Register new families.
Make sure you have plenty of workers on hand to register families the first day. (This is an excellent way to use volunteers who aren’t available to help the entire week.) Set up separate registration sites for preregistration check-in and walk-in registration.
Follow the Day 1 registration procedures outlined on pages 123-125.
After Day 1, maintain a registration table to register newcomers who join your program midweek.
Be sure Tribe Leaders have their daily supplies.
At the end of each day, gather each Tribe’s basket and restock it with cups, hand wipes, and other supplies they might need. Replenish the supply of water at the well.
Meet with staff members after each day’s program.
Check in with all staff to see what went smoothly and what could be improved for future days. Be prepared to change schedules, rooms, or procedures. You may even need to reassign some Tribes. Work together to make any necessary changes to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Give announcements during Gathering.
During the course of the program, you may need to change schedules, shops, or Tribe assignments. You also may have personal messages or lost-and-found items to deliver to participants.
Each day check with the Gathering Leader to schedule any announcements you would like everyone to hear.
Attend Gathering each day.
These activities will give you a good indication of how your Jerusalem Marketplace is proceeding. They also provide opportunities for participants to see you and identify you as the director. On Day 1 you’ll announce Tribe group assignments (A, B, C, D) and will join other staff members in teaching the motions to the theme song “Jesus, Jesus.” Each day the Gathering Leader may call on you to pray before dismissing Tribes to their “homes.” Besides, you’ll have fun!
Peek into as many activities as you can.
While you don’t need to hover over families or make your leaders nervous, it’s important to know that leaders are following your guidelines.
Help your staff be the best it can be.
Your helpful presence will let staff members know they’re not alone. Plus, you can make sure they’re following the program so it will be powerful. Remember, leaders need to follow the leader guides because each activity plays an important role in the overall learning experience.
Make sure all staff members are present each day.
Arrange for substitutes if necessary. If you’re in a pinch for Tribe Leaders, ask the Gathering Leader to fill in—or appoint yourself Tribe Leader for a day.
Make sure staff members have the supplies they need each day.
Have a runner available to collect or purchase additional supplies if necessary.
Stock and maintain a first-aid site.
Keep a good supply of adhesive bandages, sunscreen, and first-aid ointment on hand, along with phone numbers for local clinics and hospitals. You may also want to keep photocopies of registration forms near your first-aid site. You can use the forms to check for allergies or other health concerns. Be sure to tell your Tribe Leaders of any allergies or special needs, too.
Keep an eye on Tribes.
You may notice that some Tribe Leaders just aren’t tuning in to their Tribe members, and you need to reassign a few volunteers to more suitable jobs. Or if a Tribe Leader is struggling with a group that suddenly grew, you’ll know to split the Tribe into two more manageable groups. A “heads up” attitude will make this experience the best for each person involved. |
