Ah, Trunk or Treat! That time of year when parking lots turn into a maze of marvels, cars transform into canvases of creativity, and kids (and let's be honest, adults too) get to parade in costumes collecting treats. It's like Halloween, but with a twist of community spirit and safety baked in. Speaking of safety, that's exactly why we're here today. But first, a little context.
Our church has been hosting a Trunk or Treat event for churches for the last 13 years, and it's been nothing short of amazing. We've seen our parking lot come alive with Bible trunk or treat themes, touching thousands of people in our community. It's a highlight of our year and brings us all closer together.
Through this experience, we've learned a thing or two about keeping the event safe and fun for everyone. So, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, these tips are for you.
1. Light It Up
As the sun sets and the adorable little monsters come out, make sure your area is well-lit. Safety begins with visibility. String lights, lanterns, and even glow sticks can add both ambiance and safety, helping little feet avoid trips and falls.
2. Traffic Flow and Parking
Designate a specific area for the Trunk or Treat and ensure it's separate from moving vehicles. Use cones or volunteers to guide cars to parking spaces, keeping the trick-or-treat zone car-free and safe for our pint-sized pirates and princesses.
Additionally, our church uses caution tape and construction fencing to make 1 single ingress/egress point, so that parents can relax while they bring their kids through.
3. Candy Inspection Stations
Sure, this might sound a bit overboard, but since that old urban legend about “razor blades in candy” still lives on in the mind some parents, you might think about how you can counteract it. You could have a spot where parents can quickly check their kids' loot to add an extra layer of safety. Encourage wrappers to stay intact until they've been given the once-over.
Personally, we don’t do this one. Instead, we provide the candy already in bags for our attendees. We’ve found it’s faster, more hygienic, and helps parents be relaxed.
4. Allergy-Friendly Options
Remember, some kids have food allergies that can turn a treat into a real scare. Offer a variety of goodies, including non-food items like stickers or pencils. A little sign indicating allergy-friendly options can make a big difference.
5. Costume Safety
Costumes are half the fun but ensuring they're safe is key. Encourage costumes that are visible at night, think reflective tape or light colors, and make sure masks don't obstruct vision. Comfortable walking shoes are a must too!
Since our church is doing the event, we prefer trunk or treat ideas that are religious. But our volunteers are on their feet for several hours, and we encourage each one to think that through before Halloween night comes!
6. Adult Supervision
This one's a no-brainer. Adults should accompany their little goblins and ghouls, keeping an eye out and ensuring they stick to the designated area. It's not just about overseeing the kids; it's about building community together.
7. Emergency Preparedness
Have a first-aid kit on hand, and make sure some volunteers are familiar with basic first aid. Also, it's wise to have a designated spot for lost kids to go and be easily found by their guardians.
8. Keeping the Peace
With excitement can come a bit of chaos. Have volunteers specifically tasked with crowd control and peacekeeping. A friendly reminder to use inside voices and walking feet can go a long way.
Make sure you train these volunteers to smile and be kind. I’ve seen the opposite, and it’s not pretty!
9. Sanitation Stations
Especially important in today's world, having hand sanitizing stations scattered throughout the event can help keep everyone healthy. Encouraging clean hands before and after treat consumption is a smart move.
10. Feedback and Improvement
After the event, gather feedback from participants and volunteers. What worked? What didn't? This insight is invaluable for making next year's Trunk or Treat even better.
This is one of our most powerful secrets: Every year for the last 10 years, we’ve had a trunk or treat evaluation meeting. This has helped us improve every year. The goal is not to make the same mistakes again, or fail to remember that one thing that went really well.
11. Background Checks for Key Volunteers
Safety isn't just about what happens during the event; it's also about ensuring those who help run it are trustworthy and reliable. Conducting background checks on key volunteers, especially those who will be in direct contact with children, is a step we take very seriously. This practice helps to ensure that everyone involved in making our Trunk or Treat a success is committed not only to the fun but to the safety and well-being of our community members. It's about creating a safe environment from the ground up, where parents can feel confident in the hands their children are in, literally and figuratively.
Trunk or Treat Keys to Success
Our annual Trunk or Treat event has grown into something we're incredibly proud of. It's a safe, fun, and engaging way for our community to come together. By following these safety tips, we ensure that everyone from the tiniest trolls to the grown-up goblins has a great time without compromising on safety.
For a free church trunk or treat planning guide, use that link.
Remember, the goal is to create a memorable experience that's enjoyable for all. With a little planning, a lot of creativity, and a commitment to safety, your Trunk or Treat can be the highlight of the Halloween season. Here's to making magical memories, safely!
About the Author
Darrell Stetler II is the creator of NewStart Discipleship, which helps local churches create a clear discipleship journey for brand new Christians. He also is raising 1 daughter and 6 sons, so he’s blessed and tired. Out of his struggle for family discipleship, he’s developed Discipleship In the Home resources. If you’re serious about discipleship ministry in your church, check out his free Bible reading plan for new believers. You can follow him on X(Twitter), or on Facebook.