Our Kids go to Camp

A monthly pulse report on the industry we’re all part of.

Camp and Program Member | August 2025


INSIGHT

FIVE TIPS TO HELP COLLECT HIGH-IMPACT CAMPER AND PARENT REVIEWS NOW

Long-form reviews showcase your camp’s value to prospective families because they include more specifics, are often more heartfelt, and give people full context. For example, this review of Northway-Wendigo helps parents and kids picture the experience. It’ll influence families more than any marketing message you write yourself. Bring your camp to life for people by making sure your profile is rich with these stories.

To help you along, here are eight ways to encourage families to submit their review to OurKids.net.


  1. Ask right after camp ends or make it part of your survey or re-registration process

    Send a “Thank You” email to all parents the week after camp, while memories are still fresh. Include the OurKids.net review link front and centre, with prompts to spark detail, like: What was your child’s favourite moment? What growth did you notice in them?

    Alternatively, at the end of your end-of-camp survey, include a button to the OurKids.net review form. For returning families registering for next summer, invite them to reflect on and fully articulate why they’re coming back — and share it publicly.

  2. Tap into your biggest fans or ask your staff to identify happy families

    Reach out to parents who have already posted glowing reviews on Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews, or other platforms. Thank them for their kind words, and invite them to copy and expand their review for OurKids.net. Use a direct, personal approach: “We loved your feedback on Google. Would you be willing to share it on OurKids.net so more families can learn about our programming?”

    Older campers and CITs could write a great camper-perspective review. Teens can be very persuasive in describing the social life and adventure of camp.

    Counselors and program leaders often know who had a particularly great experience. Ask them to pass along names so you can follow up with a personal invitation to review.

  3. Use social media calls-to-action

    Post on your camp’s Facebook and Instagram pages asking alumni and current families to share their stories on OurKids.net and Camps.ca. Include a photo from the summer and the direct review link so it’s one click away.

  4. Highlight examples to inspire others

    Share your favourite OUR KIDS reviews or video interviews in your newsletter and on social media to show how much they mean to you — and subtly nudge others to contribute their own.

  5. Make it easy for them

    Always give families the direct review link: www.ourkids.net/camp/camp-review.php. Let them know it takes just a few minutes to complete, it includes prompts that will help them elaborate on all aspects of your programming, and their review will help get the word out to a broader audience of parents making camp decisions.


Why it matters

Thousands of parents researching camps read reviews on OurKids.net and Camps.ca. It’s a critical part of how parents discover and gain a full picture of your camp or program. Long-form, story-driven feedback doesn’t just add credibility—it builds emotional connection. Actively encourage reviews from your happiest parents and campers to create a lasting, enriched record of what makes your camp great.


ACT

NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO COLLECT REVIEWS

Another summer’s coming to a close. Kids and families have had powerful experiences with your programming. Share those fresh experiences on OurKids.net and Camps.ca to help more families choose you with confidence next year. 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 OurKids.net and Camps.ca Reviews


Log in to your admin panel now to book your Insider Video — another powerful way to showcase your story.


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