HELP Family Service Centre

We have prepared a list of questions frequently asked by students or group volunteers who want to explore on organising actvity for the children or families. Here is an activity planning checklist which you can use.

1. What kind of activity you can organise?

It depends on whether you are running an activity for the children or the families (both parents and children) For the children, it can be a workshop such as learning a skill and it can be done in our centre. Preferably, the activity should be packed with activities which allow the children to participate. Other volunteers have organised visits to zoo and bird park.

2. When can you organise the activity?

* Chinese New Year (in January)
* Dumpling Festival (in May)
* Mid Autumn & Lantern Festival (in September)
* Children’s Day (in September)
* Christmas Party (in December)
* School holidays in March, June, September and December

3. How big is the group size?

It depends on how many children (or families) the volunteers are organising the activity for. The size can be from 15 to 30 or even up to 40 children. As for number of families, it can be from 15 families to 30 families.

If you are organising the activity for the first time, do choose a number which is manageable for your committee.

4. Do you have to come up with your own fundings?

Yes.

5. What are the type of expenses incurred?

There are transport (2 ways), logistics (such as games materials, prizes), food and other miscellaneous fees such as ticket fees and so on. Normally if the activity cuts across lunch, tea break or dinner time, food should be provided ideally.

6. How long does the activity need to be?

* From morning till afternoon
* From afternoon till night
* Weekend/ non-schooling days preferred

7. How should you delegate the roles among your committee?

It would be helpful if all your committee members are clearly briefed on the general profile of our beneficiaries. Volunteers are encouraged to treat them as friends and to proactively interact with them. It would be good for the volunteers to know their exact roles during the activity and which of the committee member or HELP staff they can turn to for any question..

It is easier to manage large group when the participants are split into smaller groups. A volunteer may act as the group leader and take care of 5 children/ 5 families.

8. What are some of the past activities?

* Learning workshop by Singapore Managment University students
* Sentosa outing (with treasure hunt and tele-match) by Raffles Junior College students
* Children’s Day Party by Ang Mo Kio South Neighbourhood Police Centre
* Christmas Party for families by Unilever Singapore Pte Ltd

For any enquiry, you can contact Colleen at colleen @ helpfsc.org.sg
with email subject “Organising events”