Little Red's Big Ideas

2012 CPRS Handouts

I'll make this quick since most of you just want the handouts from the FOUR super-fun sessions (well, I thought they were wonderful, I hope you had a good time) I presented at the 2012 California Park and Recreation Conference in Long Beach Last Week.  

I have been attending this Conference for almost 20 years. (I think my first CPRS conference was in San Diego in 1994 or 1995.) This conference was special, however.  Not only did I notice a young, enthusiastic audience in each of my session rooms. But, there was also a feeling of optimism that has been missing over the past few years.  There is still the bad news of still-shrinking budgets; an economy that seems super-glued to a place called "STUCK" and the fact that many park and recreation agencies disappeared altogether or have been merged (or swallowed by) other departments.  But, it also seems as if many departments have gone through the cuts required to move forward bringing HOPE back into a profession that delivers HOPE and HAPPINESS to so many Californians.  

What did you think of the atmosphere at Conference?  Do you agree that there was a sense of optimism or was I just hanging out with happy people?  Before you download the handouts, leave a comment or two to let me know your thoughts...

Download Branding using Memories

Download Awesome Apps 1 page pmlb qrcode 2012

Download Sponsors PMLB - This is a PowerPoint Presentation

I also did a Round Table at Conference.  Here are the notes used for session.   Download 30 in 30 minutes or less

Steal this Presentation!

Slideshare is such an incredible resource.  Sometimes it feels like cheating when you find a great presentation and share it with others.  Not so with this presentation called, "Steal This Presentation" which is a compelling, engaging look at the Dos and Don'ts of presentations.  

http://www.slideshare.net/suhailmirza/steal-this-presentation-from-powered-by-c3-selectnyparis

 

 

Google Sneakers? Sure, why not?

As Google celebrates its 13th anniversary (who could imagine life without the grand-daddy of search engines?) Mashable.com, in an article called "10 Great Google Accessories,"  has put together a fun list of promotional items which take Google's visual brand identity to unusual offline places and spaces.

My favorite are the Google Sneakers, but who would love a Goggle Lamp (with or without lava?)  

 

Check out the entire list of Google Branded items by clicking here.

Virtual Samples and Ideas are ALWAYS FREE!

Love Glitter? Do I have a link for you!

Animated Gifs

Keeping in mind that I know absolutely nothing about coding, I think it's pretty cool that I was able to create thatl!On a rare leisurely morning I got lost discovering a treasure trove of websites that will transfrom the most graphically challenged into artistic pros.  This link will take you to a site called RedKid.Net where you can create custom signs and turn the most boring text into bling fit for a king!

Visit Parks and Recreational Places to Unwind

Author: Walter Tully

Why not write and submit an article with this flavor to your local media which highlights your best outdoor parks?

Outdoor parks are soothing places. These are places where you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated just by seeing children playing, families having fun, animals running around and just about everything that speaks peace and calming. Truth be told, people find refuge in parks.

One of the reasons why people go to parks is to contemplate. Just the act of going to a serene place, being alone with one\'s thoughts and being surrounded by beautiful things gives the person some positive attitude. Since time flies by so fast and almost everyone is surrounded with busy schedules, family, deadlines and problems, one cannot even hear his own thoughts. Besides, going to a park to unwind and think to oneself is very vital so we can once again deal with the things that we are burdened with.

Aside from being alone with your thoughts, visiting parks also allows you to be one with nature. Simple things like the trees and the chirping of the birds are some of the things that will help you in unwinding. Likewise, recreational activities like exercising, running, walking with your pet and just reading a book are enough to stimulate your physical and mental view.

The good thing about Denver is that there are lots of Glendale parks and recreation that one can engage into. You can do recreational activities by yourself, with friends or with families. Kite flying, running or hiking are some of the things that you can do alone. Also, if you are the leading an active lifestyle, then you can do other activities which would require you to release energy.

If you are with your family or friends, Glendale parks and recreations have amusement parks that you can go to. Feel the adrenaline rush with the rides and activities that you will engage into. You will not just unwind on your own; you have also spent quality time with your family and friends.

Aside from these, Glendale parks and recreations have basketball and tennis courts that you can join in with the other people. It is not uncommon to meet new people and make new friends in these places too. So stand up, get out and have some real fun outside your house. Staying in parks and doing recreational activities are just some of the ways that will definitely make you healthier both in mind and body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/visit-parks-and-recreational-places-to-unwind-3679235.html

About the Author

For More Information, please visit our website at www.infinityparkatglendale.com.

Senior Citizen Fitness By Walking

Author: JamesConte

Why not edit this article (don't forget to give credit to the original author) as a way to promote walking in your parks as a way for senior to stay fit! Once edited, publish on your own website, in your activity guide AND send to loval media outlets (traditional and online.)

Walking is one of the simplest exercises that you can do. Many individuals do not perceive of walking as exercise, because they are engaged in this activity on a regular basis. After all, they\'re just walking. However, walking can become your favorite fitness program. Walking is a very easy exercise to begin, because no special equipment is needed. Walking can assist seniors to achieve quick weight loss.

Recent studies have revealed that to maintain health as we age it is best to engage in daily physical activity for about an hour per day. If you\'ve been sedentary for a good number of years, this can be a frightening thought.Walking for an hour does not seem as dauting as other types of exercse regimens might.

Many people have the misconception that unless you are sweating like crazy during a workout, you are not going to see any benefit from exercise. That couldn\'t be farther from the truth. In fact walking is a great weight to help seniors achieve rapid weight loss.

There are many activities that you can perform at different fitness levels and get great results. Walking is one of those exercises.

For seniors, walking is an exercise that can grow in its intensity and duration as you increase your fitness level. Your walking program may start with an easy stroll, but as you progress, you will have a goal of becoming fit.

Here are a few benefits of walking:

' Improved cardiovascular endurance
' Proper posture
' Improved mood
' Weight loss
' Improved sleep
' Increased muscle tone

Walking can be done most anywhere and at just about any time. You may want to begin in a mall with other early morning walkers. There may be a track at your local high school or university. You can go out in the rain or cold as long as you wear proper gear and walk flat paths for safety. Walking is a very versatile exercise program.Just keep your walking shoes handy so wherever you go, you can be sure to take your walk.

Start at a pace that you can maintain and still hold a conversation. This will be more rapid than a slow stroll but you will not be racing either. Start with a half mile or a mile walk. When you are able to walk more briskly, you can increase your distance to constantly challenge yourself.

As you get more fit and start to look for greater fitness challenges, move off the track or mall and onto walking paths that have hills. Walking up and down hills will not only improve your muscle strength, but your heart and lungs will get a good workout, too. If you live in a neighborhood that has nice sidewalks and streets, choose your path and take a walk. Call a friend to join you and enjoy your walk even more!

Walking is a very good method for increasing the fitness of senior citizens. It is an activity that is easily customized. You should vary your routine daily and increase its intensity as you progress in your fitness program to make it more effective.

You can get started walking for exercise today with just a pair of good shoes and comfortable clothing.Before you realize it, you will be feeling better and be headed toward a healthier life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/senior-citizen-fitness-by-walking-3670850.html

About the Author

To see how you can lose weight rapidly visit us at:: way to lose weight


To learn how to maintain your losses for the long term go to: how to lose weight

Publicize Your Camps - It's not too late!

It's not too late to send press releases to your local and online media to promote your summer camp! Edit the article below to sell the value of YOUR camp to prospects.

WHY SUMMER CAMPS ARE IMPORTANT FOR KIDS

Author: frolicbooniescamp

Summer camping during long holidays is gaining popularity. With hundreds of camps to choose from, children of all ages can actively take part. While some of these camps are day events, the others can run for week or even more. Depending on your activities of interest, the summer camps in totality have on offer a wide spectrum of events and likewise cater to thousands of children every summer. There are boy groups, girl groups, groups for differently able kids. Initiatives are taken so that no child is beyond the scope of a summer camp.

The thing to take into account is the fact that summer camps are often misinterpreted as ‘all play no work\' but at the same time, they inculcate the values of life in a young child via some activity that he enjoys doing. Summer camps are the best way to experience new and exciting events. At the same time, they also help to expand on the activities one already enjoys. Participating in something without the vigilant eyes of parents helps the children grow mentally and psychologically as pointed out by the great philosopher and psychologist, Sigmond Freud. This is in sharp contrast to the usual convention that staying away from parents may traumatize a child.

As mentioned earlier, summer camps are all about fun for children. They get to meet new people, make new friends, share their stories and interact in their own way. Excitement and adventure rule the camps as the children explore newer horizons. As a parent however, it is your duty to do a bit of research before choosing the summer camp that is suited best to address your child\'s needs. One has to decide whether the child wants to participate in team activities or singular events. Then again, is it performing arts, or crafting activities or sports that draw his attention?

To top this, a parent also has to check the professionalism involved and the fees charged by a camp. For example, one may come across a summer camp that has minimal skill level but charges exorbitant fees thanks to a favorable location. Sending your child to such a camp may not be the best for him. Moreover, getting in touch with summer camps has become much easier. If you have internet accessibility, a summer camp is virtually a click away. Frolicboonies.com for example offers some of the best summer camps. The camps provide an arena of freedom where the child can discover himself. Frolicboonies is focused on increasing a child\'s appreciation for nature and environment.  
If you thought a summer camp does not have much on offer, think again! There are team sports to develop team dynamics, individual sports to hone sporting skills, adventures for mental strength, performing and creative arts to develop the cultural side, computing and languages for the ‘scholar\'. Differently able kids, on the other hand can take part in performing arts, gymnastics, swimming etc. You just cannot realize the importance of Residentialsummer camps in shaping up your child\'s life unless you trust to send him to one.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/why-summer-camps-are-important-for-kids-4038625.html

About the Author

Author is a summer camp adventure activity specialist who love coaching kids during summer camps . looking to get involved in 2011 summer camps Bangalore , Have been working with many Residential summer camps like wildlife camp for kids , adventure camps for children

7 FREE Social Media Sites for Teachers, Youth Programmers and Training

Have you ever heard of TeacherTube or Collaborize Classroom? These websites are among seven listed as must-have social media tools for teachers.  However, this great list from Mashable.com can easily double as a list of great apps for ANYONE -- from managers to after-school programmers -- who is looking for some cool tools to coordinate, collaborate and creatively share information with students, staff and customers.  The fact that the tools are also safe for youth to use and access is a real bonus for those concerned with online safetly issues.  Enjoy the list and remember to give yourself the dedicated time and space to check them out as it relates to your needs. 

 

Best Examples of Social Networking Strategies

I try not to add too much stuff to my delicious account (the bookmarketing service I use to dump all my "I gotta read this later file."  Today, after two weeks of nonstop travel and speaking at conferences -- I reviewed some of the articles and sites I've marked over the past few weeks and HAD to share a real gem with you posted at Mashable/Business!  

This list, compiled by social networking blogger Peter Kim, who blogs about social computing and marketing, contains 22 social networking tactics (from blogs to wikis) and a couple of companies that are using this tactic really, REALLY well.  I promise this list will save you hours and hours of time looking for the best of the best social networking tactics.

I've said it hundreds of times and I'll say it again... The only way to learn about social networking is to spend some dedicated time looking at what others are doing.  Spend an hour a week over the next few week exploring Kim's examples as you begin to (or continue to) dabble or dive into social networking as a marketing tool for your park, recreation agency or camp. 

If you can't access these sites from work -- grab a sandwich and take a long lunch at your public library which almost, surely, allows free access to the entire Internet (God Bless Libraries and the First Ammendment!).

Here’s a framework of 22 tools to consider with notable brand examples:

1. Blogs (Johnson & Johnson, Delta Air Lines)
2. Bookmarking/Tagging (Adobe(), Kodak)
3. Brand monitoring (Dell, MINI)
4. Content aggregation (Alltop, EMC)
5. Crowdsourcing/Voting (Oracle, Starbucks)
6. Discussion boards and forums (IBM, Mountain Dew)
7. Events and meetups (Molson, Pampers)
8. Mashups (Fidelity Investments, Nike)
9. Microblogging (method, Whole Foods)
10. Online video (Eukanuba, Home Depot)
11. Organization and staffing (Ford, Pepsi)
12. Outreach programs (Nokia, Yum Brands)
13. Photosharing (Rubbermaid, UK Government)
14. Podcasting (Ericsson, McDonalds)
15. Presentation sharing (CapGemini, Daimler AG)
16. Public Relations – social media releases (Avon, Intel)
17. Ratings and reviews (Loblaws, TurboTax)
18. Social networks: applications, fan pages, groups, and personalities (British Airways, Saturn)
19. Sponsorships (Coca-Cola, Whirlpool)
20. Virtual worlds (National Geographic, Toyota)
21. Widgets (Southwest Airlines, Target)
22. Wikis (Second Life, T-Mobile Sidekick)

And use this username check tool to see if your brands/preferred handles are still available.

If you know of Park and Recreation Agencies or Camps that should be added to the list -- please coment below!

Bright Ideas to Light up the Night

 
 
I've worked in the promotional products business for a long, long, time.  Way before there were fax machines ("What's a fax machine?" my younger readers ask.)  Way, way before the Internet and iPods.  If you've heard me speak (as many of my readers have), you know that I've sold promotional items (they were called "advertising specialties" back in the day) since I was a little girl.  I share this history with you, not to bore you to tears, but as an introduction to one of my favorite suppliers. 

Clegg has been delighting me for over 10 years.  I remember my excitement the first time I ever opened a "rnging phone card"and am still thrilled by their multi-sensory innovation and creativity.  Today it's not too novel to come across greeting cards that talk, sing and light-up.  However, Clegg still continues to deliver unique promotional products that add light and sound to any event or campaign.  If you'd like to see a sample of ANY items on the flyer above (or any of the hundreds of items on the Clegg website) please contact andy@advisorsmarketing.com or give him a ring at 800-IADVISU (800)423-8478. He's at your service!