Age bands help planning, but children of the same age can need different support. Use age, experience, communication, and the actual activity when placing groups.
Younger groups may need more help with clothing, toilet routines, food containers, transitions, and waiting. Older groups may want more control, longer projects, and a space that does not feel like preschool.
Give older children meaningful choices rather than unpaid staff duties. Helping set out materials can be a shared task. Being left responsible for a younger group is a different role and should not happen by accident.
For mixed ages, use a shared opening and separate skill levels where useful. Do not make the youngest child the permanent reason everyone waits. Do not let the oldest group control all choices.
A quiet child should not have to speak in front of the whole camp to earn belonging. A child who reads slowly should not be excluded from a treasure hunt because every clue uses long text. Offer spoken, picture, movement, and hands-on ways to take part.
Explain support plans with the family and child where appropriate. Avoid promising support that your staff, building, or budget cannot yet provide. Seek a workable arrangement rather than deciding from a label alone.
Do this next: Add an easier entry and a harder option to every main activity.