Activities for Foster Families on Bonfire Night
Bonfire Night is a fantastic opportunity for foster families to create memorable experiences and strengthen bonds through fun, safe activities. At Beacon Fostering, we understand how important it is to foster a sense of belonging and togetherness for children in foster care. This year, get ready to make 5 November extra special with creative ideas and community engagement tailored for fostering families.
Firstly, take time to prepare your family’s own mini bonfire evening at home or in a local approved space for foster carers. Lighting a small fire pit under adult supervision allows foster children to experience the traditional bonfire atmosphere with the comfort and safety of their foster home or fostering household. This encourages feelings of security and routine – vital elements in a strong fostering relationship. Use this as an opportunity to talk about traditions, safety and the fostering journey.
Secondly, plan a crafting session with your foster children to make homemade sparklers props and bonfire themed decorations. Use safe materials like paper straws, foil or battery operated sparkles to simulate sparklers. This crafting activity supports children’s emotional development, self-expression and fosters creative bonds between carers and children.
Thirdly, organise a cosy storytelling hour under the stars. Gather around your bonfire or fire pit and share tales about fireworks, history of Bonfire Night and reflections on the fostering experience. Encourage foster children to share things they are grateful for in their fostering family, or dreams they have for the future. This type of open communication supports trust between foster carers and foster children, important in fostering relationships.
Fourthly, take part in a local community fireworks display – making sure the event is safe, family-friendly and well supervised. Attending a public Bonfire Night event with your fostering household gives children access to broader social experiences and helps them feel part of the wider community. Foster carers should plan transport, seating, ear protection for sensitive children and ensure the fostering household routines are maintained for consistency.
Finally, follow up the evening with a foster family movie night. Choose a film with themes of friendship, bravery or community and serve warm treats – hot chocolate, marshmallows or popcorn. Use this time to talk about how fostering families support each other and how the fostering network can be like a chosen family.
In summary, Bonfire Night offers a rich array of activities for foster families to strengthen bonds, support emotional growth and celebrate together safely. Whether you’re crafting with your foster children, attending a community display or reflecting together at home, the key is to enhance the fostering relationship and promote a positive, inclusive fostering environment. At Beacon Fostering we’re proud to support foster carers and foster children with ideas to make seasons like Bonfire Night meaningful in the life of a fostering family.
Are you interested in becoming a foster carer? Would you like to join Beacon? Request a call back from a member of a recruitment team here.