Setting Up A Community Lantern Walk

I am a big believer in the power and importance collaborative gatherings and celebrations! Gatherings were those in attendance lead a hand in its creation. Especially today when so many social events are put on by local businesses or the city.

The first Seedling Lantern will be hosted by me, with the hope that those in attendance will come back the following year and share in the tasks of organizing the event. Together creating a tradition that can be reproduced and added upon every year. Each task has the responsibilities and steps involved as well as how many members are needed to fulfill the role.

If you are not a Seedling member but would like to host a Lantern Walk for your friends our community, please feel free to use this information to guide your planning.


Task: Pair Bigs and Littles - One Member
Magic happens when kids of different ages work together. The first meet-up includes Bigs helping Littles make lanterns and then at the celebration spending time together.

Before Lantern Making:

1. Request the names and ages of children in each of the pods using the All Pods communication platform.

2. On paper, form pod buddies, which is one child from the Big Pod and one child from the Little Pod.

3. Introduce pod buddies at the lantern-making meet-up. These pod buddies will meet again at the Lantern Walk. The same buddies can be used each year or new pairs can be formed.

Task: Food - Three Members

A potluck after or before the walk is a perfect addition to the evening! Each pod can bring an item: a main dish, dessert or drink, or it can be left open ended on what each family brings. Remind each family member to bring their own dishes, utensils, and cups.

At the Lantern Walk:

1. Coordinate the retrieval of a table to use for food and drinks. Bring extra plates, utensils and cups, and trash bag/container.

2. Arrive 15 minutes to help set up the table and organize the food when families arrive.

4. Help with clean up and take home any left items. Post pictures of items and how to pick them up.

Task: Fire Maker and Music - Two to Three Members

This task involves starting the fire and organizing songs and/or stories. A general request can be made to find those individuals who would like to play an instrument.

At the Lantern Walk:

1. Find a few older tweens or teens to help start the fire and keep it stocked with wood. This can be a honor given to a youth when they become a certain age.

2. Ask for wood donations. Bring newspaper, kindling, and lighter.

2. Invite pods, when it is time to sit around the fire and welcome the group. This can be of your own design and could include inviting specific people to share stories or the lead a song. A little research in learning fun camp songs to share with the group is a bonus! I’d love for Seedling School to have several campfire songs that they all know and love.

Task: Lantern Making - Two Members

This is a great time for Little and Bigs to get together and create a beautiful lantern.

At the Lantern Making Meet-up:

1. Decide they type of lantern going to be made and share a link to the tutorial before the meetup date.

2. Create and share a poll to decide what day/time is the best for the majority of Seedling School members to meet as a group. Send out reminders if needed to fill out a poll using the group communication platform.

3. Decide on the date, time, and location of the meet-up and share it on the pod communication platform. Include the estimated cost of materials and add a link to be reimbursed. Keep in consideration the weather and if a covered structure is needed. Share these details with all pods.

4. Gather materials and make a lantern at home that can be used as an example.

5. Arrive early to set up tables and to greet members. Help Bigs and Littles pair up and get started making their lanterns by giving a quick demonstration.

Task: Lantern Organization and Setup - Three Members

Lantern walk setup is fun and collaborative. Involve older pod members or siblings to join in setting up creates a sense of purposeful giving.

Three weeks before Lantern Walk:

1. Share a poll with all Seedling members to find a date that works for the majority. This date should fall between mid-October and early-November.

2. Decide on the time and location of the Lantern Walk. Share this information using the Pod Communication Platform.

3. Share with all the members the Lantern Walk Task Signup Sheet. Remind pods a few days after posting (if needed.)

4. Decide on chairs needed to sit around the fire. Invite families to bring chairs.


At the Lantern Walk:

1. Arrive early at the location and start setting up glass jars with candles along the lantern walk path. This is optional but enchanting.

2. Designate a place for wood to be unloaded by families and the location of food tables.

3. Welcome everyone to the gathering and share a few words about the purpose of the gathering. This can include a story, poem or something meaningful that helps set the intention for the evening. Then share hosting details: bathroom location, where kids can meet if they get separated, and outline the events of the evening.

4. Start and direct Lantern Walk Activities.

Amy Rupp