What a cool opportunity.  Show us pictures of what you come up with. 

That will be great!  It seems similar to our team we have at church. If you need help on recruiting, training etc. Let me know.  I'll be glad to help.

I can use all the help I can get. So far I have just created the note introducing the club and inviting kids to join (hasn't been sent out yet). I think I will limit the members to 10. We will meet once a week.

I'm thinking the first meeting should be an introduction of different types of puppets there are and have some examples for them to look at and try out. Then each next meeting we make one of the types of puppets. Then later we come up with a script and act them out using some of the puppets we built.

What do you think?

I think that sounds really good.  Letting kids experiment and make some puppets (simple though they may be) is an excellent way for you to find out what their talents are.  I also gave my kids some scenarios to act out and everyone had to guess what they were.  Like riding a roller coaster, brushing my hair, walking, running, and some emotions like angry, excited, sad, scared etc.  This helps with bringing the puppet to life before they even say a word!

I have another little game in which the puppet does talk. I wrote down names of persons on cards and they have to draw a "person" card, teacher, doctor, mother etc. and THEN one of the action cards.  So for instance the doctor may end up riding the roller coaster, what would he say?  How would he say it?  A little improv!  It's harder than they think!  Lot's of laughs with that one.

Also try partnering them up and letting them write a short little script and then perform it for each other.  You could give them the basis like a fairy tale or something, or let them come up with their own.  Although I found that boys tend to go on forever with their stories, and time is of the essence!

Maybe not all of this on the first day but maybe doing one each meeting. These "warm ups" really help you and them! 

As far as the administration side, I have an application form they must fill out with the name/address/phone etc. but also why they want to be on their team, and of course for us there are some spiritual questions, but you wouldn't need that part.  I have them list any talents like audio/visual, puppets, working with younger kids, musical instruments, making/working w/props, singing etc.  Also they sign and their parents have to sign I also get a recommendation from another adult, like Sunday School teacher, youth minister etc.

I know there are other things we do, I just can't think of them all right now.  I'll let you know if I think of some more.