Caravan Sunday

What is Caravan Sunday?

Caravan Sunday is an international event for local churches to celebrate the Nazarene Caravan program. This special day highlights the ministry of Caravan in the local church by recognizing children who participate in the program and honoring Caravan workers.

When is Caravan Sunday?

The local church Caravan committee plans and promotes Caravan Sunday. The fall issue of Caravan Directions, the Caravan newsletter, includes ideas and suggestions. If your local Caravan program does not receive the Caravan Directions newsletter, contact the general Caravan office at 1-888-644-4510 ext. 2242.

Who Plans Caravan Sunday?

Caravan Sunday Suggestions

Publicity: Publicize Caravan Sunday in local church newsletters and church bulletins. Send invitations to Caravan parents. Make announcements in Sunday School classes, at Caravan meetings, on Wednesday nights, and in church services.
Display Tables: Set up tables in the foyer to display Caravan books, uniforms, and badges. Include information on how to volunteer as a guest guide to teach children a special skill.
Caravan Bulletins and Publicity Folders: Use the Caravan bulletin to replace your regular church bulletin. Distribute a Caravan publicity folder to acquaint each family with the overall Caravan program.
Caravan Candles: Display Caravan candles and an open Bible on the communion table.
Historical Display: Prepare a historical display about Caravan in your local church. Include pictures, old books and uniform items, and a list of Bresee recipients.
Uniform Day: Ask Caravan children and workers to wear their Caravan uniform.
Involve Caravan Children: Ask Sunday School teachers to use Caravan children as helpers. Arrange for Caravan children in uniform to assist greeters and ushers, play a prelude before service, play an offertory, help in taking offering, and sing or play a special during the worship service.
Caravan Photo Display: Create a photo display of Caravan children working on badges and receiving awards.
Service Project:
1. Introduce a special Caravan service project. Provide on-going updates in the church newsletter until the project is completed.
2. Plan a service project that can be completed during the afternoon. Begin with a picnic lunch. Take before and after video. Show the video during the evening service.
3. Ask individuals to bring specific items for children to create seasonal baskets to take to a senior citizen's home, a retirement center, or rest home. Check with the facility to determine needed items.
Caravan Workers: Include an insert in the Sunday bulletin that introduces each Caravan worker.
Caravan Worker Dedication: Ask the pastor to include a special time of prayer at the altar for Caravan workers and supporters to dedicate themselves to ministering to the children of the church.
Caravan Induction Ceremony: Plan a Caravan Induction Ceremony on Sunday afternoon or during the Sunday night service. Follow the ceremony with a reception.
Award Recipients: Recognize the Caravan award recipients (Bunker, Winans, Lillenas, and Bresee) from the previous Caravan year.
Caravan Reunion: Invite all current and previous Caravan members to attend a special day of activities.
Badge Skills Display: Create a display of badge skills the children will learn during the year. Recruit adults to assist in teaching the skills.
Caravan Sunday Dinner: Plan a dinner for Caravan children, parents, and workers.
Caravan Picnic: Plan an old-fashioned picnic with lemonade, games, and homemade ice cream.
Afternoon Ice Cream Social: Plan an afternoon of family fun and games similar to a school fair. Provide dishes of ice cream with a variety of toppings.
Pinewood Derby Day: Plan a cookout. Provide children and parents with materials and assistance for designing and making derby cars.
Other Than Sunday Activities: Plan activities leading up to Caravan Sunday. Ideas: Parent-child attending a sports event, parent-child craft night, bicycle safety check, parent and child first aid class, etc.