In this article, we’ll explore how to create successful email marketing and newsletter campaigns for your summer camps.
We’ll discuss how to:
About the author: Hi! My name is Olivier and for over a decade now, I’ve been managing a kids’s sports programs in Montreal & Ottawa. I quickly realized that most email marketing tools weren’t designed with our industry in mind. And very expensive as you grow. Let’s take a look at how a sports and recreation-specific email marketing tool can increase the return on investment from email marketing.
Activity Messenger is also a complete Summer Camp Management Software and an alternative to IclassPro and Jackrabbit.
Book a demo to learn more.
Creating a summer camp newsletter is a simple three-step process:
How Activity Messenger improves email communication for summer camps and why it’s one of the best and cheapest ways to market your summer camp.
📌 Pro Tip: A marketing strategy we use is to temporarily exclude camper already registered for an upcoming camp from receiving certain marketing emails. This means fewer emails for our families. It’s working well – more people are opening our emails and fewer are unsubscribing.
Email marketing and camp newsletters are much more than just filling out your camp for the summer. Parents and campers expect more from their communications. Here are some ideas to include in your different outreach leading to camp and during camp.
Your welcome message is the first thing the camper sees, so make it counts. Share a personal anecdote, an unforgettable moment from camp, or a sneak peek at what’s to come. This section should make your readers feel valued and connected right from the start.
These are the things that keep your camp thriving. Have you recently upgraded your kayaks or built a new climbing wall? Are you introducing a new wildlife education program? Updates like these keep your community informed and excited about your camp’s growth and offerings.
It could be a camper overcoming a fear of heights or a group organizing a successful camp cleanup. Use vivid descriptions and quotes to bring these stories to life, and consider including a photo or drawing that captures the moment in time.
Whether it’s a highly anticipated summer show, an upcoming field trip or pizza day, or an early bird registration deadline, keep your community in the loop. Use clear, bold dates and a visually appealing layout to make sure these key moments stand out.
Offer words of wisdom from your experience and practical advice parents would want to hear about. This could include a « what to pack » list that goes beyond the basics, tips on how to deal with homesickness, or creative ways to stay in touch with friends from camp. Not only does this section add value to the campers, but it also reinforces your role as a caring and knowledgeable leader in the camp community.
Everyone loves to feel like an insider, and this section gives your readers that exclusive glimpse behind the curtain. Share the creative process behind choosing the summer’s camp theme, the challenges and triumphs of building a new campfire site, or a day in the life of a camp counselor.
Photos are powerful storytellers that can capture the joy, excitement, and serenity of camp life. Choose images that reflect your camp’s diversity. Be sure to include captions that provide context and invite the reader to see themselves in these moments.
The inclusion of feedback and testimonials in your newsletter does more than showcase positive reviews; it opens a dialogue with your camp community. Share both rave reviews and how you’ve addressed constructive feedback. It’s also a great time to ask for testimonials and stories of how the camp has helped or touched a child or children.
Your newsletter should not only inform, but also engage. Clear calls to action invite your readers to become an active part of your camp’s story. Whether it’s registering for the next session, volunteering for an event, or filling out a camp survey, make it easy for your readers to take the next step.
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📌 Pro Tip: After implementing this communication in our welcome email, we saw an increase in customer satisfaction and retention, and a decrease of over 40% in customer support emails a few days before camp starts.
When it comes to selecting email marketing tools for camps, cost efficiency is key.
Activity Messenger stands out as an affordable choice for summer camps.
Choose Activity Messenger for a cost-effective, feature-rich email marketing solution tailored for summer camps.
Activity Messenger can do much more for your Summer Camps
Modern Summer Camp Software
Online Camp Registration Form
Best Summer Camp Software
Digital Waivers for Summer camps
Sending bulk SMS for Camps
Attendance tracking for summer camps
Welcome email for camps
Onboarding Summer Camp Staff
Summer Camp Quotes
