Pre and Post Session Activities & Activity PODS

This is the make-or-break time. The time when kids are getting signed in, begging their parents to let them in early or to stay late. This is what I called organized chaos.

Yes, this time is supposed to be a bit crazy! But not a mess! If there's one thing I want the kids to have is fun! Kids Camp is all about organized chaos and tons of fun!

Mainly, Pre and Post Session Activities are the things we have for kids to do while we are waiting for start the session and waiting for parents to pick up. Kids' attention spans only last for so long... so, as you can imagine, especially on Wednesday, since they are with us ALL DAY, we need to keep things light. For a typical children's church service, kids can only give an hour and a half of clear, focused attention--where they can learn, worship and apply the message to their lives. That time is GOLD to me! So, we "sandwich" it in with tons of other activities to make sure the entire experience is a fun and memorable one. Many of these kids don't have a decent children's church they go to on a weekly basis---that's why we want them to "soak" it all in!

I have set up a total of 5 Activity stations. I will post the diagram of the room with the stations labeled soon. There has been careful thought put into these locations to ensure the safety of the kids and staff coverage. So, they are not to be moved to any other area.

1. Board Games
2. Hula-Hoops & Jump Ropes
3. Arts and Crafts
4. Pool of Balls
5. Floor Games (Inflatable games & Hullabaloo)

PLUS ACTIVITY POD IN THE MAIN SQUARE

There will be a rubbermaid container with the props for each area. We need to be sure to take the lids off and set the props so they are ready before the kids come in.

When the COUNTDOWN begins to start each session, that means it's "clean up time." All items need to go back in the bin, lid closed and set aside to store during the service so it's out of the way (we need all the floor space possible during the services).

At the END of the service, the containers can be brought out again for the kids to continue in open play. They are stored and arranged for the next day when all the kids have signed out.

During this time, we have what we call OPEN PLAY. That means that kids have the freedom to "roam" from one activity to another as they please. They have to make sure that they don't leave a mess after they use something (please remind them--I will too!). Ideally, every station will have a staff member responsible over that area--set up, clean up, but most importantly, safety. If you are assigned an area, it's your job to make sure kids are doing what they are supposed to. For example, if you are in the jump rope and hoops area, you need to make sure that kids aren't using the rope to tie each other up and the hoops to crash into each other! :-)

BALL POOL--This is the first year I am actually running with this crazy idea. I've been wanting to do it for years, but haven't had the space. We are going to venture here this year. Think: Chuck E. Cheese. Kids. Balls. Fun! This will be a high-demand station, and careful watch over safety is crucial. This station is meant for little kids mostly, and we can do it in "rounds" of five minutes. So, if this is your station, you must do all of the above, keep the time, and have eyes in the back of your head! :-)

ACTIVITY PODS--These stations will be DIFFERENT depending on the session. It might be a craft project or floor game. They will be located in the MAIN SQUARE (middle floor) and they are meant to draw kids in that might be a little shy or feel like they don't have any friends to play with. Of course, in all stations we will draw kids in, but this one is meant for more conversation and activity. I'd like to see that all the kids participate in an Activity Pod during our time (there will be a lot of time to cover!).

FYI: This time is very important. Discipline are order are crucial to starting off our sessions in a great mood. We want to build anticipation for what's coming! This is also the best time to get to know the kids and build relationships. Have fun!