The Case for Bringing Friends to Camp
June 7, 2024
The camp industry often emphasizes the value of learning the social skills required to make new and diverse friendships at summer camp. Throughout life, we’ll make changes in location, schools, jobs, and social circles, where the same skills will come in handy.
It’s also no secret that “bring a friend” programs and other word-of-mouth marketing efforts can help boost registrations for camps and after-school activities.
But very rarely does the camp industry discuss the advantages a camper might experience by inviting a friend to attend camp with them. Let’s take a fresh perspective and examine why bringing a friendly face to camp can also be a great move for campers!
Anticipating Campers’ Unique Needs
Many campers experience some form of anxiety when they head to camp—about being away from family and friends, about meeting new people, or about new routines or environments. For campers who have a higher likelihood of experiencing these emotions (such as first-timers), bringing someone along who already knows how to ease their distress or break them out of their comfort zone can be a real game-changer!
More Campers = More Fun
Another reason it’s a great idea to encourage friends to attend camp together is that camp is always more fun with more smiling faces! Campers are often more adventurous and outgoing in group atmospheres and activities where they don’t feel singled out. As the number of campers increases, the opportunities for campers to learn, think, and grow in new and exciting ways also increase.
Built-In Buddy System
Most camps have rules about campers wandering off alone. At some camps, campers will be asked to pick a “camp buddy” from their cabin or activity group to stick to or check in with frequently before and after activities. Bringing a friend along to camp can mean that a camper knows exactly who that buddy will be, reducing stress over the unknown.
Reminiscing and Shared Experiences
Budding friendships can grow and strengthen through shared camp adventures. Spending a week at camp can be a solid foundation for a lasting friendship! Plus, campers sometimes come home with stories, jokes, and adventures that just don’t make a whole lot of sense to outsiders. Bringing a friend along to camp can mean having someone to reminisce with when they return home.
Keeping the Camp Experience Accessible
Nearly every camp hopes to grow and expand its activities and impact, aiming to serve as many campers as possible. However, large, elaborate camp operations also come at a high cost. Because they can reduce marketing costs and fill camps faster, “bring-a-friend" camp initiatives often offer the benefits of discounts, scholarship funds, or other incentives that open pathways for campers who may not otherwise be able to afford the camp experience.
Managing Friends at Camp
If your camp already allows campers to bring friends along, how are you tracking it? Did you know that iCampPro has friend group management tools built in that help take the burden of friend tracking off of your staff?
Camp families can register for camp and start their own camp groups to invite up to a designated number of campers to join them at camp! Friend groups are primarily managed by families online via the Customer Portal. Friends in the same group are kept together by default when campers get divided up into groups for cabins or activities.
