IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A RESOURCE ROUNDUP FOR AUXILIARY DIRECTORS

As summer approaches, it's essential for summer and auxiliary program leaders to be well-prepared for the busy season ahead. At SPARC, we understand the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices. That's why we've put together a thoughtful collection of SPARC resources to help you transition into the summer season.

These resources include recordings of past webinars, roundtable discussions, presentation slides, reports, and tools. All of which are available to SPARC members in our Document Library along with many other valuable resources!

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

Effective personnel management is crucial for a successful summer program, as your staff plays a critical role in creating a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for campers. These resources are designed to help you build a strong, cohesive, and motivated team that is well-equipped to handle the challenges and rewards of working at a summer camp.

Staff Training

Staff training is a vital component of personnel management, as it ensures that your team members have the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to perform their roles effectively. When you invest in your staff's professional development, you can create a supportive and nurturing environment for both your team and your campers.

  
Staff Performance Evaluations

Employee evaluations are essential for providing feedback and guidance to your staff, helping them grow and improve in their roles. Evaluation methods and strategies, including performance reviews, self-assessments, and peer evaluations can help you identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth among your team members, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of your summer program.

Aligning Diversity Goals with Hiring Practices

Diversity goals in hiring practices are crucial for fostering an inclusive and welcoming camp environment. By creating a diverse team, you can better serve the needs of your campers and promote a culture of inclusion, respect, and understanding.

PROGRAMMING

Creating engaging and memorable experiences for campers is at the heart of any summer program. A well-planned and executed program can have a lasting impact on a camper's life, fostering personal growth, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. In this section, we provide resources that focus on innovative programming ideas, building a positive camp culture, and organizing special events that will leave a lasting impression on your campers, ensuring they have the best possible experience at your camp.

Make it Campy

Innovative programming ideas are essential for keeping your camp fresh, exciting, and appealing to both new and returning campers. When you make your camp “campy”, campers feel excited and eager to participate.

The Secret Sauce of Building Camp Culture

Building a positive camp culture is crucial for fostering a sense belonging and camaraderie among campers and staff. Create an inclusive and supportive environment where campers feel safe, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

  
Special Events

Organizing special events is a fantastic way to create lasting memories and enhance the overall camp experience. From themed days to talent shows and camp-wide games, these events provide fun and entertainment and help build a sense of community among campers and staff.

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Effective marketing and communication strategies during the summer season are essential to keeping your camp parents connected to their child’s experience at camp. By implementing creative and targeted marketing approaches, you can not only increase enrollment but also foster strong relationships with campers and their families.

Last Minute Summer Program Marketing Strategies

Last-minute marketing strategies can be a lifesaver when you need to fill those remaining spots in your camp. Learn how to make the most of the final weeks leading up to the camp season.

Maximizing Touchpoints in the Customer Journey

Maximizing touchpoints in the customer journey is essential for creating a positive experience for campers and their families. You can build strong relationships with your campers and their families, leading to increased satisfaction, loyalty, and word-of-mouth referrals.

Calling Campaigns

Calling campaigns can be a powerful tool for converting leads into campers. By reaching out to potential campers and their families directly, you can address their questions and concerns, provide personalized information about your camp, and ultimately, increase the likelihood of enrollment.

BUSINESS & OPERATIONS

Smooth business operations and risk management are the backbone of any successful camp. Ensuring that your camp runs efficiently and safely is essential for providing a positive experience for campers and staff alike. These resources are designed to help you navigate the complexities of camp administration and maintain a safe and well-organized environment.

Compliance

Compliance considerations are crucial for operating your camp within the bounds of local, state, and federal regulations. When you stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices, you can ensure that your camp remains in good standing and avoids potential legal issues.

The Closet Entrepreneur 

Entrepreneurship is an essential skill for camp directors looking to grow and expand their programs. Learn how to cultivate a thriving camp that consistently attracts new campers and generates revenue to support ongoing improvements and expansions.

Medication Management

Medication management is a critical component of camp safety, as many campers require prescription medications or may need over-the-counter medications during their stay. 

Your Impact

Measuring your camp's impact is essential for understanding the value of your program and identifying areas for improvement. By regularly evaluating your camp's impact, you can make data-driven decisions that lead to continuous improvement and long-term success.

Risk Management

Summer camp risk management is vital for maintaining a safe and secure environment for campers and staff. By implementing robust risk management practices, you can minimize potential hazards and ensure that your camp remains a safe and enjoyable place for all.

RENEWING YOUR CONTRACT

As you plan for the future, it's essential to make informed decisions when renewing contracts, setting salaries, and determining benefits for your camp staff. In this section, we offer valuable resources such as the 2022 Compensation Survey and information on the upcoming 2023 Report to help you make the best choices for your camp and ensure its continued success.

2022 Compensation Report

The 2022 Compensation Survey is an invaluable tool for camp directors and administrators, providing comprehensive data on salary ranges, benefits packages, and compensation trends within the camp industry. By reviewing this survey, you can gain insights into the current state of auxiliary director compensation and potentially support your own efforts in renegotiating your compensation.

Looking Ahead

In addition to the 2022 Compensation Survey, we also provide information on the upcoming 2023 Report. This report will offer an updated analysis of compensation trends and changes in the camp industry, as well as projections for the future. By staying informed about the latest developments and emerging trends, you can make strategic decisions that align with industry standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of your camp.

WISHING YOU A STRONG SUMMER 2023

From effective personnel management to smooth business operations and risk management, we have explored the importance of each component in creating a safe, engaging, and memorable experience for campers and staff alike. The resources provided in this bundle were designed to help auxiliary professionals, like you, make informed decisions that contribute to the long-term success of your programs.

As the camp industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for summer and auxiliary directors to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, best practices, and regulatory requirements. By utilizing the resources provided in this project and continually striving for improvement, you can ensure that your camp remains a thriving, inclusive, and rewarding environment for all participants.

Thank you for embarking on this journey with us, and we wish you the very best in your 2023 summer camp experiences.

-  The SPARC Team