Campuses Host Pokémon Go Events

Saddleback Church is always looking for new ways to reach the community and meet people where they are, even if that means jumping on the Pokémon wave.

On July 27, our Lake Forest campus officially tested the Pokémon waters by welcoming trainers to hunt for the fictional creatures on our 120 acres. Players were invited to navigate the grounds just weeks after the mobile augmented reality game, Pokémon Go was released to the public.

Over 500 people turned up for the evening event, eager to level up at our four Trainer Gyms, stock up on resources at our six PokeStops, and catch Pokémon creatures using lures.

“This is a unique opportunity to reach the community,” says Nebai Cherrick, Saddleback Marketing Coordinator. “While we host them at our campus, we can show them the love that Saddleback is known for.”

Not only did the event bring new people to our campus—part of our Daring Faith goal to fill God's house—but it provided an avenue to build community with plenty of fun, gym battles, and free food including S’mores and other refreshments.

Players had access to charging stations for both Android and Apple devices, and lures were set up at three PokéStops at our Lake Forest campus near Camp Hope. The event appealed to both students and parents alike who were attracted to the safe, family-friendly environment.

Following the success of the pilot event, trainers were invited to catch more Pokémon and level up after our weekend services. In addition to Lake Forest, other participating campuses eager to get in on the action include Newport Mesa and Rancho Capistrano.

To learn more about upcoming Pokémon Go events at a campus near you, visit http://saddleback.com/events/pokemon/2016.