The Big Week Out runs from regional located bases. Each day participants and leaders gather at their base for worship, devotion, training and small groups. This provides preparation for the day of serving ahead.
After lunch we move out into the community to serve others. We serve in many different ways and each region finds exciting needs within their community. Below are some of the ways we’ve served in the past…

* Clowning and Balloon Sculpting

Clowning is always a very popular service event among the youth. In the past we have served at various shopping centres, including the Myer Centre in Rundle Mall and the Central Markets. Prior to the event youth are trained in balloon sculpting and clowning to ensure they are putting smiles on the community’s faces.

* Visiting the elderly

We visit the elderly at various retirement homes and villages across Adelaide. The youth participate in morning and afternoon activities such as playing bingo and testing their knowledge at some trivia questions or just having a general coffee and a chat.

* Backyard Blitzes at private homes

Prior to the BWO commencing we advertise around the community for anyone who would like their backyard blitzed. Teams of youth are then sent to serve these people by tending to their backyards. They are equipped with gloves, spades and trailers ready to transform any willing garden.

* Skate Park

Especially in summer, the skate parks are full of activity. Teams are sent to skate parks across Adelaide to serve the skaties in our community. The youth give out free pancakes, cordial and have a general chat to the skaties.

* General help for various organisations

We help with gardening, paperwork, and anything else needed at various community-serving organisations. Over the years we have served at the Julia Farr Centre, Lutheran Community Care, Baptist Community Services, Youth With a Mission, and a number of schools and childcare centres.

* Car washes

The team brings a stack of car wash equipment to a church or service station and motorists drive in to have their cars washed for free. (We don't do these any more because of water restrictions).
Evenings at the Big Week Out are varied, some nights we’ll go home early to get some much needed R&R, others we’ll have bands, games, worship or other activities. At the 2007 event all the regions gathered together on the Saturday night following the week to celebrate together.

The Big Week Out is a locally run project which relies on the grace and generosity of God. It is owned at the local level by a Regional Task Force made up of members of local churches. This Task Force is supported and resourced by the Citywide Coordinating Task Force.

Regional Task Forces work in partnership with their local churches and community to create an event in which young people can grow through serving their community. The Regional Task Force is responsible for coordinating events, distributing promotional material within their local area and running the event during the week.

The Citywide Coordination Task Force assists the regions by taking responsibility for registration and payments and the design and printing of promotional materials and T-shirts. The Citywide Coordination Task Force also provides training resources, OH&S guidelines, risk assessment forms and other resources as required. A comprehensive manual exists to assist regions through all aspects of their planning.

The Big Week Out is looking to grow and expand. If you would like to see the Big Week Out happen in your area, contact us at admin@bigweekout.org.au
It is a requirement of a Big Week Out project that a region is sponsored by at least three Churches from two different denominations.