WORKING WITH CLAY. NEED HELP?

I'll be working with children this summer constructing various NYC parks out of clay, or as it says on the package: Crayola Model Magic Modeling Material. What can I use (like a specific type of surface, i.e a tray or cardboard or....something better) to build on?( Any links, recommendations or references welcomed). When storing the projects, what is the best place to use? What type of bonding glue is needed (if any) to hold everything together? Good advice would greatly be appreciated. Thank you all so much.