Kids Week 2026

Overview

 

The Schuyler Inn Family Shelter was blessed to host another successful Annual End-of-Summer Kids Week, facilitated by Dave and Lauren Stewar and their dedicated team through Go and Make Ministries. The week-long event, which began on Tuesday, August 4th , provided children and families residing at Schuyler Inn with an opportunity to participate in engaging activities, build positive relationships, enjoy fellowship, and create lasting memories as the summer season came to an end.From the very first day, the event was met with tremendous enthusiasm from the children, parents, staff, and volunteers. The commitment and preparation demonstrated by the Stewart family and their volunteers were evident throughout the entire week. Their willingness to give their time, energy, resources, and compassion created an atmosphere that was welcoming, uplifting, and enjoyable for everyone involved.

 

Indoor Activities and Programming

 

Throughout the week, children had access to a variety of structured indoor activities led by the wonderful volunteers from Go and Make Ministries. Among the activities were Vacation Bible Study, arts and crafts, music, interactive games, and other age-appropriate activities designed to keep the children engaged and involved.The indoor programming remained consistent throughout the week and was conducted in an organized and positive manner. Volunteers worked closely with the children, encouraging participation while creating an environment where they could express themselves, learn, socialize, and simply enjoy being children.The activities were well received by the residents and provided an important opportunity for the children to experience something different from their normal daily routines at the shelter.

 

Outdoor Activities and Family Engagement

 

The outdoor portion of Kids Week brought another level of excitement and energy to the event. Various activity stations were established throughout the property, giving the children opportunities to participate in additional arts and crafts, games, physical activities, and other recreational opportunities.One particularly thoughtful addition was the outdoor tent area that was constructed for the event. Given the hot and muggy weather conditions throughout the week, the tent provided a much-needed shaded and comfortable space where children, parents, staff, and volunteers could take a break from the heat.The tent also became much more than simply a place to escape the weather. It provided an informal gathering space where adults could sit together, have meaningful conversations, and build connections. Several parents had the opportunity to speak with volunteers about life, personal struggles, family challenges, faith, and other areas of importance to them.These conversations demonstrated that the impact of the event extended well beyond recreational activities for children. It created opportunities for relationship-building, encouragement, and community connection among families and volunteers.

 

Music, Fellowship, and Positive Energy

 

Music was another major component of the week's activities. Religious-based music played throughout the event and helped create a joyful, energetic, and welcoming atmosphere.The music quickly became a favorite among the children, with many of them dancing, singing, and moving along to the songs. The positive energy was contagious and helped create an environment where children could let loose, have fun, and enjoy themselves in a safe and supportive setting.The atmosphere throughout the week was one of joy, laughter, fellowship, and togetherness.

 

Basketball and Recreation

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The Schuyler Inn's new basketball courts also became a popular destination during Kids Week. Children and staff took advantage of the opportunity to participate in some friendly basketball games.What began as casual recreation quickly turned into some spirited competition. The games brought out plenty of enthusiasm, competitiveness, laughter, and encouragement from both participants and spectators.The basketball activities provided another opportunity for children and staff to interact in a positive setting while promoting physical activity, teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition.

 

The Inflatable Water Slide

 

Without question, one of the biggest highlights of the week was the large inflatable water slide.

The attraction immediately became a focal point for the event, with children, parents, and even staff lining up for their opportunity to participate. The excitement surrounding the water slide was evident throughout the day, as families laughed, played, cheered each other on, and enjoyed the opportunity to cool off while having fun.The water slide brought together children and adults alike and created some of the most memorable moments of the entire week.

 

Kona Ice Cream Truck

 

As if the week could not get any better, Kona Ice Cream Truck arrived and helped bring Kids Week to an exciting conclusion.The ice cream truck offered families a great selection of cold treats, providing the perfect way for everyone to cool down and celebrate the conclusion of an incredible week.The arrival of the ice cream truck was met with excitement from the children and families and served as a fitting finale to a week filled with activities, laughter, fellowship, and community.

 

Impact on Schuyler Inn Families

 

Events such as Kids Week are extremely valuable to the families residing at Schuyler Inn. For many of our children, opportunities to participate in organized recreational activities, community events, and positive social experiences may not always be readily available.

 

This event provided children with opportunities to:

• Participate in positive recreational activities.

• Build relationships with volunteers and other children.

• Explore their creativity through arts and crafts.

• Participate in physical activities and sports.

• Experience music, fellowship, and positive engagement.

• Spend meaningful time with their parents and peers.

• Create positive memories during the summer.

• Experience a sense of community and belonging.

 

Equally important, the event gave parents an opportunity to connect with other adults and volunteers in a relaxed and supportive environment. The conversations, fellowship, and relationships developed throughout the week demonstrated the importance of creating opportunities that support the whole family, not just the children.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

 

The Schuyler Inn Family Shelter would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dave and Lauren Stewart, the Stewart family, Go and Make Ministries, and every volunteer and supporter who contributed to making this year's Kids Week such a tremendous success.The amount of time, preparation, energy, compassion, and resources that went into this event did not go unnoticed.Your volunteers showed up each day ready to serve, engage, encourage, and bring joy to our families. Your willingness to create activities, interact with our children, speak with our parents, and simply be present made a tremendous difference.We are especially grateful for the way you created an environment where our families felt welcomed, valued, and included.

 

Conclusion

 

The 2026 Schuyler Inn Annual End-of-Summer Kids Week was more than just a week of activities. It was an opportunity to bring people together, strengthen relationships, encourage families, and provide children with experiences that they will remember long after the summer has ended.From Vacation Bible Study and arts and crafts to music, basketball, the inflatable water slide, meaningful conversations under the tent, and the highly anticipated ice cream truck, the entire week was filled with moments of joy, laughter, connection, and community.The Schuyler Inn is incredibly grateful to have partners and supporters who recognize the importance of investing in the families we serve.To the Stewart family, Go and Make Ministries, Kona Ice Cream Truck, every volunteer, donor, supporter, and everyone who played a role in making this event possible: THANK YOU.

 

Your generosity and commitment truly made a difference.It is truly a blessing to have you as part of the Schuyler Inn community, and we are forever grateful for your continued support. From all of us at Schuyler Inn — THANK YOU for helping us end the summer with a week our children and families will never forget!