Little Red's Big Ideas

CBS News Report: Camps Slammed by Swine Flu

Last night Katie Couric featured an extensive story and video called, "Avoiding Swine Flu at Camp" on the impact of the H1N1 (Swine) flu virus on the summer camp season.  While many special needs camps chose to err on the side of caution, canceling camp altogether; most camps have opened and are in full swing without incident.  However, the report, which featured Blue Star Camp in North Carolina focused on seemingly mild cases of H1N1 which have broken out in their camp communities.  They featured nurses taking temperatures and doing "lice checks."  (I went to the Blue Star website today and was a little surprised that there wasn't a "front page" response to the news piece squelching some of the anxieties parents might be experiencing as they watched their camp featured on a story about the epidemic flu.)

Myson just returned from Camp Mountain Chai -- a residential camp in the mountains of Southern California.  There were no outbreaks of flu or any other illnessess during the two weeks Spencer was at camp.  However -- I have to admit -- after watching the report, I was kind of glad Spencer's residential camp season was over without incident.  I felt anxious.  Partly because the report asks the big question: will we continue to see outbreaks as children return to school in the fall? 

So, what's a camp to do? 

Educate yourself.  Read ACA's latest responses and educational pieces related to the H1N1 Virus here.  Besides good information from the health care community there are discussions and videos.

Monitor calls and conversations.  You know your parents better than I do.  While you never want to create unnessary panic especially, you don't want to ignore a potential problem either.  If you are getting even one or two questions or calls regarding the flu, you should probably go on the communications offensive.  Keep in mind, that for every question or call that you get about any issue at camp, chances are there are many, many more people (parents, grandparents funders) thinking or fearing the same thing -- but just not making their concerns known.  First and foremost let your parents know that  you are aware of the H1N1 risk and are taking extra precautions this year (assuming that you are).

Go to the ABC website and watch the video or read the story.  Then post a comment at the end of the video confirming the many ways you, as a camp professional, insure that kids stay safe and healthy while in your care.  There's power in numbers and it's important for a news outlet as powerful as CBS know that the camp profession is engaged and involved.

Please comment on this story by offering ideas or suggestions to others.

NBC Pokes Fun at "Parks and Recreation." Three Ways to Fight Back!

"Parks and Recreation," the NBC sitcom will air its first show on April 9 at 8:30/7:30 central.  While the show promises to poke fun at our beloved profession, the publicist in me can't help but look for the silver lining AND exploit the opportunity.  So here are three things you should (MUST) do to prevent any backlash the show might cause...

1.  Admit that it's coming.  Don't bury your head in the sand and hope no one will notice that the show is about you, the parks and recreation profession and people who work in the parks and recreation profession.  Let people know that you have a sense of humor and that just like other TV sitcoms is highlighting extreme caricatures of public agencies.  Send a letter to the editor of your local paper acknowledging the show, but also stressing your benefits.

2.  Contact your NBC affiliate today if possible.  This idea is a must!  Let your local NBC program directors know that you feel compelled to tell your side of the story.  Explain that you are concerned that some viewers might not understand that the show is a parody and you want to offer some balance to the story. Offer one of your parks, facilities or offices as a backdrop for a story related to the REAL people behind YOUR parks and recreation department.   Why not suggest a news story following the Thursday line-up (doesn't have to be this week -- could be any week that the show airs this spring) that highlights the many amazing aspects of your department.  Some ideas (based on the trailers)

• Playground Safety -- "No, there are NO speed bumps on the slides, but we do have a fully certified playground safety inspector working on staff to insure that playgrounds are as safe as possible for children of all ages and abilities."  Stress ADA improvements you've made over the past few years. 
• Public Input -- Early trailers (previews) for the show have poked fun at the lack of respect for public input, on the part of department leadership.  Suggest a story that showcases the many ways your department reaches out and incorporates suggestions, ideas (and even complaints) from the public.  This is a great chance to highlight volunteer opportunities, boards, commissions and committees.
• Staff Expertise and Professionalism-- More than likely the show will amplify the blunders and "idocracy" of park and recreation leaders and staff.  Pitch a story about the experience, education, passion and commit that drives your professional leadership.  You may want to bring in college or university professor from a nearby parks, recreation, tourism or public administration programs to educate the public about the course work required of park and recreation graduates.  It's more than stacking chairs and counting basketballs, right?

3.  Hold a Party with Staff, Friends or Peers! Watch the show with others who can relate to your experiences/frustrations.  Downloading the show and watch with staff as a way to add some humor to upcoming trainings or staff meeting.  Watch a scene and talk about similar situations staff has truly encountered and how to best handle the scenario. 

Be sure to check out my other posts pertaining to the show and share your stories here.

"Parks and Recreation" Sitcom Launches Spoof Website

I don't know about you but I'm anxiously awaiting the debut of Amy Poehler's new sitcom "Parks and Recreation" scheduled to premier April 9 on NBC.  The show is produced in the same "mockumentary" style and by the same production team as NBC''s "The Office."  Set in the fictitious town of Pawnee, Indiana, the program follows the trials, tribulations and (I'm hoping) occasional triumphs of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director, Leslie Knope (played by Amy Poehler.) 

My hats off to the show's producers for their commitment to the "mockumentary" genre.  For example, they have even created a spoof website for the Pawnee Parks and Recreation Department which looks surprising similar to many real park and recreation sites.  Check out the site at www.pawneeindiana.com  where you can read about the imaginary town's history, Knope's vision (it's hilarious in a subtle way) nd how they deal with critters like raccoons and off-leash dogs.  If you visit the site, be prepared to laugh out loud at they comedy and at yourself.

In my community of Carlsbad, California my local park and recreation friends are getting together to watch the premiere.   Why not organize a premiere party of your own?

Parks and Recreation Becomes Must See TV

A few years ago MTV created a Real World season in Boston centered around a group of "real" young adults working and running a community center.  I don't know if anyone watched or recalls the show but I have real hopes that the tv-watching, channel-surfing world is about to finally get a glimpse into our world...

NBC announced that one of the brightest and funniest teams in television, the people who bring you The Office, are tackling a topic near and dear to our hearts -- Parks and Recreation.  Amy Poeler (Saturday Night Live, Baby Mama) stars in this new NBC series, beginning in April, that looks at a ficional department in Indiana dedicated to turning, according to the promo, an "abandoned pit into a beautiful park."  Watch the trailer yourself.  I promise you'll LOL  (that's laugh out loud for those of you who are suffer from TCDD -- Text Communication Deficiency Disorder), or at least grin. 

After watching the video let me know if you have any story lines we can pitch to the creative team.