Picnic Planning & Preparation

The Simple Family Picnic With a Picnic Basket, or outing may require no more organization than the mere delegation of responsibilities to family members. However, the secret of the success of larger picnics and outings depends on how carefully they are planned and organized, and how skillfully they are directed. Efficiency in management of the picnic is essential. Cooperation must be secured and adequate planning done long before the day of the picnic. Ordinarily work must be divided among picnic committees, each having definite duties assigned to it. These committees should be carefully chosen to represent groups and different parts of the community and should be of both sexes and of various ages. They are important if the picnic is to be a community enterprise. The extent to which picnic committees are appointed is determined by various factors. Sometimes the size of a picnic warrants the appointment of a large number of committees with special responsibilities assigned to each. Picnics sponsored by a single community agency and those held under the auspices of several organizations may also require elaborate preparation. The suggestions which follow indicate possible committees needed and what their responsibilities should be. A carefully chosen general committee for the picnic should first be appointed, the number and type of people comprising such a group depending upon the outing being held. The committee will include in addition to a capable chairman, individuals who are able to serve as leaders of subcommittees and to choose others to work with them. Members of all committees should be selected carefully for their interest and fitness for the particular line of work in which they are invited to assist. Responsibilities of the picnic committee will be general planning and supervision; it will perform the "checking up" role needed to carry out the various details. Meetings should be held at regular intervals to report on progress and new plans, and to make sure that the committee is informed as to what individual members and subcommittees are doing. It is advisable to appoint a secretary to keep a written record of all matters pertaining to the event. This record will be valuable to those in charge of succeeding affairs. Frequently a good general chairman is selected who in turn appoints competent committees. Other general picnic aspects: transportation and parking; traffic and safety regulations; publicity; invitations and tickets; prizes and awards; supplies and equipment; and other special problems. Back to Picnic Ideas Home.