YMCA Adventure Guides: Guides' Page
Hosting Successful Circle/Expedition Events
No one should ever be responsible for hosting an Expedition event by themselves," Quiet Thunder.
- HOSTING A SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITON EVENT can be a very good group builder and a source of great pride. All work together to accomplish a worthwhile goal, and don’t forget, this is a great lesson to teach our children.
- DO IT, DELEGATE IT, OR DUMP IT. To host an Expedition Event, use basic management skills with your circle. Hold two Dads’ meetings and put on a great event. First meeting, outline tasks and create a division of labor. Second meeting, put all the pieces together and make sure all the bases are covered.
- DIVIDE AND CONQUER. Divide the task according to what needs to be done. you may assign more than one person to a task if it is large enough.
- EVENT CONTACT POINT: Contact the Y or the location of the event to make sure deposits, contract and certificate of insurance are all made and in on time. You may also need to find out what the capacity is and communicate this to the Expedition.
- PUBLICITY: Collect relevant information for a flyer to be in the newsletter two months before the event. Get extras made to pass out at the Longhouse
- GAMES OR ACTIVITIES: Create or find games or activities and implement them at the event. Don’t be afraid to try new ones—we’re all here for the same reason in a non-threatening atmosphere.
- MAPS: A very important element to getting members to attend, especially if it is off the beaten track. NOTE: Your Circle may want to make a Circle outing to go see the event site. You can then better plan activities, create a realistic map and make cabin assignments.
- CABIN ASSIGNMENTS: If you are at a camp where space is limited, you will need to make cabin assignments to assure that all tribes are together and each member has a space or bunk.
- REMEMBER, DON’T BE AFRAID TO TRY SOME NEW THINGS! A new “twist” of an old event makes the program new, exciting and memorable.
If you are unsure, call your Program Director at the your local YMCA. They want a successful event and will help see to that. However, you are responsible for your assignment. No one will pick it up and do it for you. You can and should include your child in every phase possible. They will learn responsibility in how you reflect it. They will also learn how to accomplish a goal and how to work with others.
You’re the best role model your child has. Use it to teach your children well!