This guide supports staff delivering the extended hours of Adventure Camps. These are not just filler sessions — they are golden opportunities to build deep connections, offer calm creativity, and leave campers and families with unforgettable moments of magic.
Welcome & Purpose #
The Extended Programme frames the camp day — setting the tone in the morning and closing with warmth and wonder in the evening. It exists to support families who need flexibility while continuing the Adventure Camps experience in a calm, meaningful way.
Timings & Structure #
- Morning: 08:00–09:00 (Times may vary)
- Afternoon: 17:00–18:00 (Times may vary)
- Staff to lead calm, open-ended activities that require minimal setup but high camper engagement.
- Use calm-to-creative pacing: slow start → active middle → reflective end.
Arrival & Departure Procedures #
- Greet each camper personally by name.
- Ensure each child is signed in and out using the camp’s digital or paper register.
- Check and communicate any allergies, medical needs or pastoral notes with the day team.
- Maintain visibility during handovers and avoid unsupervised exits.
Behaviour & Pastoral Care #
- Create soft zones (chill corners, reading mats, crafts).
- Use names, eye contact, and calm tone to build trust.
- Use de-escalation games and emotion regulation strategies for tired campers.
- Log any significant incidents and flag follow-ups to the site lead.
Activities Menu #
Explorers (Ages 5–7)
- Build-a-story with Lego characters
- Calm colouring or sensory tray exploration
- Puppet play or soft-toy storytelling
- Camp Mascot Diary (what did the mascot do today?)
Adventurers (Ages 8–13)
- “Invent a Game” challenge
- Mini Camp Quiz or board game café
- Badge Design Station or Camp Top Trumps
- Debate Club Light: “Is cereal soup?”
Wet Weather / Indoor Options #
- Human Knot or Secret Code Races
- Mini Talent Show Auditions
- Drawing Corner: “Design your dream camp”
- Chill Zones: music, journals, and creative prompts
Communication & Handover #
- Use the daily staff comms book to note standout moments or wellbeing concerns.
- Verbally brief the next team on any camper issues or successes.
- Praise the small wins — share names of kind, helpful or creative campers.
Safety & Risk Reminders #
- Maintain at least 1:12 ratios (younger = closer supervision).
- Keep all campers within clearly defined safe zones.
- Medical and allergy info must be checked before offering snacks.
- Incident forms must be completed for any bumps or concerns.
Culture & Magic Moments #
- “Morning Mission”: a mystery riddle, kindness challenge, or scavenger hunt.
- “Afternoon Legends”: award a handmade token or postcard for campers showing values.
- Create a Ritual: “Big Stretch + Adventure Cheer” to close the day.
- Build Memories: let campers create a “Memory Leaf” for the Camp Tree before they leave.
