Simple Family Guide

Simple Family Guide

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Dear Parents,

Thank you for considering this opportunity for your child. Contagious Joy is a simple, meaningful way for children and youth to serve others by visiting care homes and sharing joy through music, reading, and drama.

No experience is needed — just a willing heart.

Why Parents Say “Yes”

This isn’t just a performance — it’s a growth experience.

Your child will…

  • Build confidence — in a safe, supportive environment
  • Learn to care — for and connect with others
  • Grow in faith — in real, practical ways
  • Discover gifts — and abilities they didn’t know they had
“They will see the impact they can have on someone’s life.”

Simple and Flexible for Busy Families

We understand your schedule is already full. That’s why Contagious Joy offers three flexible options — so you can choose what fits your child and your schedule.

Songs in Action

Using music and movement to share joy.

  • No practice or memorization
  • Just show up, participate, and share joy
  • Perfect for first-time involvement

Truth in Motion

Where God’s Word comes alive through interactive reading.

  • No memorization required
  • Designed to build confidence in sharing God’s Word
  • Natural and approachable — even for beginners

Life on Stage

Using drama to show how God works in real lives.

  • Includes practice and memorization
  • Builds confidence, teamwork, and communication
  • Helps youth learn to trust God in difficult situations

You can choose what fits your child — and your schedule.

What to Expect

  • Residents are kind and patient — and simply happy you came
  • Smiles and a touch of a hand — matter more than perfect words
  • Mistakes are completely okay — and often forgotten quickly
“What feels like a big deal to you will feel like a blessing to the residents.”

Schedule Performances

For ease of scheduling, type “Find Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Near Me” in online search, and download the Contact Care Home Activity Director script for a simple phone call.

Timing: most visits last about 1 hour (Songs in Action or Truth in Motion) or 1.5 hours (Life on Stage). That gives time to connect personally with residents.

Helpful tip: Repeating the same program at another care home the same day strengthens participants’ comfort level and confidence. And please — remember your memory-care residents.

A Meaningful Experience — Not Just Another Activity

Many activities focus on performance or competition. This is different.

Your child will…

  • Bring joy — to people who truly need it
  • Experience gratitude and connection
  • Learn the value of serving others
  • Give Jesus the glory — for all He has done and is doing in their lives and the lives around them
“These are moments that stay with them forever.”

Our Heart Behind This

Before we can share God’s love, we desire each child to understand how deeply they are loved by Him. The King’s Love for His People story prepares your child for the visit.

Everything we do is centered on helping our children know God’s love, share that love with others, and grow in confidence and faith.

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” — Proverbs 22:6

Pray First

The most important thing you will do as a parent is pray.

Pray for…

  • Each child and participant
  • The residents — that they would experience God’s love
  • Wisdom and discernment
  • Direction — in choosing a program and care homes

You don’t need perfect words — just an open heart.

Day-of Program Tips

Before you go, take a moment: “God, help me show Your love today. In Jesus’ name, amen.” That’s enough.

  • Let youth take part in prayer
  • Remember memory-care residents
  • Expect mistakes — keep a sense of humor
  • Return to prayer — if things feel overwhelming
  • Keep props simple
  • Bring a flower — that your child can give each resident
  • Repeat performances — at another care home on the same day if possible

Our Prayer for Your Child

Lord, thank You for each child. Help them grow in confidence, compassion, and faith. Use them to bring joy and encouragement to others. Let them see how You are working in and through their lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.