Welcome to the heartbeat of Adventure Camps – the Sports Arena. This zone should feel like a theme park for movement – filled with energy, excitement, and empowerment. It’s where campers challenge their bodies, learn to work as a team, and discover the joy of physical play in a way that feels more like a game than a PE lesson.
Purpose #
The Sports Arena aims to develop physical literacy, coordination, resilience, and collaboration through inclusive, age-appropriate games. Sessions must feel fun-first and confidence-building, with clear structure, visible leadership, and a ‘wow factor’ experience.
Delivery by Age Group #
Explorers (Ages 5–7)
- Focus: Playful movement, rule introduction, safe space to try and fail
- Key Games: Animal relay races, beanbag balance, chase games, team challenges with visual prompts
- Coach Tone: Warm, silly, high-energy, visual and verbal cues
Adventurers (Ages 8–13)
- Focus: Skill development, team roles, gameplay strategy
- Key Games: Invasion games, handball, kick rounders, dodgeball variations, team tournaments
- Coach Tone: Empowering, structured, clear coaching language, motivational
Staff Roles & Presence #
- Minimum 2 staff: 1 Lead Coach, 1 Support Coach (or LIT/helper for gear/reset)
- Lead Coach must create a magnetic presence – high energy, visible, using names, creating a show-like experience
- Support Coach manages transitions, rest zones, and emotional regulation support
Sample Sessions by Age #
Explorer Olympic Obstacle Course
- Warm-Up: Jungle Animal Movements (frog jumps, tiger crawls, kangaroo hops)
- Station 1: Cone weaving race
- Station 2: Target throw with beanbags and hoops
- Station 3: Obstacle balance path (foam blocks or ropes)
- Cool Down: Parachute breathing game
Adventurer Team Tournament Day
- Warm-Up: Dynamic relay with jump jacks, shuttle runs, group chant
- Game 1: End-zone Handball
- Game 2: Dodgeball Knockout (revamped rules)
- Game 3: Team Challenge: Hula Hoop Pass, Cone Stack, Human Knot
- Cool Down: Team reflections, shout-outs, award ceremony
Equipment Checklist #
- Cones, hoops, beanbags
- Foam balls and dodgeballs
- Hula hoops, mats, ladders
- Clipboards, whiteboards, whistle
- Zone speaker and playlist
- First aid kit, water station
Behaviour & Inclusion #
- Use team roles to include all personalities (e.g. scorer, equipment manager, team cheerleader)
- Pause play to model good sportsmanship (“Let’s run that again – did we support our teammates?”)
- Use humour, celebration, and positive narration constantly
Common Challenges & Coaching Moves #
| Challenge | Response Strategy |
|---|---|
| Shouting or over-hype | Freeze, count-in reset, quiet challenge (e.g. silent relay) |
| Child not engaging | Offer helper role, private check-in, adjust activity for success |
| Conflict in game | Pause, group reflect using team values, restorative restart |
Camper Reflection Prompts #
- – What skill did you learn or improve today?
- – Who helped you, and who did you help?
- – How did your team show fairness or courage?
- – What would you add to this game to make it even better?
Add Your Spark #
Each coach should leave their mark – introduce a signature move, team chant, or themed day. Think ‘Adventure World Cup’, ‘Neon Dodgeball’, or ‘Wacky Races Wednesday’. The goal is Disney-level fun with coaching-level structure.
