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Turf Field

Dribble, punt and pass your way through our immersive sport activities, each designed to give you the giddy thrill of scoring the winning goal.

General

Standard Age Range

All ages, though best to group by age to avoid injury. Let each group take turns.

Group by ages 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, 13+

Standard Capacity

Space dependent, 1:5 camper:counselor ratio

Brief Description

LET THE KIDS PLAY! The turf field is a dedicated play-space that’s all about silly, exuberant fun! Let the games be games!

Dribble, punt and pass your way through our immersive sport activities, each designed to give you the giddy thrill of scoring the winning goal. At Camp, we’re all about FUN. Whether you’re an all-star already or admittedly more of an indoor kid, you’ll find a moment to shine at Camp Club!

Bring your game face. We got the rest.

Set Up For Success

Initial Setup Instructions

  • Order safe, soft, kid-friendly sports equipment (listed below)
  • Bins will be provided to organize supplies by sport and activity

Supplies

  • Soft mini footballs
  • Soft/bouncy “basketballs”
  • Small soccer balls
  • Mats
  • Cones
  • Hulahoops
  • Silly soft bats
  • Plush and soft baseballs
  • Bases
  • Mini Goals (soccer)
  • Baskets (basketball)
  • Field goal
  • Ropes
  • Jump ladder
  • Parachute
  • Sports themed stickers

Staff Responsibilities 

Manager POC: 
  • Inventory Count. Ensure turf field is properly stocked and organized
  • Maintain cleanliness and daily checklist
  • Plan activities and challenges based on age group. Split group accordingly and monitor closely for safety
  • Ensure your Camp Counselors are properly trained to deliver the turf field experience
Head Counselor: 
  • Learn instructions for each game and share with Campers at the top of the activity
  • Organize and adapt each activity by age
  • Ensure safety and engage in play
Support Counselor(s):
  • Ensure safety
  • Engage in play!! The sillier the better.

Daily Prep/ Set Up Details

  • Organize bins of supplies for each active activity. Wipe down after each use.
  • Ensure all supplies are intact, toss the ones that are not. Replenish accordingly

How To

Ways To Play

Use the field for active play! From field day activities and obstacle courses, to dance class, yoga class and traditional sports, the turfield creates space for movement, teamwork, and high-energy fun!

Traditional Sports

Focus on skill based practice and sports-inspired games!

Soccer 

  • Everyone gets a ball. Practice shooting on goal, dribbling relays, and throw ins
  • Play follow the leader so each Camper can show off their moves then copy each other!
  • Try feet only, then hands only
  • Kids versus coach, one ball 
  • Kids versus counselors or grown ups (with funny “unfair” challenges for grown ups)
  • Have the counselors take turns playing goalie. Make it silly, dramatic and fun!
  • Hopscotch penalty kicks

Football

  • Target practice! Learn the art of the throw. Use targets to practice your aim.
  •  Play follow the leader so each Camper can show off their moves then copy each other!
  • Toss game (like egg toss) with grown ups or other Campers. Catch step back, catch step back, etc
  • Practice field goal kicks

Baseball 

  • Let each Camper choose a silly bat, then practice the swing
  • Layer in outfield play or play a real game! 
  • Let grown ups or counselors hit and kids catch.
  • Let them take turns being the pitcher too! 
  • Paired play / open play. Grab a base, a bat and some balls. Practice together and add distance each time you have a successful toss and hit!
  • Musical bases (littles), run the bases until you hear a silly sound, then freeze! 

Gymnastics 

  • Create an obstacle course or relay race that involves stretching, climbing, balancing, rolling, hopping, and running.
  • For older kids, use pretend points and silly challenges to encourage additional rounds of the obstacle course (this time backwards, this time eyes closed, this time on one foot!)
  • Hide and seek or tag with a gymnastics twist (when I find/tag you, show me your best gymnastics move)
  • Follow the leader, each gets a turn show off their own moves and everyone copies

Basketball 

  • Shoot some hoops! 
  • Play HORSE or Around the World to continue practicing the shot (older kid)
  • Add challenges. How many shots can you get in 30 seconds?
  • Play musical hoops, dribble around until whistle, then shoot in closest basket 
  • Kids versus coach, one ball
  • Kids versus grown ups or counselors (with funny “unfair” challenges for grown ups)

Recess Games

  • Tag
  • Red Light, Green Light
  • Capture the Flag
  • Hide and Seek
  • Kick the Can
  • Dodgeball
  • Wall Ball

See dance, yoga, field day ROS’s for more activity ideas!

Open Play: Encourage open, self-guided play. Use pretend points to make it feel purposeful. 

Adapt Your Station

By Age

AGE GROUPS

Younger age groups (1 yr - 4 yr) - Simplify! Less rules, more play. Slow it down. 

Baseball - pitcher should get closer when they are younger. Encourage parents to help with the swing. Use larger balls or plush.

Older age groups ( 5 yr +)  - As they get older, layer in more challenges, competition and real game play. 

Mixed Ages

Older kids dubbed team captains at the top - “this means its up to you to show our younger campers how to play the game!” It will empower older kids to take care and be mindful of younger ones by making them feel more important.

Group by Age - Let big kids go first in every activity. Pace it so that littles will each get a turn too. Then grownups if present! 

Counselors -  Counselors should be hyper focused on keeping littles safe. Guide them on where to be and what to do for each activity. Stay close to them whenever they are in an open play environment. 

Family Play - Give grown ups a chance to play while kids play against them or cheer them on.

By Season

Play games that are aligned with the seasons. Celebrate the Superbowl or World Cup if the seasons align. Run your own summer or winter Olympics!

By Location

Incorporate games that local children like to play. Use this as a learning opportunity. Use local words instead of only English. For example, explaining the difference between futbol and football! 

By Brand

Marriott Hotels = Enriching, creative and modern experiences

  • Add storytelling to your active play. Bring imaginary worlds to life with books, challenges and games. Act them out together with actions and light competition.

Delta = Simply fun

  • Make every game just a little bit sillier! Use sound effects (like fart sounds) every time they hit a ball. Layer in unfair challenges for counselors or older campers that will make everyone laugh!

Westin = Wellness

  • Focus on active play that leans into health and wellness. Choose yoga, stretching and dance, and mindfulness exercises. Add breathing breaks, rest time, or after any active play, share with the group how all this fun has made them healthier too!

Autograph = Unique moments just for me! Individuality

  • The follow the leader game works for any skill practice or sport. Let each camper have their moment to shine!

Tribute = Community, colorful, and shared moments

  • Lean into teamwork and team building challenges, games and active play

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