The weeks before camp hold immense potential to create momentum and build camper excitement for camp. When you generate enthusiasm early, you transform the overall camp experience. Campers arrive ready to dive into the fun, make new friends, and fully engage in everything your program offers. You not only foster anticipation, you also strengthen their emotional connection to camp, making it a place they look forward to year after year. Whether you’re engaging campers for the first time or rekindling excitement for returning families, here are actionable strategies to get everyone pumped before opening day.
Host a Virtual Open House
A virtual open house is one of the best ways to provide families and campers with a preview of what to expect. This event introduces your camp culture, programs, and facilities in an engaging, accessible format. Hosting it live creates opportunities for parents and campers to ask questions and interact with camp directors.
Incorporate elements that highlight your camp’s uniqueness. For instance:
- Share videos of your most popular activities, like ropes courses, archery, or water sports.
- Host a short Q&A with camp counselors so families get to know the people who will care for their kids.
- Use virtual tools like Zoom or YouTube Live to include breakout rooms for smaller, themed discussions (e.g., first-time campers, sports-focused programs, or leadership training).
Follow up the event by sending a thank-you email with a recap video and answers to any unanswered questions. This gives families who missed it a chance to participate and provides an evergreen resource for those on the fence about registering.
Send a Countdown Email Series
A well-planned email series keeps your camp top of mind in the weeks leading up to summer. These emails don’t need to be long—just enough to build camper excitement for camp and remind families of the fun ahead. Use each email to deliver something different, such as:
- Tips for first-time campers: Share packing lists, advice for dealing with homesickness, and what to expect on the first day.
- Activity highlights: Showcase a “program of the week” with photos or videos of favorites like canoeing, arts and crafts, or talent shows.
- Camp traditions: Explain special moments, campfire traditions, or end-of-session awards ceremonies.
End every email with a countdown tracker (e.g., “Only 12 days until camp begins!”) to build anticipation. To make it personal, include short notes from camp counselors, directors, or even returning campers sharing why they can’t wait to see everyone again.
Curate a Custom Camp Playlist
Music has an incredible ability to evoke emotion and energy, making it an effective way to build camper excitement for camp. Work with your team to put together a playlist that reflects the energy and spirit of your camp. Consider including:
- Campfire classics that every camper should know.
- Fun, upbeat songs tied to your camp’s theme or traditions.
- Popular kid-friendly hits that campers are already familiar with.
Once complete, share the playlist on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. Encourage families to play it during road trips or as part of their pre-camp preparations. For returning campers, the playlist can bring back fond memories, while first-timers will start associating the music with the fun ahead.
To go a step further, challenge campers to submit song suggestions or vote for a “Camp Song of the Year.” Announce the winner on the first day of camp to make it an interactive experience.
Mail Out Pre-Camp Postcards
Few things bring joy to a camper’s day like receiving mail, and a pre-camp postcard can create excitement long before the first day. Personalize each postcard with a photo of your camp or a group of happy campers in action. Write a cheerful message from the camp director or their assigned counselor. For instance:
“Hi [Camper’s Name],
We can’t wait to see you at camp this summer! Get ready for fun activities like [specific activity], meeting new friends, and our awesome campfire nights. Only a couple months/weeks to go—we’re counting down the minutes!”
These postcards serve as tangible reminders of the upcoming adventure and show campers that they’re already part of the camp community. For families, this personal touch speaks volumes about your camp’s commitment to creating a welcoming environment.
Organize Pre-Camp Meetups
Building a sense of community before camp begins can make a huge difference, especially for first-time campers. Pre-camp meetups allow kids to meet their peers and begin forming friendships in a casual, low-pressure setting. Arrange these gatherings at parks, local recreation centers, or other family-friendly spaces in the communities you serve.
To make the meetups memorable:
- Plan a few structured activities, such as icebreaker games or team-building exercises.
- Provide name tags or camp-themed shirts to make it easier for kids to connect.
- Introduce some of your camp staff so families can put faces to names.
Pre-camp meetups not only help campers feel more comfortable but also strengthen trust among parents. They’ll feel reassured knowing their children are already forming bonds with both staff and peers.
Post a Daily Countdown on Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool to build engagement, and a daily countdown is an easy yet effective way to build camper excitement for camp as opening day approaches. Use your camp’s Instagram, Facebook accounts to post daily updates in the final 10 days before camp.
Here are a few ideas for what to share:
- Photos of past campers enjoying signature activities.
- Behind-the-scenes glimpses of camp preparations (e.g., staff decorating cabins or assembling supplies).
- Fun polls or quizzes, like “Which activity are you most excited for: archery, swimming, or arts and crafts?”
Engage with your audience by encouraging campers and parents to comment or tag their friends. These posts keep your camp visible, remind families of all the fun to come, and ensure campers feel involved in the lead-up to camp.
Launch a Snapchat Geofilter
Older campers love sharing their experiences on social media, and a custom Snapchat geofilter adds a fun and interactive touch. Design a filter that features your camp’s name, colors, and maybe a mascot or fun tagline. Launch it during pre-camp meetups, or activate it a few days before camp officially begins to encourage families to share their excitement.
Hold a Pre-Camp Rally
Few things rival the excitement of an in-person rally to build camper excitement for camp. Host a family-friendly kickoff event at your campgrounds a week or two before the first session. Plan activities that highlight your camp’s unique culture and traditions, such as:
- Friendly relay races or obstacle courses.
- Arts and crafts stations where campers can decorate their own camp gear.
- Mini skits performed by your staff to introduce camp rules and traditions.
Offer light refreshments or a picnic-style meal to encourage families to stick around and socialize. Hand out small keepsakes, like bracelets or custom stickers, to give campers something to remember the event. A rally like this generates positive energy and helps everyone feel more connected before the season begins.
Build Buzz for Your Summer Camp
Each of these strategies works together to build buzz for your summer camp while fostering excitement among campers and their families. By connecting with your audience in a variety of ways—emails, meetups, social media, and more—you create multiple touch points that strengthen the emotional bond between campers and your program.
These efforts ensure campers arrive ready to dive into the experience, setting the stage for a summer filled with joy, growth, and unforgettable memories. By creating anticipation early, you help campers feel a sense of belonging and give parents the confidence that their children will thrive in your care. When opening day finally arrives, campers will show up excited, engaged, and ready to make the most of their experience—guaranteeing a summer to remember.