The Secret Checklist for Lock-Ins

A few things I learned from the last series of lock-ins we did here at CSMSG.

• Strings of Christmas lights make great safety lighting through the hallways-- kids can play games "in the dark" and I can see my way around.
• Give the adult leaders the Bible study guides before Bible study actually starts. One adult at the 8th grade event said, "Well, I have gone into presentations with less preparation than this."
• Set up an official rotation for adults to be in each of the activity areas, not all clumped together in one space. This worked out naturally after a little while, but I should have been more active about it.
• Post signs that say, "This door is locked" on red paper on any door that's not physically locked but that is "locked to students."
• At rule-making time, make the "please don't" list yourself, then ask students to make the "please do" list and all sign it.
• Don't leave the pile of big red signs around where students can find it and post the "guys only" and "girls only" signs on the opposite doors.