Part 1: Thinking about Running an Online Kids camp?
Have you ever operated an online camp for kids? Are you trying to determine the best course forward? Camp directors across the country are grappling with the two questions:
- What is a virtual or remote summer camp?
- How do I start one?
Do not worry, you are not alone.
For over 100 years, summer camp programs have spent the months leading up to June preparing to operate on-location camp. Beginning around January and with the summer season “around the corner”, camp directors inevitably find themselves in a hurry-up mode to finalize all purchasing, planning, hiring, and scheduling. The annual pre-season frenzy, however, is a welcomed period of time, because it represents the norm.
Organizations have worked tirelessly throughout the decades to create their own unique and special on-location environment packed with culture, traditions, and experiences.
Nevertheless, despite all the hard work, time, and energy accompanying the pre-camp mania, it is a welcomed challenge. Although always there seems to be an endless to do list. It is chock full of both known and unknown tasks- it somehow all gets done in an impressive manner. However, camp directors have an incredibly resilient constitution. No obstacle, lack of time, nor exhaustion can prevent them from opening the camp season on schedule and with full enthusiasm. This is not a surprise, because this is what we all live for — summer camp!
Summer Is Different This Year!
However, this season is different. In fact, it is completely uncertain. While camp directors tend to thrive off of challenging situations, we are somewhat new to uncertainty. These are unprecedented times and this summer will prove to be nothing less than atypical. The master project plan and playbook have been tossed to the side as directors across the country pivot to the unknown — how to transition, replace, recreate and deliver a live camp experience into computer screens or tablets. Do you create an online camp for kids or do you close up shop?
We Are Here To Help You Start An Online Camp For Kids
With close to 25 years of experience, we are a nationwide leader (both on location and over the web). Therefore, we are here to help guide you through the design process on how best to formulate a step-by-step action plan to create an online camp for kids. Hopefully this will help you deliver and execute a successful virtual camp experience for your team of counselors, and most importantly for your camp families.