A 'HINT' with Parent Input - Joanna Warren Smith
In Camp-Parent Focus Groups this Summer...
New Parents agreed that overall communication from day and resident camps was good while Returning Parents thought they were improved. And that's good news.
Moms and dads also said that they hoped for more ‘progress reports' in skill development areas, especially swimming and they definitely would like to have a ‘wrap up’ of their child’s experience when their summer concluded. Based on this critical input, you may be able to fine tune for the upcoming summer.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Revitalize Your Parent Communication Plan. Is it step by step, from the day they enroll through each pre, during and post camp phase? Messages should be presented in a ‘professionally playful style’, have relevant subject lines, concise content and be easily understood. Taking the time to refresh these communications will be most appreciated by returning parents who will have seen them all before and will tend not to read them if they look like last year’s versions.
Bring Back Swim Instruction! Parents have been complaining for years that ‘camps are abdicating their responsibility to teach swimming!’ And they’re right, because it is complicated and expensive to staff and offer a quality instructional program, but those camps that do, reap the benefits. Ideally, as campers progress in swimming, archery, sailing or softball, it is to your advantage to let parents know. Many dads have called this their ‘return on investment’ and they say it is a great motivator to send the child back the subsequent year.
Provide Parents with an Experience Summary. In private camps, it used to be the tradition that each parent would receive a personal letter from the Director about each child after camp ended. It was a great retention tool, but now it’s less likely to happen for a myriad of reasons. But the concept is still very appealing to parents and can be done in a manageable way. See the attached ‘report card’ submitted by Michelle Crocker from Camp Cheerio. Thanks Michelle!
Address these elements before the end of the year to ensure that you'll deliver a ‘noticeably improved product’ in 2023! Go for it!
Let's set up a time to talk! Call 213-256-6434 or email me at campconsulting@charter.net
