Summer Banquets Mean Family, Fun and Food

These two clubs are getting members out of the house and bringing them to the club for fun-filled days of ios money games, activities and delicious food.

In an age when many children are more interested in texting with friends or cruising Instagram, the youngest members of Skyline Country Club (Tucson, Ariz.) and La Cañada Flintridge (Calif.) Country Club are spending more time at the club with their families,  participating in fun events and eating awesome food.

“Family events help us to build relationships with our members,” says Skyline CC’s General Manager, Lonnie Lister, CCM. “They give our members a chance to connect with each other to do something fun and not so serious.”

The 2016 summer calendar at Skyline, which counts 710 members on its roster, features a newly revamped, carnival-themed Fourth of July party, complete with a dunk tank and fireworks, weekly “Sunday Funday” cookouts by the pool, and the inaugural “Skyline Islander.”

“During the Islander, families are encouraged to participate in team-based obstacles and challenges,” says Lister, who notes that all of Skyline’s family events include elaborate buffets that feature family-friend foods.

“The meal brings it all together,” says Executive Chef Denny Bagley. “It gives families a chance to sit down, eat and enjoy one another.” 

Kids Can Cook

Events aren’t the only way Skyline uses its kitchen to engage with members of all ages. During its weekly summer camps, 50 kids get the unique opportunity to tour the club’s kitchen before participating in a hands-on cooking class led by Bagley.

“We’re finding that the kids are taking the skills they learn during the cooking class home to their parents, where they work together in the kitchen to prepare meals,” says Bagley.

Creating Delicious Memories

La Cañada Flintridge CC, which also has just over 700 members, is equally invested in creating opportunities for family fun at the club with poolside barbecues, a 4^th of July celebration, a summer campout and weekly “wine-down Wednesday” events that conveniently coincide with the club’s swim team practice.

“We try to bring the whole family together,” says Shawna Bowman, Clubhouse Manager. “When we plan events, we strike a balance between entertainment for the kids and relaxation for the parents.”

That’s where food comes into play. The La Cañada buffets always feature a mix of healthy and comfort options, so all members of the family can find something to nosh on. There’s always a lowered buffet, so kids can serve themselves, too.

“We want to create a positive experience for every member—young or old,” says Bowman. “Food is a big part of that mission.”