Little Red's Big Ideas

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

Richard Louv: Last ADULT Left in the Woods?

Richard Louv, best selling author of the groundbreaking book, Last Child Left in the Woods, has a released a new book entitled, The Nature Principal: Human Restoration And The End Of The Nature Deficit Disorder.  It expands on Louv's idea that society's technological focus is negating some of our human capacities specifically those enhanced through the power of the natural world.

This morning I heard an interview of KPBS radio which you can access here, in which Louv passionately spoke about the importance of spending meaningful time outdoors -- whether in a your own backyard or the Australian Outback.  

Read the or listen to the entire interview here.

GUEST: Richard Louv, author of The Nature Principal, Human Restoration And The End Of The Nature Deficit Disorder.

 

What the heck is Pickleball?

I try to stay in the know. I like to think that I keep up on what's happening in the world of parks and recreation.  So when, during one of my recent marketing workshops, a recreation programmer mentioned a game called "Pickleball" I felt a little out-of-the loop.  Rather than publicly admit (hey, I have my pride) that I had never heard of a game played with burger condiments -- I did the next best thing...

I  jumped on-line the first chance I got to find out what the heck she was talking about.  Since then I've thankfully learned that Pickleball is named after the inventor's cocker spaniel not the dill variety. I also learned that, according to Wikipedia, "Pickleball is a relatively new racquet sport which combines  elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a badminton court. The net is lower than most other racquet sports allowing for faster play. The game is played with a hard paddle and a wiffle ball, making the technique required for pickleball different than other sports."

But, as I've traveled the country over the past months, I've also asked many camp, park and recreation programmers if they are aware of Pickleball, especially since it's been around since the late 80's.  While most had not heard of this game with the funny name, others told me that the sport is especially popular among seniors.

It made me realize that, as budgets are cut and travel expenses eliminated -- we have to work extra hard to stay up on what's new, what's hot, what's in and what's out.  For those unable to afford the time or funds to attend conferences, workshops and meetings with other park and recreation professionals -- it will be necessary to work extra hard to stay informed. 

As you look to innovate new programs -- especially for your growing baby boomer population I encourage you to explore not only Pickleball, but other emerging programs that may have been created, adapted or enhanced for aging athletes. 

For those out-of-the Pickleball loop, here are some links to bring you up to speed -- especially in light of the fact that Pickleball already has its own Associations -- the USA Picklebal Association and World Pickleball Federation (move over USTA).  There's even an International Pickleball week which occurs every June.

Share your experiences with Pickleball, as well as other unique programs by commenting below.

Earth Day Activities, Crafts for Earth Day Events

  Almost every park celebrates Earth Day in one fashion or another.  Even though your parks and camps, by nature (excuse the pun) support and protect the environment, April 22 is a day when it is officially fashionable to celebrate the Earth.  As recreation programmers, educators and event coordinators you may still be looking for some fun activities and crafts to keep children, adults and teens engaged and excited as you applaud our planet.  Here are some fantastic sites to help you freshen up your Earth Day festivities or curriculum this Earth Day (and every day!)

Kaboose, is a wonderful site for parents, teachers and programmers.  The site now features Earth Day Activities -- front and center.  Some of the highlights include:

• 10 Ways to Teach Kids about Earth Day
• Crafts Made with "Natural Resources"
• Camp Crafts

 

Order Earth Day Giveaways - Promote Your Commitment to the Environment All Yearl Long -- Still need to order items to use at this year's Earth Day Celebration?  Call Andy at 1.800.IADVISU (800)423-8478 or email andy@advisorsmarketing.comand he'll get whatever you need from eco-friendly water-bottles to bio-degradable, reusable totes.  No matter what your budget, audience or time-frame -- Andy can make it happen.  Plus, he's so down to earth! (Sorry -- again!)

NEW T-shirt Designs for the Graphically Challenged - NOW ON SALE

Every year we work tirelessly to come up with new designs for you to use on your staff, summer and event t-shirts.  We've put all these designs in a brand new catalog (Park Ink from A-Z) and can send it to you lickety split when you email your address to andy@advisorsmarketing.com.  To give you a taste -- I've posted a few pages below. 

We offer use of these designs absolutely FREE for our customers so contact andy@advisorsmarketing.com about your upcoming apparel or promotional needs.  How's that for a super-simple solution for you to look like a creative genius with a little help from your favorite promotional experts at the ADVISORS.  These ideas are the latest in our ever-expanding logo gallery created especially for parks, recreation and camp customers all over the world.

If you're not familiar with our work -- why the heck not?  We are your one-stop shop to all things promotional and have worked in the recreation profession for almost two decades.  We understand everything from crazy deadlines to budget constraints.  Purchasing departments love us, too.  Did I mention that our shirts are on sale;  prices are AMAZING (white shirts are $3.95; colored shirts are $4.95 -- and that included a FREE THREE COLOR IMPRINT.)  How do we do it?  We've been in business for 51 years and have great relationships with our phenomenal suppliers.  So, give us a whirl -- we are at your service. 

Oh, yeah -- one more thing -- call us at 800.IADVISU (800)423-8478 and a real live, super smart person will actually pick up the phone (or call you back within minutes!).  It's almost like the good old days.  Sure you can email us, too.  But, I promised Andy the phones would ring off the hook -- so don't disappoint. 

You Can Quote Me on This! Add Clout to Imprinted Shirts and More

 

 
If you've ever wished that you could find a great spokesperson to endorse your camps, events or programs -- have I got an idea for you! This summer, text-based graphics are hotter than ever (think retailers like Abercrombie, The Gap and Hollister who put their company names on just about everything they sell).  Rather than using an illustration, cartoon or graphic to adorn your summer staff or camp shirts (or any promotional item, for that matter) why not add some words of wisdom from a famous person to your camp t-shirts.  When choosing a quote make sure you use something that captures the essence of what you, your programs or agency is all about. 

The Quotables Collection above (prices are only 3.95 for white shirts and $4.95 for colored shirts INCLUDING your imprint and the quote of your choice. Minimum quantity 144 shirts.)is just the beginning of they ways you can instantly add clout to your agency's logo apparel with no additional charge.  We've collected hundreds of quotes that relate to just about every area of parks, nature, volunteerism, camp, recreation, fitness, community and sports of every kind. 

Contact andy@advisorsmarketing.com or call us at 800.IADVISU (800)423-8478 to get a Quotables Quote now. 

 

Snow-long, Farewell ACA 2010 - Expanded Handouts

Well the lovely Denver weather has turned into a snowstorm leaving me a bit stranded in the airport.  But don't cry for me ACA attendees.  I'm heading back to paradise (AKA Carlsbad California) where the weather will be a bit more welcoming.

I promised my final session audience that I would post complete handouts as soon as possible.  While I'm still working to compile their truly motivating offers, here is the document that will give you those 60 ways to motivate your campers and camp prospects with "offers they won't be able to refuse."

Download Make Me an Offer with Definitions

If you DO download the handouts please post a quick comment so I know you were here!

Marketing Basics - ACA 2010 Presentation Slides

I woke up this morning to a beautiful Denver skyline and am thrilled to, once again, be part of the American Camp Association's National Conference.  This being ACA's 100th Anniversary, should make this event particular festive.  I understand their registrations are UP from last year, which tells me that camp professionals are ready for new ideas and committed to promoting the benefits of camp for the next 100 plus years.  Todays session, Back to the Basics, focuses on the most fundamental marketing ideas.  It should prove to be a nice review for intermediate marketers and a fresh, simple approach for beginners. 

Here are the slides for the ACA session for those who didn't get to attend -- or for your review.   If you download the slides leave me a quick comment and let me know what you think.

Download Back to Basics

Look for Aidans and Ameilias to Enroll in Preschool Programs

If it seems like more and more "Aidans" are registering for toddler and preschool classes these days -- they probably are.  According to Mallory Moss, co-founder of BabyNames.com, Aidan has been the most popular baby boys' name since 2003. 

However, on the girls' list there is a new #1 name: Amelia. Moss says Amelia follows the popular trend of giving girls "old-fashioned" names. The runners-up were Isabella, Ava, Sophia, and Olivia. Both Amelia and Isabella beat out the name Ava this year, which had been ranked #1 since 2006.

What creates baby-naming trends? Anything from celebrity babies to popular literature.

"This is the first year the name Vivienne hit the top 100 girls' names, and it's no coincidence that it was the name of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's baby girl, born last year," says Moss.

The Twilight book and movie series is also having a big influence on baby name popularity, as its character names Edward, Bella, Isabella, Emmett, Jacob, Jasper and Esme have all hit the top 100.

The full list of 100 top names of 2009 can be found on the BabyNames.com website: http://www.babynames.com/

 BABYNAMES.COM'S TOP 20 BABY NAMES FOR 2009

 Name statistics include alternate spellings of the same name

 

Top 20 Girls' Names 2009 Amelia Isabella Ava Sophia Olivia Madeline Lily

 Abigail Chloe Emma Charlotte Ella Addison Elizabeth Grace Audrey

 Emily Bella Hannah Isabelle 

Top 20 Boys' Names 2009 Aiden Noah Liam Caden

 Ethan Jackson Landon Jacob Caleb Lucas Braden Benjamin Gavin Connor

 Elijah Oliver Alexander Owen Gabriel Logan, 

Time Magazine Cover Story: The Growing Backlash Against Overparenting

While other publications were talking turkey (literally), Time Magazine's Thanksgiving Week cover photo (left) depicted a mom and her bubble-wrapped boy.  The story, which you can read in its entirety by clicking here,highlighted the growing trend of overparenting.   As camp and youth services professionals, you have seen, heard and dealt with "helicopter parents" for the past five to ten years.  Most have witnessed some of the hysteria mentioned in the article's opening paragraph:

"The insanity crept up on us slowly; we just wanted what was best for our kids. We bought macrobiotic cupcakes and hypoallergenic socks, hired tutors to correct a 5-year-old's "pencil-holding deficiency," hooked up broadband connections in the treehouse but took down the swing set after the second skinned knee. We hovered over every school, playground and practice field — "helicopter parents," teachers christened us, a phenomenon that spread to parents of all ages, races and regions. Stores began marketing stove-knob covers and "Kinderkords" (also known as leashes; they allow "three full feet of freedom for both you and your child") and Baby Kneepads (as if babies don't come prepadded). The mayor of a Connecticut town agreed to chop down three hickory trees on one block after a woman worried that a stray nut might drop into her new swimming pool, where her nut-allergic grandson occasionally swam. A Texas school required parents wanting to help with the second-grade holiday party to have a background check first. Schools auctioned off the right to cut the carpool line and drop a child directly in front of the building — a spot that in other settings is known as handicapped parking. "

Please share your best helicopter parent stories in he comment section below.  Writing about these experiences are good therapy and will help you realize you're not alone.  Eye rolling encouraged!