The answer
What was the purpose of the "pajama day?" Is it appropriate to wear sleepwear in public? What message did this activity send to the children regarding personal/ social/spiritual boundaries? What is the purpose of "crazy hair day"? These two particular activities are customarily associated with high school "home-coming week" activities. Some schools place some restrictions, while other schools don't. We cannot arbitrarily expose our children and youth to non-productive and insignificant activities, sending mixed messages. "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify" (I Corinthians 10:23).Reverence of the church must be taught to children and adults alike. "But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; In fear of You, I will worship toward Your holy temple" (Psalm 5:7).
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). Reverential parameters should not merely encompass the physical boundaries of a church building. All church activities, functions, and personnel (i.e., servants), are representative of our faith. When planning an activity, the coordinators must have a spiritual purpose in mind that will somehow be reflected in the activity and not contradict it.
Tthe goal of your summer program should be to teach and enjoy the Holy Scripture. It is a wonderful opportunity to promote Christian character building qualities such as honesty, integrity, teamwork, critical thinking, almsgiving, leadership, and many others through "fun" activities that are not offensive. "Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (I Timothy 4:12).
Answered by His Eminence Metropolitan Youssef (opens in a new tab)