We are a PreK-6th with approx. 750 students. The preschool does not participate in field day, but the kindergarten does.
We had about 15 total games/events. Inside the gym were crab relays, wheelbarrel relays, an obstacle course and the full size whale (made out of heavy duty garbage bags and filled with air--also came with a presentation inside the whale itself) that was a presentation by one of our 5th grade classrooms. Outside, we had frisbee, basketball toss, football/baseball throw, etc. We also have a tye-dye station where the students bring a white T-shirt from home to have tye-dyed. Tug of war had scrimmages through out the day, with the finals at the end of the day. Classrooms last year went from event to event, with each student who wanted to do an event being able to do it. In years past, each student was allowed to 'sign up' for 3-5 events. Each way works well.
It took 1 or 2 adults per station, but the teachers and their aides helped out as well. It takes 2 people to run the water stand. Periodically one of the people at the water stand check field water stations (a orange or blue 5 gallon water thermos with a 3-5 gallon bottle of water on it instead of a lid... we put a block of ice in each container and that kept it cool almost all day). The water distribution area is also a great place to keep sunscreens and extra hats.
Our rock wall was provided by a P.E. grant (the wall was just one of the things purchased/installed). Our wall is inside the gym, physically attached to the brick wall of the building itself.
Any thing I would do differently? The only thing I would do differently from years past was the one thing I did change. There will be no more sodas served on field day, only water. Make sure you have enough water for the whole day. And ice to keep it cool. The only other thing I would do is have fresh cut orange slices or some sort of quick energy snack available. If you live near a Little Debbies plant or distribution center (within 100 miles), they will provide granola bars for your field day if you ask ahead of time.
Thanks so much for your reply! What is the size/grade level of your school? We are K-4, with about 320 kids. If your school is comparable, how many events did you have going on at one time, did you rotate by groups from event to event or did you let the kids pick and choose? Did they sign up for each thing, etc.? I'm just wondering how to plan volunteers, time limits, etc. for this.
I was also thinking about asking our local CW&L to donate bottled water. I know that's one thing the kids will have to have plenty of.
Does your school have a rock wall or did you rent one? We are adding one at our school, but it will be permanently fixed to a wall.
Do you have any big "NO's" that you learned or things that you would do differently?
Any other ideas from others who have done a similar event like this would be appreciated!
We have "Field Day" every year on the last full-day Friday before school lets out for summer.
We do all kinds of games and events, from the very simple (3 legged race and frisbee toss) to the very tough (obstacle course, rock wall) to the very fun (the tug-of-war). Our P.E. instructor spends the last quarter of the year going over every sport/event that will be out on the field. He actually handles everything. The only thing we do is get volunteers to work the events (make sure the kids do it right and then sign off their event cards) and provide refreshments.
In the past, our PTO provided a 'soda fountain' (donated by the almost local soda company), with cola, rootbeer, lemon lime, etc. Last year, as prez, I decided not to do sodas. I got water bottles donated by Rayne Water and the big tanks that hold the 5 gallon bottles from Sparklets. Every student, teacher, aide, parent, etc. was provided a water bottle and lots of opportunity to refill them. We live in AZ and it can get pretty hot. I also provided sunscreen and extra hats. The only thing I wish I had done, but didn't get to do (couldn't afford it...lol) was to have fresh cut orange slices or some other quick energy snack available.
We are discussing having a Track and Field Day at my daughter's elementary school (K-4) at the end of the year. We haven't done anything like this before but everyone we've talked to so far loves the idea. I would love to hear from those of you who have done this before and learn how you chose to run it. Games, races, refreshments, how you organized it, costs involved, amount of help needed, etc.
We are looking into the option of holding it at our local University's track field and trying to involve the track team, rugby team, etc. with demo's and other participation. Our school property isn't ideal for this event but if it comes down to it, it's possible we could pull it off at our school as well.
