Always keep in mind that the purpose of the Activity Program is to connect with the children you are serving.
31.0 Purpose
Weekly themes provide structure and inspiration for volunteer-led activities. Holiday or special event themes may be included when relevant. All theme content is introduced during onboarding and can be reviewed in the training portal.
The themes are designed to support meaningful interaction and connection with the children. Themes are a tool—the primary goal is connection, not the completion of all activities.
31.1 Program Structure
Themes are organized by month and week as follows:
Each month has a designated theme.
Each week includes a sub-theme and set of related activities.
Holiday or special event themes may also be incorporated as needed.
Theme content is communicated during onboarding and through the training portal. Volunteers are expected to be familiar with the system during their service.
31.2 Roles and Responsibilities
31.2.1 Directors of Volunteer Experience (DOVEs)
-Attend a Thursday preview meeting with the Activities Specialist.
-Purchase and prepare all materials needed for the following week’s activities.
-Print and post the weekly activity list by Monday.
-Ensure volunteers understand where to find supplies and activity instructions.
-Model the implementation of theme-based activities during shifts with the children.
-Support volunteers in understanding the purpose, method, and developmental value of activities.
31.2.2 Activities Specialist
-Leads the Thursday preview meeting to introduce themes and outline required materials.
-Leads the Monday volunteer meeting to review and demonstrate upcoming activities.
-Provides guidance on activity purpose, developmental engagement goals, and interaction strategies.
-Provides guidance on developmental goals, engagement markers, and activity delivery strategies.
31.3 Volunteer Expectations
-Attend the Monday activity overview meeting each week.
-Review the posted weekly theme and activity list.
-Prepare and deliver assigned themed activities during volunteer shifts.
-Use themes as a guide to connect with the children in creative and developmentally supportive ways.
-Volunteers are encouraged to create or adapt activities that support the weekly theme.
-If a new or adapted activity is successful with the children, the volunteer should document it and submit it to OSSO Headquarters for inclusion in the official OSSO Weekly Themes Library.
31.3 Activity Development Guidance
Volunteers may design additional activities that support the weekly theme and share them with others. Activities should:
-Align with a Montessori-inspired approach
-Activity design should intentionally support one or more developmental goals or milestones.
When developing an activity, volunteers should consider:
-What developmental outcome the activity supports
-Which materials are required and how to prepare them
-How the activity encourages creativity, engagement, and connection
-Activities do not need to be complex; simple, child-led engagement is often most effective.