LEARN

LEARNING FROM RECENT CAMP MARKETING TRENDS

Inspired by ongoing conversations with leading camp marketing professionals, we share ideas and strategies that drive successful branding and engagement with families. This month, Mike Chan of Pedalheads shares his thoughts on trends he’s seen in the last few years and how their marketing team is responding.

“2021 was absolutely crazy in terms of the pent-up demand, and we saw exponential growth in all markets. Through 2023, people worked from home more, not necessarily needing as much care. We saw a shift in 2024 where more parents are now back in the office. They're just needing more all-day care, or maybe just care in general. We’re working to understand that need, and it’s important to structure what your campaigns revolve around, knowing what those customers really want.

“We also see a growing change in climate awareness. Especially for outdoor camps like ours, heat is becoming a factor in parents' decision-making as well. If they think it's going to be hotter in the afternoon, there can be a preference for a morning camp versus an afternoon camp.

“We’re learning this from data we gather. When you look at changes in data, is it growing? Is it split? You always need to look at user behaviour, what people are actually searching for on your website and also what they're actually booking and putting their wallet against as well. Understanding those changes, staying close to it, is critical, as are surveys and simply talking to your customers. We can also gather data through many online tools such as HubSpot and SendGrid, the email platforms that we use.”

ACT

SUBMIT A PHOTO THAT EPITOMIZES YOUR CAMP EXPERIENCE

As you reflect on this summer, we invite you to send us that one photo that truly captures the spirit of your camp. We’ve already received many submissions but we’re always looking for more options, as we begin planning for the 28th annual Our Kids Camp and Program Guide. This opportunity is free for all active Our Kids members.

1. Pick one great photo that conveys your camp’s uniqueness.
2. Submit that one photo to [email protected].
3. We’ll consider every submission and include those that fit in our annual magazine, with 300,000 readers nationwide.

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Top 14 questions to ask camps We all want to help parents find the camps that work best for their family. With that in mind, Our Kids gives parents a guidebook with questions that probe deeply into camps’ offerings, structure, policies, and other features: 14 in all. Share this on your Facebook page or other social media to give parents great questions that will help them choose the right camps for their children.