🎄 Elf Recreation Room 🎄

Staff Operations Guide

Room Type: Self-Guided, Drop-In Play
Staff Required: NONE (optional 1 during peak times)
Guest Duration: ~15 minutes average
Capacity: 10-20 guests at once
Stations: 6 game stations with varying difficulty

Overview

The Elf Recreation Room is designed to operate with zero active staffing. All six stations are self-guided, self-resetting, and require no supervision. Guests drop in, play what appeals to them, and leave when ready.

During peak times (first 30 minutes after dinner), you may optionally assign one roaming staff member to demonstrate games and help confused guests. This is optional, not required.

The Six Stations (Quick Reference)

Station	Difficulty	Age Appeal	Reset Type
1. Sleigh Part Sorting	Hard	Teens & Adults	Self (balls to basket)
2. Reindeer Antler Ring Toss	Medium	All Ages	Self (guests hang rings)
3. Snowball Toss	Medium	All Ages	Self (beans to basket)
4. Gift Tower Stack	Easy	Young Kids (3-7)	Self (blocks to bin)
5. Present Shuffle	Hard	Teens & Adults	Self (return track or manual)
6. Jingle Bell Challenge	Easy	Young Kids (3-7)	Self (bells to tray)

Pre-Event Setup (One-Time)

Initial Room Setup Checklist

Complete before first show of the series. These stations stay in place for all 30 shows.

Station 1 (Sleigh Part Sorting): Position platform on stable table, test tilting mechanism, place catch basket below, add all red balls, mount sign
Station 2 (Antler Ring Toss): Set up free-standing antler rack, ensure base is stable, hang all rings on hooks, mark floor distances with tape
Station 3 (Snowball Toss): Position tiered buckets, secure to prevent tipping, place all bean bags in basket, mark throwing line
Station 4 (Gift Tower Stack): Set up stacking area (table or floor), place all wrapped blocks in storage bin, ensure non-slip surface
Station 5 (Present Shuffle): Assemble angled ramp, test stability, check return track (if installed), add all foam pucks
Station 6 (Jingle Bell Challenge): Arrange bell containers on table, place loose bells in center tray, display pattern cards (if using rhythm option)
Room Layout: Space stations for simultaneous use, ensure clear pathways, test sightlines from entrance
Signage: Mount instruction signs at each station (eye level, visible from approach)

💡 Setup Tip: Once stations are built and positioned, take photos for reference. This helps with daily reset verification.

Daily Pre-Show Checklist (5-10 minutes)

Before Each Show

Quick check to ensure all materials are present and stations are ready.

Station 1: Count red balls (should be 6-8), platform clean, catch basket in place
Station 2: Count rings (should be 6-10), all hanging on hooks, base stable
Station 3: Count bean bags (should be 6-8), all in basket, buckets secure
Station 4: Count foam blocks (should be 15-20), all in bin, wrapping paper intact
Station 5: Count foam pucks (should be 4-6), ramp surface clean, stable
Station 6: Count bells/containers (should be 6-8), pattern cards present (if applicable)
Floor/pathways: Clear of debris, floor markers visible

⚠️ Important: If any materials are missing (rings, balls, bean bags, bells), check lost & found or replace before show starts. Guests notice incomplete stations.

During the Event

Staffing Options

Option A - Zero Staff (Default):

Let guests explore and play independently
Signs provide all necessary instructions
Self-resetting design means no intervention needed
Staff checks room once mid-event (optional)

Option B - Roaming Supervisor (Peak Times):

Assign 1 staff member to circulate during first 30 minutes after dinner
Demonstrate games if guests look confused
Encourage shy guests to participate
Answer questions
Check for missing materials
Staff leaves once flow is established

💡 Staff Tip: Most guests understand carnival-style games immediately. Only intervene if someone looks stuck or equipment needs adjustment.

When to Intervene (Rare)

Safety issue: Someone using station dangerously (throwing rings at people, etc.)
Broken equipment: Antler rack tipped over, ramp came loose, etc.
Missing materials: All rings gone, bells scattered, blocks everywhere
Guest conflict: Multiple people want same station (encourage rotation)

⚠️ Do NOT intervene for: Guests playing "wrong" (there's no wrong way), taking too long at a station, not reading signs. Let them play how they want.

Between Shows Reset (5-10 minutes)

Quick Reset Checklist

Walk through room and collect any scattered materials (rings, balls, bean bags on floor)
Return all items to proper stations
Check stations for damage (wrapping paper torn, bells missing, etc.)
Wipe down any surfaces if needed (spills, fingerprints on signs)
Verify all signs still visible and mounted
Quick count: rings, balls, bean bags, blocks, pucks, bells
Straighten room (furniture, floor markers, pathways clear)

Weekly Maintenance

Monday (before week's shows):
- Tighten any loose screws/bolts on structures
- Check foam blocks for torn wrapping paper (re-wrap if needed)
- Inspect bean bags for open seams (replace or re-sew)
- Test tilting mechanism on coordination board
- Verify all signs are secure
Mid-week check:
- Count all small items (rings, balls, bells) - replace missing
- Clean/dust stations
- Touch up any paint/markings if needed

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem	Solution
Rings/balls/bean bags missing	Check under stations, around room, lost & found. Replace from backup supply.
Antler rack keeps tipping over	Base not weighted enough. Add sandbags or weights to base.
Coordination board balls won't stay on platform	Rim too low or platform too tilted. Adjust angle or raise rim height.
Foam block wrapping paper tearing	Normal wear. Re-wrap blocks with fresh Christmas paper between shows.
Present Shuffle pucks getting stuck	Board surface not smooth. Clean/wax surface or check for debris.
Jingle bells escaping containers	Lids not secure. Use screw-top containers or tape lids shut.
Guests confused about how to play	Signs not clear enough. Add visual diagrams or demonstrate once.
Too many people at one station	Normal. Guests will rotate naturally. Encourage trying other stations.

Safety Notes

All materials are soft/lightweight (foam balls, rope rings, bean bags) - cannot cause injury
No sharp edges on any structures
Stations stable and weighted (won't tip easily)
Pathways wide enough for mobility devices
No small parts that could be choking hazards (bells secured in containers)

⚠️ Watch for: Very young children (under 3) putting small items in mouth. If bells/small balls are accessible, ensure parents are supervising.

End of Event Series (After 30 Shows)

Disassemble stations carefully (or leave for next year)
Inventory all materials (rings, balls, bean bags, bells, blocks, pucks)
Note any damaged items for replacement/repair
Store in labeled bins for future use
Take photos of final setup for reference next year

💡 Reusability: All stations designed for multi-year use. Foam elements, wooden structures, and fabric items should last 2-3 event series with minimal maintenance.

🎄 The Elf Recreation Room practically runs itself! 🎄