Group Structure

Students will be separated by age and placed in groups of 15. Each group will be assigned a color for the school year. For example, 1st graders are in the red group, 2nd graders are in the orange group...and so on. Students will stay with their color group for the duration of the program except during free play. 

Activity Planning

Planning expectations vary by site and the site Coordinator will provide direction to their teams. There are resource binders at each site as well as on the CARD ASP Staff Google Drive in the Activity Idea folder. In general, each Leader will plan one Recreation activity AND one Enrichment activity per week. Planning time will be provided.

You will facilitate your planned activities every day of the week with a different group. You will have the same group for Recreation and Enrichment in the day. Since every day you will have a different group, you are expected to modify activities to fit the age of the group. 

It is expected for staff to be fully prepared for their activities. Being prepared means reviewing the instructions in advance, making sure all supplies are available, creating a sample if necessary and becoming familiar with the activity. Advanced planning and preparation is critical to a smooth running program.

Please see below for a sample schedule and Weekly Activity Planning Sheet. 

Enrichment is a fun and engaging way to introduce learning through hands-on experiences. These activities provide children with opportunities to explore new concepts in a creative and enjoyable way—often without even realizing they’re learning! 

Enrichment can take many forms, such as:

• • Art/Crafts

  • Science

  • Cooking

  • Music & Dance

  • Creative Writing

  • Theater

  • Technology

Focus on the Process, Not the Product

When facilitating creative projects:

• • Celebrate effort and creativity rather than perfection

  • Avoid correcting or changing a child’s work

  • Let children express themselves freely

  • Encourage exploration, imagination, and trying new things
    
    

Every enrichment activity should leave a child feeling proud, curious, and inspired to learn more.

Enrichment Example

If you're leading a coffee filter butterfly craft, don’t just focus on the art. Use the opportunity to:

• • Teach children about the life cycle of a butterfly

  • Read a short story or show a visual about butterflies

  • Ask engaging questions or share fun facts as they work

Leading engaging, safe, and well-run activities is a core part of your role. The way you show up—your energy, preparation, and focus—makes all the difference! 

✅ BE ENTHUSIASTIC!

Your attitude sets the tone. Approach every activity with energy and excitement—even if it’s not your favorite. Children will reflect your enthusiasm. 

• • A positive mindset reduces behavior issues and increases engagement.

  • Use your voice, body language, and facial expressions to show excitement.

  • Staff are expected to give 100%—regardless of personal distractions or outside stressors.

✅ BE PREPARED!

Preparation is key to running smooth activities.

• • Know your activity ahead of time. Review instructions and plan your setup.

  • Prior to the start of the activity, set up your station and gather any materials needed.

  • If an activity finishes early, you are expected to facilitate an alternate activity—not default to free play.
    
    

✅ BE SAFE!

Safety must be your top priority when planning and leading any activity.

• • Choose an appropriate location for the type of play. For example:

    • • Running games (like tag or kickball) should be played on grass—not blacktop.

  • Establish and clearly communicate boundaries so children know where they must stay.

  • Reinforce safe behavior:

    • • For tag: “Tag gently with two fingers on the shoulder.”

      • For ball games: “Balls stay on the field or blacktop—never on the playground structure.”

  • Stay engaged—walk around, observe, and participate with the children. Continually scan the group and adjust the activity if things become too rough or chaotic.

✅ BE INCLUSIVE & POSITIVE!

All games and activities must:

• Be age-appropriate, recreational, and inclusive—not overly competitive.

• Promote sportsmanship and positive social interaction.

• Be observed and actively participated in by a staff member.

• Include rules that are explained clearly, along with expectations for respect and fair play.

❌ No games should involve labeling anyone as a loser or include fake gun play or potential safety hazards.

Your leadership should model good sportsmanship at all times. That means:

• • Only using words of encouragement

  • No yelling, put-downs, or cheating

  • No arguing with staff—leaders have final decision-making authority, and those who argue will be held accountable
    
    

If children cannot demonstrate good sportsmanship (e.g., respecting others, playing fairly), then:

• • Games will be played without keeping score

  • Points or winners may be removed to shift focus to teamwork and fun
    
    

Team Selection:
Teams must be split by the staff to be as balanced as possible.

❌ Children may not be chosen as captains to pick teams.