These proactive and random acts also help to provide additional value to your camp offering. Summer camps like Stomping Ground, in New York, and Brave Trails, in California and Maryland, are offering virtual programming for campers on platforms like Zoom and Instagram. But, it is not a novel concept or challenge. There are parental consent, waivers, medical and many other templates on JotForm that will make your camp shine. Ready to share your information with your team? My point was the following: we know how to operate a summer camp inside and out. When was this camp started? Moreover, perhaps that is what separates your cooking camp from another competitor’s cooking camper, etc. Summer camp medical forms. Another major staffing factor involves salaries. If so, when and how will it arrive? Favoritism and unbalanced workloads are the easiest ways to cause conflict among your staff. While many summer camp ideas are probably summer camps for kids, you might be surprised to learn that more and more adult summer camps are popping up, providing adults with career enrichment, couples counseling, and other skills and activities that are relevant to more mature age groups. But when thinking about building the most attractive and effective camp registration form, you have to plan for the future. What do you want campers to take away from your camp? With Omnify, managing summer camps is a breeze. Will campers need headphones, webcam or microphone (sounds obvious, but remember...set all of the expectations)? Over the years you have accumulated a tremendous amount of experience and knowledge. There are so many more things to consider, and the one I struggle with the most is pricing my program. Say you need the signature of a primary care physician on a medical form. How many counselors will be present during each session? Without attempting to be convincing or demanding, I individually spoke to every member of the team to ensure a) they fully understood that the company was moving forward with a virtual camp plan, and b) to communicate that the pace and effort required to pull it all off is not going to be easy or incredibly enjoyable. Is the location convenient? I have gone through your blog and found it useful. Summer camp letters are a great way to open up a dialogue with the parents of your campers. You have to consider your budget, your camp’s setting, and your staffing situation before you can answer these questions, as day camps and overnight camps have very different financial considerations to keep in mind. There are quite a few tried-and-true camp icebreakers. For instance, you’ll need to collect signatures in your form, so using an E-signature widget is a must. Focusing on the roadblocks may very well propel you and your team to overwhelming negativity - believing that operating a virtual camp is impossible. What is an example schedule for each session? Based on your experience this past week at camp, would you recommend a Drobots program to family friends who have children? If international staffers are going to be working in the United States, they’re going to need a visa. Or maybe you own the land. Busy parents see summer camp as a huge boon. Camp is fun and so much more! Some efficient camp staffs have a detailed chore chart, and everyone pitches in to clean. It can also help children develop skills. So it’s important to optimize your site to gain search engine traffic. Get campers excited for summer camp with great looking online forms! The toolkit is a resource for both proactive public relations and crisis communications. The older the campers, the more challenging they are. You want to make sure that parents are aware this activity is happening ahead of the camp experience and that they grant permission for their child to participate in this activity. Thank you so much for putting everything in a detailed manner. Taking summer camp registration online allows campers to fill out any necessary forms and send their registration payment to you quickly. Keeping application information and payment information together allows you to easily contact the camper if there are any issues with their payment. It is not controllable and therefore a distraction. By the time you get it built, they'll want something new.". summer camps are great for kids. You can easily set up a five-day long camp session with one parent handling supervision duties each day. Need to quickly compare two applications? Will campers participate in any activities that could potentially damage a computer or its components (painting, water etc.)? Using testimonials from past campers, heartwarming imagery from past installments of your camp (if applicable), and information about you and your background is great way to convey your camp as a kind of a family — one that’s passionate about improving the lives of its campers. Phone: 765-342-8456 And, it’s definitely not a traditional camp model, a model that has been the backbone of the camp industry. This widget can also easily be configured to fit in with the look of your form. Camp Google Who: Ages 7 to 10 Cost: FREE When: July 13 to August 7 What: Camp Google is a four-week online summer camp designed to get kids exploring by asking questions about the world around them.The intro brings up some interesting questions like, "Why can't I tickle myself?" An example: many hands-on robotics or STEM programs require a counselor to be physically present in order to help guide or to teach campers how to use a mouse, define an HTML tag, or demonstrate how to press Command-Shift-Tab. Do you want your camp to emphasize art? With JotForm, their medical records will be safe. Want your camp to remain a presence in your campers’ lives year-round? Camp directors do not become camp directors without having worked just about every job or position the summer camp industry presents. While you need business knowledge to start a camp, such expertise likely isn’t a camp manager’s primary skill. Your camp may run in the summer, but your marketing plan should be running at all times. Narrow that list down into younger-aged and older-aged children. How will our team communicate with parents if a camper is upset or falls down and becomes injured in any way during the session? The easiest way to identify how you may provide the most value is to begin with the camper and how she will experience the delivery of your program. Offer an online summer camp registration form, if possible. Here at Drobots, we have never been reliant on surveys unless 1) the survey is conducted after the camper completes the camp program, and 2) the survey questions are extremely simple to answer and provide us with meaningful data. Eliminate these programs. Is the camp a live video stream or is it pre-recorded? Get connected to the marketing and business resources and information you need. 5. If the people in your area don’t have a certain type of summer camp, note that deficiency when deciding on summer camp ideas. Get started with a few of our summer camp feedback form templates — then customize the form to fit your camp’s specific needs. Culture begins not with your product, but with your company’s leadership, core values, and mission statement. In other words, the pre-camp surveys and polls are forcing parents to provide you with feedback on a virtual event that a) they are hoping never has to occur, and b) a deliverable that is almost impossible to value before it happens. Most people who have traveled outside of the U.S. understand how visas work, but this article gives some information about how they work at camps. Overall, the opportunities for fun are endless. In-person high fives, fist bumps, or encouraging pats on the back. So long as you set your own expectations and those of the campers and families you will become a savior for families who truly need organization, structure, and enjoyable learning for their children. In general, try to hire staff members who are easygoing and fun to work with. Not only will it get allow future camps to connect with your staff and mission, but it’s a great branding boost — make sure to bring flyers and printed materials. Is it Wifi or do you use an ethernet cord? An example of two out of a total of three survey questions we ask parents (after their camper completes a program with us), are: Answer Choices: (a) Below Expectations (b) Met Expectations (c) Exceed Expectations. Parents need a way to get in touch with you and your staff. The summer’s over and you’re away from the day-to-day of camp management. Then when a master camp/company change has to be made, you can update only the website or online PDF (and associated link), write a very short email to parents, and point them back to that portal of information - letting them know what bullet point to read to view the change(s). This extends to social media as well. So how will you transition and change the current, pre-camp model of online or remote learning into a true summer camp model. When it comes to sending their child off to camp, parents have concerns. Here are a few tips and ideas of how to host a summer camp in your area. Going in with a plan can take the stress off you and your staff and keep the days moving so that campers are always engaged and having fun. Act One Theatre Camp: Kids ages 6–15 can spend the summer … So, whether you’re having a little fun with your kids, running a homeschooling co-op, or enterprising to create your our own summer camp at home, this is the perfect solution. These programs may be run. I have created a bond amoung them. Regardless, you will need to collect waivers, especially if you are planning excursions and day trips. Summer camps must be careful when collecting medical forms. Camper satisfaction surveys give you valuable information from two sources. What equipment are you going to need — and what sort of space does this equipment require? What are you qualifications? It keeps children on task and keeps your camp organized, so that there’s never wasted time. And it’s easy to forget about, but having plenty of purified water at your camp is vital for cleanliness and hydration. Since camps are typically a great option for busy, working parents, you want the location of your camp to work with their busy schedules. Collect information, payments, and signatures with custom online forms. Camp directors across the country are grappling with the two questions: For over 100 years, summer camp programs have spent the months leading up to June preparing to operate on-location programs for kids, pre-teens, and teens. Separate the computer-based/STEM programs from the traditional camp offerings and instead focus on what you may be able to operate with come creativity and flexibility. Why did you want to open a camp in the first place? Well if there’s one thing young people like, it’s social media. Will a smartphone, tablet, PC, Mac, Chromebook work? Most importantly, all camp owners and directors are building the equivalent of an airplane as it is being flown, so there is no time to waste on interpreting data that could prove to be misleading and detrimental to your company’s solvency. For more information, check out the American Camp Association’s Releases and Related Issues page. You’ve just run a great summer camp — but you’ve rented out your camp area for the whole year. How are you going to fit all of that fine print on one online form? 5000 State Road 67 North Do you have a headset and microphone to enhance your voice and your ability to hear the campers? I have heard from hundreds of teachers how challenging it has been to deliver their curriculum online. You can add your own survey questions or modify the existing ones. According to research by Harvard’s Graduate School of Education, students lose 2.6 months of Math and reading skills over the summer months. Does the computer have a webcam (internal or external). — will be in one place. After all, overseeing the sauce simmering may be the most fun part of an in-person cooking camp experience. Use the power of your unique engagement and inevitable role of mentor to encourage the campers to be proactive around the house, well before parents intervene. Though getting a summer camp up and running is easier than you might expect, there is still a great deal of paperwork to do during the process. Include past testimonials. Sports? You could create a form asking parents what they want out of a camp — what do they want their children to learn, what logistical considerations do they have, and what do they feel is missing from current camp offerings? This extends to payment information too. Over-deliver with continuous breaks throughout the daily sessions or block of time you have with the campers. Your experience? You don’t want to finish collecting your campers’ medical information and learn that you haven’t been HIPAA compliant. As a nationwide leader in the camp industry for close to 25 years (on location and over the web), we are here to help guide you through the design process on how best to formulate a step-by-step action plan so you may deliver and execute a successful virtual camp experience for your camp model, your team of counselors, and most importantly for your camp families. At-Home Outdoor Fun & Nature Camp. This is not a surprise, because this is what we all live for - summer camp! Still, you need to find the right people to market to and come up with a summer camp marketing plan that reaches these parents. Create a Summer Journal with these Daily Writing Prompts. They can also be integrated into other third-party HIPAA-compliant apps, such as Google Sheets and Salesforce. These are worth saving. Summer camp website directories. Waivers, releases, and consent forms can be wordy. The end result may exceed expectations: parents and friends watching the camper’s food network show, while the onus is placed on the adult to actually conduct the cutting, cooking or baking. It can be an enriching experience for campers and staff alike as they get to experience new cultures. At ACA, we believe that camp experiences are enriched when we gather, share, and use evidence about campers, staff, and camp programs. Do not expect the majority of them to fully (or even partially) understand what it is you are proposing or even how you will accomplish and implement a completely flipped mode. Take that energy (or lack thereof) and reverse it. We all fully recognized there was no way to create an apples-to-apples and hands-on transition, but we were energized realizing that, with some creative thought, there may be an abundance of innovative ways to transition a hands-on program and keep it alive for this summer. Whether you want to regularly distribute this survey or give it to campers only at the end of the summer, you’ll need a robust platform that can handle the many data points gathered from your campers’ responses. Join our weekly newsletter, ACA Now, to get the latest news, updates, and professional development opportunities delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. From virtual STEM camps, DIY craft camps, to computer coding camps… Check in with them before the summer begins to assure they’ve figured out their travel plans. JotForm makes it easy for users to build HIPAA-compliant forms. With some know-how, it’s pretty simple to create a comprehensive waiver, consent, or release form in JotForm. What about day trips? So, as a team, we were all able to adopt the fact that if camp goes on as normal, we will be able to make last minute adjustments and figure it all out. In sum, this is the time to focus not only on your camp model and presentation, but also on any and all special moments or services you are able to provide to your families. JotForm comes with a variety of features to make the online form building process easy and effective for businesses of all types. A summer camp’s rigid schedule can help you create structure for your kids and yourself by planning camp activities hour by hour. By Tracey Dowdy. There’s a lot to keep track of when it comes to running a camp, but you definitely don’t want to overlook the most important question: Are my campers actually enjoying themselves? Summer is here, and nothing gets beach lovers, adventure seekers, and school children as excited as this season can. If applicable, add some quotes from past campers. Scheduling the activities at your camp on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis is crucial for effective camp management. So, what exactly is a virtual camp, how do you transition and what are the new and realistic expectations? Our job is to figure out what they're going to want before they do. summer camps are great for kids. But keeping in touch with campers is easy and so important when it comes to retention. Then, hanging these flyers up at, say, local schools or libraries can catch the eye of parents. However, this season is different. Go out of your way to determine how you may create a positive moment to make everyone feel extra special this summer. Interested in becoming a volunteer with ACA? Culture: Your underlying culture should not change. What type of technology will families need to access the virtual camp platform. We have been overly transparent about all of the intricate details that may actually trump the flexibility and simplicity of working from home. ACA was not involved in the creation of this content and does not imply an endorsement of products/services. If there are multiple popular sports summer camps in your area, it might not be the best idea to start another sports summer camp. Have you ever used an online video platform to teach? Maybe you’ll give up some space for the chance to put your camp in a convenient location. It sets them at ease, gives them the information they need, and lets them know that you’re accessible and approachable. Think about how you and your camp can create special “peak” moments to “wow” the campers and parents. It's so important not to just hire based on previous experience, skills and certifications - those are important considerations but don't tell the whole picture! And, as with any marketing plan, put money in what works. Your policy should respect the freedom of camp, treat children fairly, and promote better behavior for all campers. We suggest that you be overly intentional about the duration of time you will spend online with the campers. Or even add feedback from parents of previous campers. Moreover, a virtual program may not simply be for everyone in your organization. Once you’ve developed a solid business plan for your camp, make sure you’re pricing your camp fairly. Second, dedicate some time to make yourself available for parents and campers to meet you before the start of the virtual camp session. This includes the following: Over the past few months and most likely, children have been around their parents more than any other period of time since toddler age. Plus, it puts worried parents’ minds at ease. Some of the breaks we have instituted and will continue to develop are similar to those we would do in an in-person camp setting. But when you’re running a camp, you’re running a business. From there, analyze and determine that you may need to offer more programs to younger campers, since their parents need supervision and activities for their children the most. How to create an online virtual camp for kids and avoid stereotypes Virtual Online Summer Camps and Avoiding Stereotypes. With these numbers in mind, it’s important to remember that every camp is different and profit margins tend to vary greatly between camps, regardless of type. Virtual camp sessions can provide kids with a sense of community and consistency during the crisis. Keep in mind logistical considerations. Martinsville, IN 46151-7902 When planning an at-home summer camp outdoor activities are a must. Give your contact information. What are your camp traditions? All of the tips so far have been applicable to both online and offline registration forms. This is a difficult decision that depends on plenty of factors. A 501(c)(3) Organization. This camp can be tailored to fit YOUR schedule. All good things must come to an end — and summer camp is no different. While you can use digital tools — including copious internet research — to look for possible locations, you’ll still have to get out into the world and look for a space on your own two feet. Whatever stimulates conversation among staff members is best. For instance, if a camper needs to take a certain medication regularly, you can make sure that routine is being observed and that the camper is properly following any medical protocols. Let us help! Pricing too low not only sends a message that the camp experience isn’t valuable, but it also makes you lose out on important revenue opportunities. But including a broad overview adds some color to your letter and gives entertaining context. This is, of course, a vital expense, though it’s worth carefully calibrating staff salaries in relation to registration fees so that you can continue to pay your staff fairly while setting up your camp to be profitable. You’ll also need to institute a system that ensures these policies are followed for the duration of camp. Consider your budget. It’s time to create an online virtual summer camp for kids and avoid the stereotypes you are destined to face. You must first take into account the expenses that come from running your camp longer — and whether this will impact the quality of your camp. However, this realization may frustrate you -knowing that part of running a cooking camp is the time that campers are allowed to have “control” and use the burner/oven. The infographic below summarizes the year-round responsibilities of a camp director. Getting outside how to create an online summer camp being active and having fun company ’ s built for human.! Each and every interaction between customer and employee/business owner ensure everyone is happy and programs. Present at the end of the highest expenses that comes with running a profitable camp children. 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