ShineBright Kids Conference: Color Run
Our latest Color Run event did not happen exactly as originally planned. Due to unexpected weather conditions, we had to move the entire event indoors and quickly adjust several of the games and activities we had prepared. Although the change required flexibility from our team, volunteers, vendors, and participating families, it also became an opportunity to demonstrate many of the same lessons we hoped to teach the children throughout the day.
We are especially grateful to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lyons, Illinois, for allowing us to use its facility at the last minute. Their generosity gave us a welcoming space where the event could continue despite the weather and where children and families could safely enjoy the activities together.
The event began with a short worship session to welcome the children and create an encouraging atmosphere. After worship, the children moved through four stations of smaller games. Each activity was designed to give them an opportunity to have fun while also practicing important qualities such as teamwork, patience, encouragement, and self-control. As children worked together, waited for their turns, and responded to different challenges, they were able to experience these lessons in practical ways.
Following the mini games, children participated in basketball and soccer matches. These activities created even more opportunities for movement, cooperation, and positive competition. Children who wanted a quieter activity could also visit the art table, where they were encouraged to express themselves creatively and design their own artwork.
Food was provided by La Cocina De Jireh, which created a fun indoor food stand experience for everyone attending. Families were able to enjoy hot dogs, pancakes, and lemonade, along with a large variety of toppings and condiments. Sharing a meal also gave children, parents, volunteers, and team members an opportunity to spend time together and continue building connections throughout the event.
To close the day, we held one final mini game for the children. An area of the gym was filled with balloons, and hidden inside some of them were tickets that could be exchanged for toys and prizes. The children excitedly rushed through the balloons searching for their tickets. Thanks to the generosity of those who donated, there were enough prizes for every child to leave the event with a toy.
Although we were unable to hold the Color Run outdoors as originally intended, the day remained filled with worship, movement, creativity, laughter, and connection. The last-minute changes reminded us that meaningful experiences do not always depend on everything going according to plan. Through flexibility, patience, teamwork, and the support of our community, the event was still able to provide children with a day they could enjoy and remember.
We are incredibly thankful for Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, La Cocina De Jireh, our volunteers, donors, families, and everyone who continued to support and attend the event despite the unexpected weather changes. We are excited to host this event again in the future and look forward to one day bringing the full Color Run experience outdoors.
