Five Quick & Little Summer Camp Tips
Here are five simple things you can do this summer.
- Have a staff meet families at check in day, before they start the process of checking in for their session. This should be a new staff that has a built in excuse for not knowing returning campers (It’s my first summer on staff, have you been here before). If a camper is a first time camper, have the staff write them a nametag in red marker. If the camper is a return camper, have them write a nametag in black. It’s very difficult to remember each camper from year to year. But when they arrive to check in, you will know if they are new or returning. New campers get greeted by the staff with a welcome to camp, this must be your first time. Returning campers get greeted by name with a welcome back, so great to see you again this summer. Campers will feel special because you remembered them. And...we want our campers to feel special.
- Carry a small notebook everywhere you go. Write notes throughout the day, and review them before calling it a night. If a camper says something special to you, If you hear of a staff birthday or special day, write it down. If you promise to take care of something for a staff or camper, write it down. Reviewing your notes daily will help you remember to follow through, or to say something back to that camper that next day, helping them feel special. Check out Amazon’s Rocketbook smart reusable notebook.
- Schedule a set number of tours to give in a week. Invite donors, Alumni, Parents, anyone you can to see camp in operation. Three tours a week sounds like a lot, but it is doable and you will strengthen relationships and open doors.
- Keep an ongoing list of supplies that you purchase, use or need throughout the summer. You can then return to this list in the fall and get all of your ordering done months before spring rolls around next year. The earlier you can define what you need, the more you can watch for deals and avoid adding items to your todo list next spring or summer.
- Take daily time for yourself. Jump in the pool or lake. Take a morning walk. Set aside time for prayer. Do whatever you need to do to have free moments of your time. The better you are this summer, the better everyone is this summer.
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