Why Assemblies Matter #
Assemblies are the glue that holds the day together. They:
- Set the tone — giving children energy, structure, and excitement for the day ahead.
- Build community — everyone comes together as one camp family.
- Celebrate success — recognising effort, kindness, and achievements.
- Communicate clearly — giving staff, children, and parents the same information.
Done well, assemblies feel like a mini-show. They combine fun, tradition, and professionalism — just like Disneyland parades.
Morning Assembly (“Amp-Up”) #
Purpose #
- Welcome children to camp with positivity and energy.
- Set expectations for behaviour, safety, and the day’s theme.
- Create excitement and calm nerves, especially on Mondays or for new campers.
Structure (10–15 minutes) #
- Welcome & Hype (2 mins)
- Camp greeting chant or call-and-response.
- Introduce yourself and staff in a fun way (songs, hand-raises, claps).
- Theme Hook (3 mins)
- Introduce the weekly theme or daily mini-theme (e.g., “Today is Backwards Day!”).
- Use props, costumes, or a short skit for impact.
- Safety Moment (2 mins)
- One clear safety message for the day (hydration, sunscreen, buddy system).
- Keep it short, visual, and memorable.
- Daily Schedule & Highlights (3 mins)
- Explain what’s happening today: key activities, electives, special events.
- Use simple language and excitement: “This afternoon, the Book of Records is back!”
- Values & Energy (2–3 mins)
- Quick reminder of camp values (kindness, teamwork, effort).
- Fun energiser or chant to send groups off buzzing.
Staff Roles #
- Site Manager/Assembly Host: Leads, sets tone.
- Zone Leaders/Activity Leads: Run skit or energiser.
- Assistants: Position around group for supervision.
Afternoon Assembly (“Amp-Down”) #
Purpose #
- Calmly close the day, recap highlights, and celebrate achievements.
- Give parents confidence with a professional, joyful finish.
- Reset staff and children for the next day.
Structure (8–12 minutes) #
- Calm Arrival (2 mins)
- Play music or lead a slow clap to gather groups.
- Encourage sitting together by group with leaders present.
- Celebrations & Awards (3–4 mins)
- Announce “Spirit Stick” or “Values Beads” winners (e.g., kindness, courage, teamwork).
- Spotlight a group achievement: “Creative Den made the biggest collaborative painting today!”
- Share a funny or magical camp moment from the day.
- Showcase Moment (2–3 mins)
- Quick performance, chant, or art reveal.
- Keep it short — maximum 60–90 seconds per group.
- Announcements & Tomorrow’s Teaser (2 mins)
- Lost property call-out (done theatrically to keep it fun).
- Tease the next day’s theme or highlight: “Tomorrow is Glow-in-the-Dark Capture the Flag!”
- Closing Tradition (1–2 mins)
- End with the camp chant, group high-five, or signature closing phrase.
- Dismiss group-by-group with headcounts.
Staff Roles #
- Site Manager: MCs and delivers announcements.
- Leaders: Nominate children for awards, run mini-performances.
- Assistants: Supervise, keep transitions calm, and manage lost property.
Magic Touches #
- Camp Chants: Start and end assemblies with the same chant — it becomes “our sound.”
- Props & Costumes: A silly hat, giant foam hand, or themed banner instantly adds magic.
- Parent-Facing Impact: Parents often watch the end-of-day assembly — use it to show professionalism and joy.
- Energy Balance: Morning = high-energy launch. Afternoon = calm, celebratory wind-down.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid #
- Assemblies dragging on too long (keep it punchy).
- Talking over children instead of engaging them.
- Forgetting safety reminders.
- No clear dismissal process — leads to confusion.
Example Scenarios #
Scenario 1: Nervous New Camper
Morning: The Site Manager greets them by name and introduces them during the group chant. They instantly feel seen.
Scenario 2: End-of-Day Behaviour Recognition
Afternoon: A child who struggled in the morning but turned it around is awarded the “Courage Bead.” Parents hear it and beam with pride.
Scenario 3: Parent Confidence
Parents waiting see staff dressed in theme costumes, children chanting happily, and lost property handed out with humour — they leave with total trust.
Quick Tip #
Think of assemblies like the bookends of the day. If the morning feels magical and the afternoon feels celebratory, children (and parents) will leave with the Adventure Camps magic stamped in their memory.
