LEARN

THE ANATOMY OF A GREAT CAMP OR PROGRAM REVIEW

Think about the most powerful camp or program reviews you've ever read. The ones that stirred a strong emotion within you. The ones that inspired you to take action and enrol your child. What was it about those reviews that struck such a profound chord? It wasn’t a list of activities and amenities or even photos of smiling kids. Those things don’t move us to act. We’re wired for something different. We want reviews that articulate the human core of the experience. The transformation is what connects with people.

Specifically, the best reviews share the following key elements:

• Authenticity. Great reviews are genuine. They're by real people, driven to write about their experiences. If it’s a video review, it’s not polished, production-grade, or smoothly rehearsed. A real review is more likely captured on a webcam or a phone, with the person speaking off the cuff, with real emotion. A powerful review captures the excitement as the person reminisces about that epic capture-the-flag game or the teacher who helped them connect with a difficult concept.
• Specificity. Generic can die on the vine. A great review is specific. It recalls precise moments, mentions the names of staff members, and paints a vivid picture. Details let people picture themselves in the experience. That’s why Our Kids’ reviews probe beyond comments like “It was awesome” to articulate what was great, why, and how it affected people.
• In the right context. Where a review is read matters. Testimonial-like reviews consumed on your website are expected. But when people research programs on a platform like OurKids.net, merely wondering which ones to choose, they’re open to being inspired. Caught off guard, they’re unexpectedly moved. The impartial space gives that honest, specific review room to live and breathe.

The reviews you collect on OurKids.net and Camps.ca are invaluable. They resonate with and inspire families to take that next step toward an experience that could change their children’s lives.

ACT

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO COLLECT NEW REVIEWS

As another summer comes to a close, kids and families have had powerful experiences with your programming. Share those fresh experiences on Our Kids to help more families choose you with confidence. Our seven-point review format captures the essence of your camp or program from multiple perspectives—parents, participants, and alumni.

They’ll share their insights on

• Their overall experience
• Leadership and staff effectiveness
• The unique value you offer
• The quality and variety of your programs and activities
• The opportunities you provide for skills development and personal growth
• The social dynamics and environment

NEXT STEP: Add more User Reviews

• Share this link with alumni, parents and participants and ask them to submit a long-form review.
• Read the User Review toolkit for advice, practical tips, and customizable email templates to send to prospective reviewers.

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SHARE-WORTHY CONTENT

Engaging content, crafted for you and your future students & campers.

7 ways summer camp will change you We think every member has a stake in promoting the singular experience offered by overnight camp. It’s camp’s quintessence. Every child deserves this adventure. It alters kids, making them more mature and grounded; its unique combination of personal challenge and fun turns them into a fuller version of themselves. This essay combines images from more than 25 years of Our Kids’ photography, exploring how overnight camp propels kids forward in 7 critical aspects of personal development.