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We are busy planning our first "Nel" family reunion. My parents moved over from South Africa almost 8 years ago and we thought that it was high time that we began this tradition, mostly so that the habit of attending each year would be ingrained in all our children while they’re little. I have felt an enormous responsibility towards this subject because of all my extended family is 13,000 miles away and my children will never have the opportunity to know them like I did. In effect, moving here and starting over must be a little like Noah and his wife must have felt when they got off the ark. So for those of you who have never done this before, climb aboard, and for those who are pros, teach us. Please send your ideas to us, I have also asked Cathy Johnson of Morgan, Utah, an amazing family reunion organizer to write for this column. Where to have it? Our family loved to camp when we were growing up. So we decided to camp for our first family reunion. There are beautiful campgrounds in Utah, and since I’ll be 4 weeks from having the baby we decided to do it closer to home. The campground we have chosen is up Ephraim Canyon and is cradled amongst Pine trees and Aspens at 9000 feet. There is a lake filled with trout that you can see because the water is so clear. There are lots of hiking trails, wildlife is plentiful and we are all very excited. Picking the location was of prime importance to me because I felt like I couldn’t plan any other part of it till I had atmosphere to plan activities to go with. So pick something that suits your family, if the majority don’t like camping, pick something that will work better no matter how idyllic the pines and the lake sound. You want to pick a place that will be comfortable for everyone and where they can pick from a variety of activities. Your theme… I wanted a theme because a theme gives vent to my creative side. We will be attending the Miracle Pageant in Manti on the Friday evening and since so many miracles have paved the path our families have trodden, our theme is "Miracles Bind our Family together." For more theme ideas check out these articles on Family Reunion Themes, by Cathy Johnson. Who to invite? This was easy for us because I have a brother and sister and parents in the U.S. If your family is larger I would decide how deep into the family branches you’d want to climb and then for a committee to help. That would make the whole affair less daunting and overwhelming. A larger family would want to plan a lot longer ahead than a smaller one, to let everyone know in time and especially if there is cost involved, a year ahead would be good. Infact, after all the cousins are tucked in bed at this years family reunion, have a meeting to set goals for the next year. Who will be chairman, where, when etc? Don’t forget to decide what you want to achieve by having a family reunion. A closer family, people to really know each other. Grandparents to have a relationship with each grandchild, children to feel connected to their past, bridging the generation gap so to speak, remembering the past. What your children know about their roots is up to you, and at some point we all start digging, asking questions, hunting for photos. It is always better to start before death or separation makes it impossible. A family reunion is a great way to start. Books on Family Reunions
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