How we grow together at Adventure Camps
Why This Matters #
Feedback isn’t scary — it’s how we get better, have more fun, and make Adventure Camps the most exciting place to work. Every great company (yes, even Disney!) runs on feedback loops: celebrate what works, fix what doesn’t, and develop people into the stars of tomorrow.
At Adventure Camps, feedback flows both ways — managers coach staff, and staff share ideas that improve camp.
End-of-Day Staff Debriefs #
Every day ends with a 10–15 minute debrief led by the Site Manager. This is our chance to reset, reflect, and celebrate.
Debrief Agenda:
- Highlights 🎉
- Share a success story (staff or child).
- Recognise great teamwork, creativity, or “magical moments.”
- Challenges ⚡
- Quick, constructive discussion of what didn’t go as planned.
- Agree on how to fix or improve for tomorrow.
- Logistics for Tomorrow 📋
- Confirm timetable, theme, special events, or staff duty changes.
- End on Energy 🔥
- A quick chant, game, or fun ritual so staff leave buzzing, not drained.
Rule: Debriefs are short, upbeat, and purposeful. No moaning sessions — only solutions.
Raising Suggestions or Concerns #
We want staff to feel confident speaking up. But it must always be constructive:
- Do:
- Bring ideas with solutions: “Transitions were messy. Could we try lining up outside instead of in the hall?”
- Share positives as well as challenges.
- Respect the flow: save non-urgent ideas for debriefs or briefings.
- Don’t:
- Complain without solutions.
- Gossip or talk negatively in front of children.
- Sit on an issue until it explodes.
How to Raise It #
- In the moment (urgent): Quietly to Zone Leader/Site Manager.
- Daily improvement: At staff debrief.
- Bigger ideas: Speak 1:1 with Site Manager.
- Anonymous option: Use suggestion slips/QR form if you don’t want to speak out.
Opportunities for Progression #
Adventure Camps grows leaders from within. Many of our Zone Leaders and Site Managers started as Activity Leaders!
Progression Pathways:
- Returning Staff → Priority for rehire; we invest in your training.
- Specialist Roles → SEND Lead, First Aid Champion, Theme Coordinator, etc.
- Senior Roles → Assistant Zone Leader → Zone Leader → Site Manager.
- Head Office Roles → Content creation, training videos, programme development.
We look for:
- Energy and enthusiasm.
- Reliability (timekeeping, safety).
- Teamwork and leadership skills.
- Positive role modelling with children and parents.
Staff Evaluations #
We don’t do boring, box-ticking appraisals. Instead, evaluations at Adventure Camps are:
- Ongoing → feedback in the moment, daily coaching.
- End-of-Week Review → short chat with Site Manager about what went well and what could be improved.
- Seasonal Review → for returning staff, a more detailed evaluation used for progression opportunities.
Evaluation Categories:
- Energy & Engagement
- Safety & Professionalism
- Teamwork & Reliability
- Inclusion & Behaviour Management
- Parent Interaction & Handover
- “Adventure Camps Magic” (bringing fun, creativity, and positivity)
Feedback is specific and actionable: not “Be better with energy,” but “Use more voice projection in assemblies and move around the group more to lift energy.”
The Adventure Camps Magic Touch #
Feedback isn’t about catching people out — it’s about catching them getting better. Think of it like levelling up in a game: every day you unlock new skills, new confidence, and new opportunities.
We celebrate wins, learn from mistakes, and always ask: “How do we make tomorrow even better?”
Quick Tip 💡 #
Treat feedback like a high-five, not a slap — it should make people feel motivated, not demoralised.
