Designing your program

Implementing different program formats

Objectives

• To develop a list of ways to design successful programs using each program format.

Remember

• Each program format requires different things from the programmer.

• As a programmer, you must be familiar with design considerations for each format.

Exercise

• Competition• Drop in• Special events• Clubs• Instructional• Outreach• Trips• Service opportunities

• In your group, you will develop a list of design considerations for one particular format and then present it to the class.– What do programmers

need to remember when using this format?

– What are some tips to use this format successfully?

Competition

• Considerations• Are you designing win at

all costs, or value for participation?

• Match similar skill sets• Ensure fair play• Ensure safety (physical

and emotional)• Type of awards

• Choose tournament format carefully (see appendix on tournament scheduling)

• Have rules available before and during competition

• Have results posted for all to see

• Be prepared and be confident

• Recognize winners and participants

Drop in

• Considerations• Scheduling – what fits

participants and can you get access?

• Staffing – who will supervise?

• Safety – access and knowledge of how to respond

• Babysitting service • Participant altercations

• Tips:• Schedule in advance• Encourage consistency in

drop in times (word of mouth marketing)

• Train supervisors and provide access to equipment/emergency information

• Ensure young children are picked up by the appropriate person

Special events

Considerations• Volunteer needs (how

many and for what tasks?)

• Sponsors and donations (partners)

• Communication during the event

• Stress during the event• Lead time for organizing

Tips• Determine volunteers

early, train them. Have a volunteer coordinator

• Approach for sponsorship support

• Communications hub• Eat, carry itinerary notes• Plan well in advance• Evaluate immediately

Instructional

Considerations• Determine skill levels and

build from there• Leadership/instruction is

critical• Use variable methods for

instruction• Small class sizes• Schedule when available• Schedule advanced

classes to follow intro• Allow time for practice

Tips• Do skill pre-tests to

determine levels• Find and keep good

instructors• Ask what instructors

need to facilitiate• Keep classes small• Promote next class

during the first one

Trips

Considerations• Provide adequate

time for breaks and movement of people

• Communicate itinerary at multiple points

• Organize all details

Tips• Do itinerary for you

with reminders at each point of the journey

• Keep group together with buddy systems

• Have extra money or lunches!

• Pre-book food stops

Summary

• Different formats deliver different benefits.

• Each format requires different design considerations of the programmer.

• Be aware of these differences when selecting different formats.

• Be creative in mixing program formats with different program areas to develop creative programs/events.

Next day

• We will explore risk management and how you can assess and manage risks associated to your programs/events.

• Make sure to have read these sections of Chapter seven prior to class.

• Think in advance about the risks that may be associated to your placement.