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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION TO THIS RESOURCE ...................................................................................... 3
What is this resource? .................................................................................................................. 3
Who is it for? ...................................................................................................................................... 3
Why was it created? ...................................................................................................................... 3
DO’S AND DON’TS OF VIRTUAL FACILITATION: ................................................................. 3
Session Do’s ....................................................................................................................................... 3
VIDEO PRESENTATION REMINDERS: ....................................................................................... 5
HELPFUL ZOOM TECH TIPS: ......................................................................................................... 5
10 STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING KIDS VIRTUALLY: ....................................................... 8
THEMES, THEMES, THEMES ....................................................................................................... 10
MAKING YOUR SESSION INCLUSIVE: .................................................................................... 12
MAKING YOUR SESSION SAFE: ................................................................................................. 13

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INTRODUCTION TO THIS RESOURCE
What is this resource?
A manual to help equip teachers, coaches, camp directors, etc. with the knowledge they need
to successfully run virtual programming for children or youth.

Who is it for?
Anyone (teachers, coaches, camp directors, etc.) who is interested in starting virtual
programming for children or youth or is looking for ways to level-up their current programming.

Why was it created?

At Jays Care we work with unstoppable children and youth everyday and believe it is our duty
to help support other organizations who are striving to support this demographic adjust to the
new realities caused by COVID-19.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF VIRTUAL FACILITATION:

Planning Do’s

✓ Devote significant time to planning your session. The rule of thumb is 1 hour of prep
for every 30 minutes of facilitation.

✓ Plan for EVERY type of learner. Have visuals, sharing circles, tactile activities, group
work, solo time, etc., included in your lesson plan.

✓ Plan for ALL types of electronic interfaces (computer, phone or tablet). You want to
plan your session so that a child using a phone will be able to get as much out of the
session as someone using a computer!

✓ Plan and share the session agenda and guidelines so youth know when and how they
will be participating in the session. This helps to build expectations and excitement.

✓ Keep it simple. Sessions don’t have to be complex. By having one simple idea, you can
break it up into manageable steps while still making it fun and creating connections.

Session Do’s

✓ Be on time. Make sure you give yourself time to ‘set up’ before each session (10-15
mins early to scheduled session time). Come prepared and have your materials ready to
go. Test your audio and video to avoid any hiccups once the session starts.
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 ✓ Bring your best self. This does not only include looking presentable but also bringing a
smile and that camp magic energy to every session!

✓ Be adaptable for non-video participates. Ensure your session is accessible to kids who
do not want to or cannot share their video screens.

✓ Take time to promote questions, comments, and reactions from your campers. Give
them a minute to utilize reactions, write their questions in chat, or be unmuted to ask
their questions live.

✓ Be flexible and ready to adjust on the fly! There are going to be hiccups and things
aren’t always going to go to plan. Remember to laugh it off, think on your feet and move
on!

Planning and Session Don’ts

✓ ‘Wing it”. Come prepared for your session. Preparation is key to running a fun and
successful activity block.

✓ Ignore dress code guidelines. You should expect to dress for a virtual session the same
way you would for an in-person session – in your staff uniform.

✓ Force engagement or video streaming. We want to meet kids where they are at. Some
may not have the ability to conference in or may be too shy to speak up. It is okay to
encourage their engagement but make sure everything is optional and that there are
multiple ways for them to engage.

✓ Use inappropriate language or body language.

✓ Forget to check in with campers often. You want to make sure they understand the
activities they are about take part in and that they feel comfortable doing so. Even
something as simple as “how’s everyone doing?” or “how did you feel about that
activity?” will work.

✓ Change your location or leave the frame. If you were facilitating in person you would
have everything you need in the location you are facilitating in. Same goes for over
zoom.

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 ✓ Browse the internet, check emails, read articles, etc., while on zoom. It is easy for the
kids to tell if you aren’t fully focused or present during a video call. You have to be
completely present if you expect the youth to do the same.

VIDEO PRESENTATION REMINDERS:

Body Language, Voice & Intonation:
Be animated, use gestures, and switch up your tone.

Sit up confidently during your session.

Look credible- wear your staff uniform.

Maintain positive eye contact – look into the camera.

Keep instructions short (30 seconds- 1 min long).

Lighting & Background:

If possible, use a mix of natural and indoor lighting to
make picture as clear as possible.

Have a neutral background -no logos, inappropriate

material, or personal identifying information.

Set up in a space with limited background noise.

HELPFUL ZOOM TECH TIPS:

If you, like us, have decided to use Zoom as your virtual programming platform, here are some
of the best zoom tech tips we have learned so far that can help elevate your session to the next
level:

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• The chat feature: Ask participants to ask questions, participate in conversation, or share
their thoughts on the topic through the chat. This allows for engagement without a bunch
of people talking over each other

• Screen sharing feature: Share your screen to show a PowerPoint, a video, or even a game
the group can play. Make your session as interactive as possible and sharing your screen can
do that

• Whiteboard feature: Need to go over some math problems? Maybe you want to play
hangman? The whiteboard feature allows you to draw on a plank whiteboard just like you
would in a classroom. You also have the option to allow participants to contribute to the
whiteboard as well, allowing you to all work together to solve problems, or even
brainstorm.

• Mute all on entry feature: This is an option you can select when creating your session. It
means every participant will enter the session with their mic muted. This feature is helpful
to reduce background noise to start the session, especially if someone is joining late.

• Breakout rooms feature: This allows you to break up the larger groups into smaller
subgroups. You can use this feature to increase participation (kids are more likely to share
in smaller groups), to have that face to face conversation you normally would in person,
allow for smaller brainstorming groups, or have group work on answering a question.

• Polling feature: Introducing polls to your meeting allows you to understand if people are
understanding the content, what they want to learn, or even can be used as a game.

• ‘Touch up my appearance’: In your Zoom settings under Video, you have the option to
‘select touch up my appearance’ this applies a filter to your video which softens your
camera

• Having video issues? Zoom offers optimized screen sharing of a full screen video clip. This
setting increases the frame rate of the screen share while playing the clip, so that the
playback appears smoother for remote participants. To access this feature, check
the Optimize for full-screen video clip box at the bottom of the share window.

• Sharing computer audio: Zoom also allows you to send computer audio to the remote
attendees when sharing a video or audio clip. To share computer audio such as YouTube
during screen sharing, click on Share Computer Sound box at the bottom of the share
window.

• Zoom on phone vs. laptop: Zoom can be used on any smartphone, tablet or computer,
however how Zoom appears on these platforms/how to navigate it is very different.

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 Knowing how to explain how to navigate zoom on all type of electronics will ensure the best
experience for all participants.

o Zoom on computer/laptop: When on your laptop all the main zoom functions you can use
(mute, share video, share screen, chat, record, reactions, etc.) appear at the bottom of your
screen like so:

o Zoom on smartphone: When on your smart phone the zoom task bar only has 5 main
functions showing (Audio, video, share content, participants and more).

To access the other key functions (such as chat or reactions) participants must click on the
More (…) symbol and will be prompted with the following screen. Here they can pick the
feature they are looking to use:

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10 STRATEGIES FOR ENGAGING KIDS
VIRTUALLY:
If a child has a poorly organized, not fun, or negative experience with online programming, they
are less likely to want to engage in the future. As a result, it is your job to have a plan for how
you will maintain the focus and energy of your kids and bring the fun! Kids attention spans are
naturally shorter when participating online, meaning you have to find creative ways to keep
them engaged. Below we have listed out some of our favourite strategies that will keep your
session fresh and kids wanting to participate!

1. Costumes, costumes, and more

costumes: Gather your silliest items of apparel,
your old Halloween costumes or dig deep into your
dress up box. Pick out the wackiest pieces you can
find and create a character to play on screen. Kids
respond so well to costumes and characters! Have
them dress up too and watch the laughs it brings.
They do not need any fancy items to participate. See
who can get the most creative sing items they can find around the house!

2. Themes are FUN: Theme days or weeks

are often are a fun way to add excitement to the
week. They also give campers something to look
forward to and help bring out everyone’s goofy
nature! Try having a wacky hair day, or a theme
week they can dress up for! Make sure you go all
out, the more you lean into it so will the kids!

3. Create rituals: If you were running a regular camp, classroom or practice how would
you start your day? How would you end it? Would you have a cheer? Highs and lows?
Morning show and tell? Just because we are now virtual doesn’t mean we have to lose
these traditions! Traditions are a great way to build connection and community and help to
create a space where kids feel like they belong.

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4. Provide fun opportunities to
(re)connect with peers: Kids who
are stuck at home are craving chances to
connect with their peers. Try pairing youth
into pairs or off into teams to allow for some
much-needed peer interaction. Get them to
come up with funny team names, secret
handshakes, or uniforms. Give them activities
that allows them to share stories, connect
and laugh together!

5. Let kids compete: Kids love competing and working in teams. Giving them activities
that requires them to work in teams and race against their peers can often heighten their
focus and channel their energy.

6. Get kids moving: Remember your kids are locked inside and its
summertime, aka, a time meant for running, playing and fun! The few
hours they spend with you every week is meant to fill that void. Try to
get them moving at least once a day to help them release some of
that pent-up energy and to help break up the pace of your session.

7. Push the pace: When facilitating online you want to keep

things moving and get ahead of any lull time. Always be ready to
change things up or drop an activity that isn’t working. On the flip side, when an activity is
taking off make sure you end it at its peak. This way you leave you excited to play it again in
the future.

8. Keep explanations and activities short

and concise: In order to keep kids engaged and not
loose them to boredom or distractions you want to keep
your explanations clear and concise. Do a visual check in to
see if they understand (thumbs up or down) and answer
any questions. Try writing your directions down on a piece
of paper and holding them up to the screen for visual learners to follow.

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9. Doing demonstrations and giving
examples is KEY: Processing information given to
you virtually can take a lot longer than in person. Make
sure you build in time to demonstrate what you are asking
campers to do, especially if it is an activity that involved
multiple people doing something simultaneously.

10. Keep it simple: While using features like screen

sharing, PowerPoint, or YouTube may be tempting when
working online, we suggest you keep their use to a
minimum. We have found that kids are most engaged
when you base your session around activities that
promote personal connection and the ability to see each
other on screen. When introducing ground rules or
directives for an activity, try going the ‘old fashion way’
and write them out on a sticky note, piece of paper or
whiteboard. When you hold them up to the screen you
are sure to get a laugh when all the kids lean up kids lean up extra close to the screen to
read them!

THEMES, THEMES, THEMES

When selecting a theme (from the list below or if you create your own), there are some
considerations you should take to sell the theme to your participants and transform your virtual
space.

What is your storyline?

Participants become invested in the theme when there is a well-thought-out story that ties it all
together. (Ex. Under water theme; Scuba Steve and his fish friends get swallowed by a whale!
The mission of your 45-minute program is to get Scuba Steve and his fish friends out of the
Whale by the end of the session.)

How can you change the games?

Ice Breakers are great ways to set the tone for the session. By incorporating a themed ice
breaker, you get the participants thinking of the theme right off the bat. (Ex. Participants say
their name and your favourite colour, food, animal, song, etc.)
Game variations are a great way to play the classic games that kids know and love but with a
thematic spin. (Ex. Dance Freeze using themed music, Wall touch but each wall is a themed
item, Scategories using words related to the theme, etc.)

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How will you transform the space?
- Use a virtual background
- Include props
- Change your Zoom name to fit the theme (Mrs. Santa Claus, Scuba Steve, etc.)
- Wear a costume or change your attire to fit the theme

Although themes can be fun and a great way to transform your

virtual space, consideration should be taken to the participants in your camp. Your campers are
unique and come from a variety of cultural and social backgrounds. Always keep this in mind
when you are planning your themes.

MAKING YOUR SESSION INCLUSIVE:

When planning a session, it is important to keep in mind that you may have children
participating from all backgrounds and with varying abilities. In order to make your session the
most fun and enjoyable experience for all, try incorporating some of the following inclusion
strategies we employ here at Jays Care:

Use Visuals Examples include:

• Writing out or drawing instructions to
show on screen.
• Demonstrating the activity.
• Showing equipment needed alongside
describing it.

Use Simple Language & Examples include:

• Speak slowly and clearly.
Instructions • Break down instructions into simple
steps.
• Keep sentences short.

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 Demonstrate Variations of Examples include:
• If the activity requires standing, can it
Play be adapted to also be played seated?
• If the game requires typing or writing
to answer a question, can players also
shout out/speak the answer?

Use Inclusive Language Examples include:

• ‘If you’re able… jump up and down’.
• ‘Move’ instead of ‘run’ or ‘walk’.
• ‘Everybody’, ‘folks’, individual
names, etc. instead of ‘guys’, ‘you
guys’, etc.

MAKING YOUR SESSION SAFE:

On-line programming can be so much fun, but also creates new child protection issues that we
need to safeguard against. In order to ensure that your sessions are safe for kids, do the
following:

1. Never lead a session without another adult co-facilitator helping you.

2. You should only be contacting participants through official organization channels (such
as a Zoom meeting invitation) and vice versa.

3. Ensure that you and your co-facilitators are all familiar with your organization’s virtual
programming code of conduct (see example on pages 15-18).

4. If possible, always record your virtual sessions and save them in an accessible folder.
Remember to let youth know when the session has begun recording.

5. If possible, have your meeting password protected and have participants pre-register for
the session. This allows for more security as no one has access to the link and can join
randomly.

6. If you are using Zoom, learn the following in meeting security and control features:

a. Lock the Meeting: When you’re in the meeting, click Participants at the bottom of
your Zoom window. In the participants pop-up box, you will see a button that says
Lock Meeting. When you lock the meeting, no new participants can join, even if they
have the meeting ID and password.

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 b. Expel a Participant: In that participants menu, you can mouse over a participant’s
name, and several options will appear, including Remove. Click that to kick a
participant out of the meeting. They can’t get back in if you then click Lock Meeting.
c. Prevent Participants from Screen Sharing: In the host controls, click the arrow next
to Share Screen and click Advanced Sharing Options. Under “Who can share?”
choose “Only Host” and close the window.
d. Attendee On-Hold: If you need a private moment, you can put attendees on-hold.
The attendee’s video and audio connections will be disabled momentarily. Click on
the attendee’s video thumbnail and select Start Attendee On-Hold to activate this
feature.
e. Disabling Video: Meeting hosts can turn participant video off and request to start
participant video. This will allow you to block unwanted, distracting or inappropriate
gestures on video.
f. Waiting Room: You can enable this function when you create a new meeting. It
means that hosts have to allow everyone who try to enter a meeting to be
approved. This also lets you control how and when the youth sign into the main
meeting room.
7. When the session begins, remind participants of the most essential on-line ground rules
to follow. (see example on page 19).

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SAMPLE STAFF AND VOLUNTEER CODE OF CONDUCT

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SAMPLE KIDS ON LINE CODE OF CONDUCT

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