Red Orbit is a self-described "online community specifically for those with an interest in science, space, health and technology." With that credible description I was thrilled to come across an article sure to put a smile on the face of two groups: those working in Therapeutic Recreation and camp professionals, especially those working with special populations. If you work with these groups you, too can get some press coverage for your programs by taking the following actions:
Five Steps to FREE Publicity:
Read through the following article noting how the writer used quotes from campers, parents and staff.
- Consider who, in your circle of campers/parents might make for a good interview for a similar story. You may want to send an email asking if they are willing to be interviewed for upcoming stories. Even if this one doesn't pan out its good to have a formal or informal "speaker's bureau" who are ready, and even trained, to help with media.
- Send an email to your local newspaper's on or off-line health editor suggesting a story about camps (like yours) or theraputic recreation programs (like yours) and their impact on your community's special needs children/adults.
- Include a "startling statistic" about the number of people imacted by epilepsy/autism/muscular dystrophy (whatever population you serve.)
- Cite this story (include the link) as an example of how reporters around the country are shedding badly needed light on special services and recreation programs for very special children.
- Of course, you should tailor the message specific to your camp/population/clients. But, keep it short, sweet and compelling. Please let me know if you follow-through on the idea AND if you get some good press!
Here's the article... enjoy
Special Needs Camps Flourishing in the U.S.
Source: redOrbit Staff and Wire Reports, Posted on: Tuesday, 15 April 2008, 10:55 CDT
Special camps designed to educate children with chronic diseases about their disorders may have a long lasting therapeutic effect.
These summer camps are a way for children to meet others with similar diseases and to learn about what causes their condition through hands on education.
Now research is proving that there is a reason that many children’s hospitals sponsor these special camps. How do you live well with a chronic condition?
"I believe in part, the power of being amongst your peers normalizes the experience," said Sandra Cushner-Weinstein, a social worker at Children's National Medical Center who founded the hospital's weeklong camps for five illnesses, and is studying the impact on campers.
Special needs camps began in the 1970s for children with cerebral palsy and cancer. They have now diversified to help children with diseases such as asthma, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hemophilia and sickle cell anemia. Even camps founded to help children with diseases as rare as Tourette’s syndrome and neurofibromatosis are being offered.
"They have this zip-line there," 12-year-old Andrew Frascella of Rockville, Md., said about epilepsy camp...
