at a volunteer site and questioning them afterward will strengthen their ties with God. This struggle is more mental than physical as you attempt to align the schedules of all family members with the available times to volunteer; the end result, however, is a pure vision of God’s grace. You can volunteer as a family by sponsoring a new family in the parish, taking food to an elderly neighbor and staying to visit or play cards, boxing dry goods at a food pantry, or walking dogs at the animal shelter together. All these activities show your children how committed you are to helping others in need, just as God commanded.  Tackling adventures as a family prioritizes your values. When you take the time to show your children how much you care for them, for God’s beautiful world, and for people and animals in need, your children realize how true your faith commitment is. The Diocese of Orlando’s website shares many family-friendly ideas as well as summer and scholastic adventures. Call the Diocese at 407-246-4800 to learn about our Polk County schools.