We try to go on bonding adventures at least once a month. These are either with both staffs all together, each individual staff, or even just little mentor groups. I feel like these are essential. They build trust within the staff, and build relationships that we can depend on when times get tough (AKA deadlines are cray!)

Not all events worked out – the biggest challenge is picking a time when people can actually come! Here are some events we’ve done that were popular. (Click to read caption with more event info.)

Painting Pottery – Let them be creative! We have lotsss of these places around. If you get to know the owner, they may give you a group discount. We’ve done this several times – great on weeknights when their studio wouldn’t normally be busy. You have the place to yourself, and the company appreciates the business. May even buy an ad for the newspaper! 😉

Segway Outback – A local mall has a fun little course that is very affordable and HILARIOUS to watch kids learn to Segway. Great activity for the beginning of the year.

“Palladium in Pajamas” – The local movie theater is called the Palladium (it’s Greek themed). We rented out a whole theater (small, held 50 people), came in jammies with blanket (and more stuffed animals than I anticipated), and saw The Beauty and The Beast! The theater charged $20/person and included a pizza buffet, popcorn, and a drink. The theater we were in even had recliners, so it was SUPER comfy!! The kids loved it and almost ALL of them came. Huge success!

We also go to ALL KINDS of activities that our staff members are involved in. Getting a group of 30ish kids screaming for you in the stands, makes you love them a little more, right? Plusss, we gotta be there any way to get photos. Might as well make an event out of it!

We celebrate each student’s individual passions, outside of yearbook. Here we are attending a soccer game as a staff.

Comedy Sportz Matches

Theater Performances

Just threw this cute one in there because it was such an awesome moment. This student’s parents surprised him with his car during one of our late nights. Naturally we had to turn it in to a photo opportunity to document it for him. We were all SOOO excited and this picture is just perfect!

What kind of activities does your staff like to do?