summer camp content strategy

Summer Camp Content Strategy: Optimized Email and Social Media Guide

Summer camp content strategy takes planning and intention. This resource is designed to help camps get a start in crafting engaging content that keeps families informed, excited, and connected throughout the year.

By aligning your email, social media, and video content with seasonal priorities, you can:

  • Increase early registrations with strategic messaging
  • Enhance engagement through engaging social media and video content
  • Build trust by addressing safety, staff introductions, and FAQs
  • Foster long-term loyalty with post-camp communication and community building

Beginning in Spring, each month in this guide is designed to focus on a key theme and objective, ensuring your email, social media, and video marketing strategy is impactful and well-timed.

Month-by-Month Summer Camp Content Strategy from Spring through Winter

Pre-Camp

March – Reinforce Safety & Security

Priority: Reassure families about your camp’s safety measures

Email Focus: Safety protocols, certifications, and testimonials from past campers

Social Media Ideas: “Meet the Nurse” post, behind-the-scenes look at emergency preparedness, parent Q&A sessions

Video Ideas: Tour of health facilities, interview with camp nurses, safety FAQ videos

April – Packing & Camp Prep

Priority: Help families prepare for a seamless camp experience

Email Focus: Packing checklists, organizational tips, and video guides

Social Media Ideas: “What’s in My Camp Bag?” posts from campers/staff, countdown graphics for camp start dates

Video Ideas: Packing tips video, “What NOT to Bring” fun skit, first-time camper survival guide

May – Meet the Staff

Summer Camp Content Strategy Priority: Build familiarity and trust with camp families

Email Focus: Staff introductions, personal stories, and virtual meet-and-greet opportunities

Social Media Ideas: “Staff Spotlight” posts, Instagram Stories featuring staff answering fun questions

Video Ideas: One-minute intro videos from counselors, montage of returning staff members sharing why they love camp

In Camp

June – Pre-Camp Orientation & FAQs

Priority: Answer common questions before camp begins

Email Focus: Orientation details, FAQs, and helpful camp resources

Social Media Ideas: Interactive Q&A sessions, “Camp Myth Busting” posts, polls on what campers are most excited about

Video Ideas: Virtual orientation walk-through, camper tips from alumni, “What to Expect at Camp” explainer video

July – Live Camp Updates & Highlights

Priority: Keep families engaged during camp

Email Focus: Weekly updates, camper stories, and event announcements

Social Media Ideas: Daily photo albums, “Camper of the Day” features, Instagram Story takeovers by staff

Video Ideas: Recap reels of the week’s activities, camper interviews about their favorite moments

August – Post-Camp Reflection & Feedback

Summer Camp Content Strategy Priority: Gather insights and wrap up the camp season

Email Focus: Post-camp surveys, memory-sharing, and gratitude messages

Social Media Ideas: “Favorite Camp Memory” posts, appreciation posts for staff and campers, engagement polls on next year’s themes

Video Ideas: Camp highlight reel, camper thank-you messages, testimonials about what camp meant to them

Post-Camp

September – Kickstart Next Year’s Registration

Priority: Generate excitement for the upcoming summer

Email Focus: Announce early bird registration, offer loyalty discounts, and share success stories

Social Media Ideas: Countdown to next year’s registration, “Why You Should Sign Up Early” posts, flashback videos

Video Ideas: “A Look Back at Summer” highlight reel, interviews with staff on what’s coming next year

October – Promote Seasonal Activities & Events

Priority: Keep engagement high with fall activities

Email Focus: Halloween events, fall festivals, and campfire night invitations

Social Media Ideas: “Spooky Campfire Stories” posts, costume contest promos, fall-themed scavenger hunts

Video Ideas: Campfire story readings, fall fest recap video, pumpkin carving contest time-lapse

November – Express Gratitude & Build Community

Priority: Strengthen relationships with camp families

Email Focus: Camper success stories, gratitude reflections, and charity initiatives

Social Media Ideas: “Thankful Thursday” posts, giving back campaigns, camper/staff appreciation postsVideo Ideas: Staff gratitude messages, camper reflections on what they’re thankful for, community outreach highlights

December – Winter Camp & Holiday Fun

Summer Camp Content Strategy Priority: Promote winter camp options and festive events

Email Focus: Winter camp programs, holiday-themed activities, and winter safety tips

Social Media Ideas: “12 Days of Camp” countdown, winter holiday-themed engagement posts, throwback to summer

Video Ideas: Holiday greetings from staff, sneak peek into winter camp activities, festive DIY crafts for campers

January – Drive Early Registrations

Priority: Encourage sign-ups with exclusive incentives

Email Focus: Early bird discounts, parent testimonials, and registration benefits

Social Media Ideas: Countdown posts, alumni spotlights, “Why Camp?” testimonials from past campers

Video Ideas: Short testimonial videos from families who registered early, behind-the-scenes footage of camp prep

February – Showcase Activities & Programs

Priority: Build excitement for the camp experience

Email Focus: Feature camp activities, sneak peeks, and specialized programs

Social Media Ideas: Weekly feature posts on different activities, “Would You Rather?” polls about favorite camp activities

Video Ideas: Quick video demos of popular activities, staff Q&A sessions about programming

Bring Summer Camp Content Strategy All Together

A strong summer camp content strategy doesn’t just fill inboxes and social feeds—it builds relationships, trust, and excitement. By planning ahead and aligning your emails, social media, and video content with key moments throughout the year, you’re creating an experience that keeps families engaged long before and long after camp ends.

Whether you’re boosting registrations, sharing the magic of camp in real time, or reflecting on an unforgettable season, every message you send shapes how families and campers connect with your program. Keep it thoughtful, keep it engaging, and most importantly—keep it fun!

With a well-planned approach, your camp’s voice will be one that families look forward to hearing all year long.