It’s almost time to head back to school, so let’s have one last hurrah to celebrate summer – a pool party that’ll give the kids a last great summer memory to talk about on their first day back! Provide them with pizza and drinks for food. Ask vendors if they can donate for a grand prize such as a lunch box or back pack. Give out school supplies such as crayons, pens, pencils, notebooks, and paper. Here are a few ideas for decorations. A simple, colorful banner hung near the food table. Print one letter per page using American Typewriter font, 500 pt. Colorful tablecloths were topped with coordinating plastic pails. Keeping with the water theme, this one held individual packages of Goldfish. ...

Encourage your residents to get in shape by organizing a free fitness class. Consider options such as yoga, Zumba or boot camp-style classes that can be done in an open area and don’t require expensive equipment. Hire an instructor, or put a call out to see if there are any fitness instructors living in your community that are willing to teach a class. If you get enough interest, you might even consider holding a monthly class.

Who doesn’t love a good game of UNO or Trivial Pursuit? Encourage some friendly competition by hosting a board game night in your community room (or outdoors if the weather cooperates). You can provide drinks and snacks, or, if your budget is tight, have a potluck and encourage residents to bring a dish to share.

Chances are, you have some baking enthusiasts living in your community. And I can almost guarantee you have folks who love to eat baked goods! So, consider organizing a bake-off in your community to let your resident bakers show off their skills. Ask folks to sign up to bake a treat. Then, gather a panel of 2 or 3 judges to taste and score all of the delicious baked goods. The winner can take home a small prize like a gift card to a local restaurant or store. Add a charitable element to the event by selling the baked goods and donating the proceeds to a local charity.

Take advantage of the warm, summer weather and plan an outdoor movie night. Rent an outdoor movie screen and provide the movie, soft drinks and popcorn. Invite residents to bring blankets, lawn chairs and additional snacks. Not sure what movie to play? Consider a summer classic like Grease, a popular, family-friendly new release or a movie filmed in your city. Or, let your residents weigh in by sending a quick survey with two or three options.