Setting the stage before the curtain rises
Why Orientation Matters #
Children and parents notice the difference instantly if a staff team is unprepared. Orientation is our chance to:
- Bond the team and set the Adventure Camps culture.
- Train staff on safety, behaviour, and session delivery.
- Prepare the venue so it looks magical and professional.
- Ensure every staff member walks into Day One confident, energised, and clear on their role.
Think of it as the dress rehearsal — when camp starts, the show must be ready.
Orientation Schedule Options #
One-Day Orientation (Small Holiday Season) #
- Best for half terms or smaller programmes with returning staff.
- Focus on safety refreshers, camp setup, and team briefing.
Two-Day Orientation (Large Holiday Season) #
- Best for Easter, Summer, or Christmas where staff teams are bigger, include new members, or the venue needs full preparation.
- Allows time for deeper training, bonding, and site run-throughs.
Orientation Day 1 – The People & The Culture #
Morning: Welcome & The Adventure Camps Way
- Icebreakers and introductions.
- “The Adventure Camps Way” presentation — our culture, values, and the Disneyland principle.
- Review staff code of conduct (exciting tone, not dry policy).
Midday: Roles & Responsibilities
- Review team hierarchy: Site Manager → Zone Leaders → Activity Leaders → Assistants → Specialists.
- Walk through Working as a Team — clear division of responsibilities.
- Staff shadow run: how assemblies, transitions, and handovers work.
Afternoon: Core Training
- Safety in Action: safeguarding, emergency procedures, behaviour management strategies.
- Session Delivery Basics: 6-step session model, differentiation for ages, inclusion.
- Practice mini-sessions: staff take turns delivering short activities to each other.
- Review Communication Protocols (radios, WhatsApp, escalation flow).
Close of Day
- Fun team challenge (e.g., mini scavenger hunt in venue, team chant-off).
- End with positive recognition and “Day One Tomorrow” energy talk.
Orientation Day 2 – The Venue & The Details #
Morning: Venue Preparation
- Full venue walk-through (inside & outside).
- Allocate zones and set up activity spaces (Sports Arena, Creative Den, Performing Arts, Pool).
- Health & safety checks: fire exits, assembly points, first-aid stations.
- Risk assessments reviewed on-site.
Midday: Camp Flow Practice
- Dry run of:
- Morning assembly.
- Transition between activities.
- Lunchtime and break routines.
- Parent drop-off & sign-out (mock handover roleplay).
Afternoon: Final Preparations
- Set up signage, reception desk, lost property area, and QR review station.
- Test radios and comms systems.
- Prep resources and check kits for first day activities.
- Staff energiser — bring the fun (dress-up relay, theme teaser, staff vs staff game).
Close of Day
- End-of-day debrief with whole team:
- Confirm readiness.
- Last questions answered.
- Motivational talk: “Tomorrow, we create the magic!”
- Group photo to mark the start of the season.
New Leader induction #
- Aware of the staff structure & vision
- Group info given – timings, contacts
- Role discussed
- Assigned to a group
- Mentor/buddy assigned
- DBS checked
- Programme explained
- Safeguarding course complete
- Shadowing opportunity (if possible)
- Session outline and routine given
- Timetable given
- Policies, rules, behaviour management
The Adventure Camps Magic Touch #
Orientation isn’t just about training. It’s about:
- Making staff feel part of something bigger.
- Setting traditions from day one (chants, shout-outs, team rituals).
- Building confidence so nobody feels unsure when the first camper arrives.
Example Scenarios #
Scenario 1: Nervous New Staff
Day 1 icebreakers + buddy system ensures they connect with peers immediately.
Scenario 2: Venue Not Ready
Day 2 team sweeps — every zone leader signs off their space is safe, resourced, and welcoming.
Scenario 3: First Day Parent Arrival
Because staff role-played handover in orientation, parents see confident, friendly faces and smooth organisation.
Quick Tip #
Treat orientation like the soft opening: test, rehearse, polish, and fill the air with excitement. When the gates open for real, everyone should already know their lines, their stage, and their role in the magic.
