source: www.youthwork-practice.com | 2000 Games, Devotions, Themes, Ideas and more for Youth Work
only for private using

Expanding the youth group room and making it your own

Setting up your youth group room – Tips for planning, fire protection and lucrative funding opportunities.

Expanding your youth group room - isolate rooms and create a new
©: Rainer Sturm - pixelio.de

Expanding your youth group room – laying a carpet
©: Rainer Sturm - pixelio.de

This article is all about setting up your youth group room to gain more space. For example, by expanding an existing but unused attic, any other extensions which in turn can give you precious new opportunities for your youth work.

I still remember when we in a cloak-and-dagger operation started to expand our unused attic many years ago. We made it all. Roof opening, roof windows including blinds, roof insulation, carpeting, wall coverings, heating connection, etc. It was all done in 2 – 3 weeks. On inquiry, we even got a grant – which unfortunately at the time of writing is no longer available. However, asking for it cannot hurt. Alternatively, you can use a Community Funding or raise some money.

Expanding your youth group room – extending attics and other extending options
©: Rainer Sturm - pixelio.de

Depending on the situation, of course, you have to follow fire safety rules, and other in your country applicable safety rules. At times, you might even need a building permit.

However, if you are only want to spice up your youth group room, then you will find tips and tricks in this article. Change is as good as a holiday and only hurts your back pocket. On the other hand, however, this is a great opportunity to build team spirit to strengthen the group.

If it is all about furnishing the youth group, then there is a lot of work ahead. You will need tables, chairs and sun protection for windows, maybe even have to paint the walls.

One way to make this task a little more cost effective, you can buy old mattresses, tables, chairs and sofas easily from a second-hand market. However, buying new things for the youth group has its advantages as well. It gives a much nicer atmosphere for the young people and the youth workers, it is easier to keep clean and offers a better fire protection.

The whole undertaking, however, is hinged on a really good plan. Estimate the costs so that you can find financial or material donations for your renovation in time.

What inventory for which youth group?

Setting your youth group room up - cosy and nice
©: Rainer Sturm - pixelio.de

Designing a youth group in Germany has many faces. That could be the fire brigade youth, an environmental group, even church and craft groups.

All youth groups have one thing in common: With their activities, they do not only promote technical or social skills, but they are also motivating young people and create shared experiences. Most important though, they offer real relieve from the stress from school and have great alternatives for activities not involving a computer or a handy,

New group room: billiard room under a roof – creating an expansion | ©: www.youthwork-practice.com

When setting up a youth group room for a particular purpose, it becomes obvious, that there are great differences. For example, an environmental group might not need more than a few tables, chairs a flip chart and maybe a TV for movie nights. A craft group, on the other hand, will need shelves, a drawer system where you can store craft- and painting materials. If you are thinking of a recreational youth group, you might need equipment such as pool table, table tennis table and a football table. However, this kind of equipment is more suitable for teenagers. Sometimes you also will need board games. We recommend that you can put all your equipment nicely away and keep your youth group room without clutter.

Setting your youth group room up - cosy and nice
©: Rainer Sturm - pixelio.de

Cosiness invites you to linger

Bleak looking rooms can look a lot better with a nice decoration of the walls. This can be everything from a new coat of paint, a group logo. With help and guidance, most of those things can be by the young people themselves. Even a self-painted wall decal or a large format framed picture to a fitting theme can make a great difference. For comfort, you can get some sofas, cushions or large exercise balls to sit on.

The lightening is another item, which greatly influences the overall atmosphere in a room. A warm light source, compared with the cold light of a neon light creates a much warmer ambience. However, it is important that even warm lights are bright enough for the cold and dark season or to be able to read in evening hours.

It is also a good idea to choose LED bulbs over mercury-based energy saving globes. Even the LEDs are more expensive to buy, in the long term they will save money because they last longer then energy saving light globes and are also more efficient with the use of electricity.

Pay attention to the right sun protection for windows

Sun protection for the windows is another issue when setting up a youth group room. For example, you could choose a glare-free film which comes in handy when watching movies. But there are several different options available, such as roller blinds, pleated blinds to surface curtains. If the room is also likely to heat up during the summer months, you also need the appropriate heat protection.

If you are not sure or have to deal with an attic, make sure you get professional help and information which can save you lots of money if you buy the right materials straight away.

Think of sponsors and grants way before you start.

Having the right budget available is a big part of the options you have and what you can implement into your youth group room. In every country, there are several clubs and organisations, which are happy to make small cash contributions or donations in any other way. Don’t forget those people who can offer their experience and knowledge as well as their time. They are valuable helpers with all your youth group room renovations. Maybe you need someone who can transport furniture as well.

Since youth work is encouraged by cities and municipalities, you might be applicable for financial resources at those places. In addition, special organisations such as rural or urban youth councils might be able to bear at least some of the costs of renovation or purchases.

Another way of financing your renovation might be through contacting local companies. Sometimes they are quite happy to help out as it will give them a positive reputation in turn in the community.

Some companies even maintain a corporate policy. In short, that means: They send their employees for a day of painting or decorating as a charitable project, or provide expert advice.