Share Gratitude and a Good Time
Volunteers make up the beating heart of many organizations. These often unsung heroes put in the hard work that makes many groups’ good works possible, so showing gratitude for that hard work and bringing everyone together to bond is essential.
Hosting a volunteer appreciation event or party is a great way to celebrate their contributions and keep them engaged. Whether you plan a casual get-together or a more formal celebration, here are 13 engaging ideas to celebrate and thank your volunteers.
1. Awards Ceremony
You have multiple options here: host a dedicated awards night, or an add a ceremony in the spirit of an awards night to another event or party. You can create custom awards such as “Most Enthusiastic,” “Always on Time,” or “Behind-the-Scenes Hero” to recognize contributions of all kinds that help keep your organization running. Present the awards during a lighthearted ceremony with applause and heartfelt recognition. And you can even add fun elements like a red carpet and photo backdrop for a special touch.
2. Team Building Scavenger Hunts
Few activities combine a good time with quick thinking, creative problem solving, and fast-paced communication the way team building scavenger hunts do. We should know—we’ve run them for more than 25 years here at Watson Adventures.
Our scavenger hunts can be done almost anywhere, from indoor games at museums to outdoor adventures around neighborhoods, zoos, historical sites, and more. One of the great benefits is that everyone can contribute equally because you don’t need any particular athletic skills, artistic talents, or prior knowledge. It’s a great way to explore some of the coolest spots around town while laughing and having fun with your fellow volunteers.
Our most popular types of games include…
- Team Building Murder Mystery Games: Solve different sorts of murders in many different settings, such as botanical gardens, neighborhoods in cities around the country, or just about anywhere else!
- Food Tours: Snack your way to victory while answering tricky questions on our food-centric Munch Hunts in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and more.
3. Themed Appreciation Dinner
Host a dinner with a fun theme to create a festive atmosphere and celebrate in style. If a particular theme fits your organization, great! If not, it can really be anything: luau, masquerade, retro night, international cuisine. Provide themed decorations, music, and drinks (as appropriate) to create an immersive experience. As as with just about all of these suggestions, feel free to recognize volunteers with personalized awards or thank-you speeches.
4. Outdoor Picnic & Games
Organize a casual picnic in a local park or a classic barbecue with burgers, hot dogs, and veggie options. Set up picnic tables with checkered tablecloths and provide a variety of sauces and toppings. To mix things up, you can encourage colleagues to bring their own favorite (or homemade) sauces, or go more potluck for sides and desserts. Round things out with games, such as cornhole, ladder ball, bocce, or spikeball, then end the evening with s’mores around a fire pit.
5. In-Person or Virtual Game Show Parties
Looking to bring the party to you? Catering to a wide range of interests among your volunteer base? Then a Watson Adventures game show may be the event for you. Available to play in-person or virtually, each game consists of five rounds of fun challenges, ranging from name-that-tune audio rounds, fictional dating profiles, trivia with visual cues, and more. No matter the theme, each game is designed so that anyone can compete and win. And best of all, our hosts will run the event, taking pressure off of you to handle the game’s planning and logistics.
Other game show-style activities from Watson Adventures include…
- Cheers! It’s the Virtual Happy Hour Trivia Game
- Fascinating Facts Trivia Game
- The Killer Trivia Murder Mystery Game
You can also partially customize any trivia game, adding in a special round or two of trivia focused entirely on your organization or on individual volunteers.
6. Volunteer Talent Show
Let your volunteers showcase their hidden talents with a relaxed and entertaining talent show. Whether they’re singing, dancing, or stand-up comedy, an event like this is a great way to celebrate everyone’s unique skills. Provide fun prizes and refreshments, and create a supportive, encouraging atmosphere.
7. Outdoor Movie Night
Set up a large screen and projector in a park or the office courtyard. Provide comfortable seating with blankets and lawn chairs, and offer popcorn, candy, and drinks for a true cinema experience. Whether you choose the film or films in advance or the night of, offer a mix of family-friendly and classic films to appeal to all ages.
8. Wine and Paint
Host a creative evening where volunteers and colleagues can sip wine and paint canvases. Book an event at a sip-and-paint location, or if you have a space for it, you can hire a local artist to guide the session and provide all necessary supplies. If you go the latter route, offer a selection of wines, other alcohol, and of course non-alcoholic options, and provide light appetizers to enjoy while painting. You can display the finished artwork in the office or on social media, and maybe offer a prize for best—and worst!—paintings.
9. Wellness Retreat
Give back to your volunteers by offering a wellness day with yoga, meditation, and relaxation activities. Provide healthy snacks, soothing music, and wellness giveaways like stress balls or herbal teas. This event offers a soothing way for volunteers to recharge while feeling appreciated.
10. Cultural Outings
For organizations in arts and culture, cultural events such as museum tours, theater performances, or concerts can be the perfect complement to the volunteer experience. They also tend to require very little planning compared to themed events and DIY activities, making them a low-lift option if you’re looking to plan a volunteer appreciation event without the hoopla of planning and managing the logistics yourself.
Looking to make your event or outing extra special? Offer exclusive access or behind-the-scenes experiences for a truly unforgettable event! Or for a more adventurous activity, consider solving a murder mystery at a history museum, or arranging one of our countless other scavenger hunts at museums around the country.
11. Behind-the-Scenes Tour
If your organization has an interesting workspace, invite volunteers for a behind-the-scenes tour. Show them how their efforts contribute to the bigger picture. Something like this can be added onto other events, or made special on its own with snacks and drinks afterward.
12. Volunteer Storytelling Night
Give volunteers a platform to share their most meaningful experiences. Set up an open mic or storytelling circle where they can reflect on memorable moments. You might create a board with note cards or sticky notes where volunteers can share a line or life lesson from their story in a lasting way. Serve refreshments and encourage bonding through shared experiences.
13. Cooking or Baking Class
Arrange a hands-on cooking or baking session led by a local chef. Volunteers can learn a new skill while making delicious treats. Wrap up the party with a communal meal and a special toast to their hard work.
14. Gratitude Garden Party
Host a garden-themed party with flower arranging, herb planting, or tree dedication. Volunteers can take home potted plants as a token of appreciation. Add personal touches like handwritten thank-you notes or a memory wall to highlight their contributions.
A well-planned appreciation event not only thanks volunteers but also strengthens their connection to your organization. Whether through fun activities, meaningful recognition, or heartfelt gratitude, these ideas ensure your volunteers feel valued and motivated to continue making a difference.
Not sure where to start?
Contact us to learn more about Watson Adventures group activities, from local and virtual scavenger hunts to murder mystery games and trivia. Our team building experts have worked with hundreds of organizations and large groups over the years to help them plan engaging and memorable events.