Activity Night at the Ronald Mcdonald House

Ronald McDonald House

Activity Night at the Ronald McDonald House

Activity Nights are opportunities for groups to plan activities for the families and residents of the Ronald McDonald House.

About Activity Night Activity Nights are planned by groups in the community and provide families living at the Ronald McDonald House with age-appropriate activities, entertainment, and educational presentations. Activity Nights are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 5:15 PM and last about an hour. Groups should arrive at 5 PM to allow time for set-up. If the activity requires supplies, plan on 15 children.

Volunteer Groups The number of group volunteers should be appropriate for the planned activity. A minimum of 2 volunteers is required, and a maximum of 6 is usually sufficient. Group participants must be at last 13 years old and healthy on the day of service. Groups with volunteers under 18 years old and still in high school must have a supervising adult in attendance. One adult supervisor is required for every 6 students in attendance. Please review Volunteer Guidelines.

Choosing an Appropriate Activity When choosing an activity, keep in mind that the majority of our children are grade school age or younger. Activities might include the following:  Arts and crafts. View our Pinterest board http://pinterest.com/rmhcseattle/ for craft ideas. The following websites offer fun craft projects: http://belladia.typepad.com/crafty_crow, www.enchantedlearning.com/ crafts, www.artistshelpingchildren.org, http://www.orientaltrading.com/craft-and-hobby-supplies-a1-550055.fltr.  Performance of music, dance, plays  Music or dance instruction  Karaoke  Active indoor games (hula hoops, bowling)  Clowns and magic shows  Professional performing groups

Providing Supplies for Activity Night Volunteer groups provide the supplies needed for the activity. Plan enough supplies for 15 children. Bring only non-toxic art and craft supplies intended for children.

Guidelines for Selecting Appropriate Art and Craft Materials 1. Select art and craft materials for children up to 12 years of age (pre-K through Grade 6) 2. Look for products clearly labeled with information about intended uses. Use no unlabeled supplies. Note that even products labeled ‘non-toxic’ when used in an unintended manner can have harmful effects. 3. Use low-temperature hot glue guns. 4. Do not bring glitter, nail polish, or latex balloons. Glitter glue is fine. 5. Do not bring soil, cut flowers, potted plants, or leaves. Pinecones must be purchased and intended for craft projects. 6. Do not plan food-related activities. 7. Do not use products with cautionary/warning labels. 8. Do not use the following: solvents and solvent-based supplies, which include turpentine, paint thinner, shellac, toluene, and certain glues, inks, and a few solvent-containing permanent markers; acids, alkalis, bleaches, or corrosives; materials with lead, cadmium and other heavy metals. 9. Do not use materials in self-pressurized containers. 10. Do not use products or processes that produce airborne dusts that can be inhaled.

Procedures to Follow on Activity Night 1. Make sure all volunteers are healthy with no signs of illness. 2. The designated lead, as stated in the Activity Proposal, must be in attendance. 3. Fill out the group sign-in form at the front desk when you arrive. Each member of your group must sign the form. This form documents that you are in the House and volunteered. It also documents community service hours. 4. Set up your activity. If necessary, bring plastic coverings to protect the work table. 5. After your event, please return the space to the same condition that you found it. 6. Sanitize table surfaces by spraying with DZ-7 found on shelves near garbage receptacles and wiping with paper towels. 7. If you would like to donate leftover supplies, please bring them to the front desk. Do not leave any supplies in the dining area. 8. Sign out at the front desk and take the pink copy of the group form for your records.

How to Schedule an Activity Please view our Activity Night calendar for open dates. Once you have a date in mind, please use the Activities Inquiry form to submit your idea to our Activities Coordinator.

Activity Night Contact Person Eleanor Garrison Activities Coordinator [email protected] 206.838.0621