As I mentioned in my last blog, the real difference often comes from the leadership behind the programming. For some, it comes naturally; for others, it just takes a bit of practice and a few intentional steps. I want to stay with this topic because it’s truly one of the most important parts of creating meaningful and successful programs.
Previously, I shared a few general tips—like being prepared, starting on time, reinforcing positive play, and remembering to say thank you. Now, let’s dive a little deeper.
Being a recreation leader is both a challenging and rewarding experience. To create a great experience for everyone, you have to consider several factors—like group size, age, and overall energy or disposition. A little preparation ahead of time can make a huge difference.
When you know the size of your group, you can plan how many supplies you’ll need and make sure there’s enough for everyone and that they’re in good working order. Many activities are designed for specific group sizes, so always plan with that in mind. And if you don’t have enough materials—say, glue for everyone—just be upfront about it. Let the group know they’ll need to share. It’s perfectly fine not to have an endless supply of everything; what matters is clear communication so you don’t end up answering the same question over and over.
Knowing the ages of your group is just as important. Choosing age-appropriate and age-specific activities sets you up for success. If you don’t already have one, I highly recommend getting a developmental characteristics chart. It’s a great tool for understanding physical, cognitive, and psychomotor stages, which can really guide your activity planning.
For example—just my opinion—Duck Duck Goose is great for younger kids, not so much for 9–12-year-old boys. However, if you give it a twist or rename it, it might suddenly sound (and feel) a lot more exciting to them. Examples: Splish Splish Splash or Dead Cow.
The same goes for something like Musical Chairs. If a 4-year-old gets eliminated first, chances are they’ll cry. But if you give them another role, like the DJ or music helper, they’ll stay engaged and happy. You just have to be careful with these type of group games.
That’s why understanding developmental stages is so important. Younger children tend to thrive with cooperative games—where there’s no winner and the focus is simply on having fun—while older kids are ready for more structured activities like relays, contests, and friendly competitions.
And if you have a mix of ages? Add a fun twist to even things out—like having older kids hop on one leg in a tag game while younger ones can run. It keeps the playing field fair and fun for everyone.
Another thing to keep in mind is the group’s overall energy or disposition. Is it early in the morning? Right after lunch? Has it been a long, active day? These details help you choose the right kind of activity—high energy or something more relaxed.
Finally, be a master of control. Get everyone involved right away. Don’t let participants feel left out or unsure of what’s happening. Start slowly, use an icebreaker to help everyone get comfortable, and then gradually build up the energy level.
Think of your day as having a natural rhythm. Begin with an icebreaker, move into a cooperative or creative activity, then shift into something more active or high-energy. Once you’ve hit that high point, start winding things down with calmer, more passive activities. This flow helps maintain engagement while ensuring everyone ends the day feeling positive and accomplished.
I like to plan each day around my five core Activity Categories. I always start with one or two Ice Breakers—they set the tone, help everyone loosen up, and get the group ready to play. Then, I mix in a variety of activities: Cooperative Games (no winners—just playing for the fun of it), Group Games (relays, contests, or team challenges), Arts and Crafts, and finally, Quiet Time Activities like trivia, 20 questions, or mind teasers to wind things down.
I really hope these little tips and tricks that I’ve been sharing will give you some new insights on how to become a stronger player in the game.
Favorite Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” – Simon Sinek
Next Up: Leadership Game Rules