Happy Staff Mean Happy Campers

After speaking at the American Camp Association's two largest conferences in Atlantic City and Nashville, I wanted to summarize some ideas shared with attendees, particularly those that focus on internal promotions -- strategies used to motivate, train and educate front-line staff, volunteers and camp counselors. 

Keep in mind that the items below are only a small sample of what is available for you and your staff.  To get a complete picture click on the appropriate links, or check out the promotional products' industry's most comprehensive search engine by clicking here.  Better yet, let Andy, the expert, do the searching for you.  He'll make sure you get the best price and the best quality -- and always on time.

Year Round Recruitment - Recruiting great staff can be a tough job.  Remember, that your previous counselors are part of your sales and recruitment team even when they're not at camp.  Now is the time to connect with former counselors by getting and keeping your name in front of them.  When you stay on the top of their mind you increase the likelihoood that they will tell friends, classmates and roommates what a great time they had or are going to have working at your camp. 

This week, order some staff "thank yous" that can be used at school, such as highlighters (I love the carabiner version pictured on the left -- click on the photos to see larger versions) or mousepads.  The photo frame version on the right is a perfect solution!

• Reward Loyalty  -- Don't be afriad to spend a bit more on loyal, long-time staff, either. Ear buds, thumb drives (or any computer accessory) are fantastic giveaways for students (and just about everyone.) 

Music to their Ears - Camp counselors have many jobs including "song-leaders."  Once staff have signed a contract, send them CDs filled with traditional camp songs.  Package the CD in a useful compact disc case imprinted with your camp's mission or customer-service motto.  Tons of styles, color and prices.

Once they Arrive - During staff training sessions, promotional items are a great way to show appreciation, reinforce important points and reward behavior. When imprinting items for staff, go beyond your logo and consider including a customer care quotation like one of those featured in my previous blog post. - Customer Service Words of Wisdom.  "Well done is better than well said" -- Ben Franklin 

Imprint the Necessities - Some items are camp necessities.  Polycarbonate/Nalgene bottles insure that everyone stays hydrated during hot summer days and cool cabin nights. Water bottles also are great promotional items and can be used as trade show give-aways all year long.   As a coffee drinker I also know that coffee mugs and travel mugs are an essential item in my foot locker.  So check out these ceramic coffee mugs perfect for the dining hall (and dorm room before and after camp.    And for those on the go (and what camp counselor/college student isn't constantly on the go -- a travel mug will keep your name in front of your staff all year round.

Finally, one of my favorite staff items for staff training is this little jotter which includes a handy pen and pad and a generous imprint area.  My idea -- imprint this mini padfolio with the copy "Camper Comment Journal" and encourage staff to capture camper/parent feedback (no matter how trivial or annoying at the time.  By giving this journal during staff training along with a brief (or comprehensive customer service training component), you create the expectation that ALL staff are responsible for listening and gathering ideas directly from customers.  But, beware!  Don't ask for cutomer input if you're not willing to hear ideas with an open mind.  Customer centered  management is a culture not just a promotional ploy.

Again -- don't do it alone.  Andy is a real-live promotional product's guru with more than a decade of experience who can take care of everything on your list (yes, he does t-shirts) and find you the best deals.  Call him at 760-730-0333 or send him an email and he'll work out the numbers!