All-Star Alumni Country Club

Here’s a great (edited) idea from Jennifer O. 

Does your camp have an alumni program? Put out a call to talented and enthusiastic alumni to participate in an “All-Star Alumni Country Club.” During this event alumni will be guest instructors.

The day before the event bring campers together to watch short videos submitted by the guest instructors to introduce their activity. Then give campers an opportunity to walk around and sign up for the next day’s activities (Provide a simple paper and pen sign-up; make sure to have campers fill out their own schedule in addition to a roster for each activity so they know where to go the following day/how to dress for the morning and afternoon).

Jennifer says that some of the past activities have included:

• a blues musician teaching their ukulele class
• comedians running improv classes
• a Lego designer conducting a Lego building competition
• talented bakers preparing ethnic foods (they are a cultural camp)
• fishing experts running their fishing class
• old-time lifeguards running a boating class
• a knitting expert teaching (you guessed it) knitting
• an artist who prepared a camp beautification project
• a Barre instructor teaching fitness classes
• an outdoorsman conducting an orienteering scavenger hunt
• a tennis expert running a tennis clinic
• an international professional women’s basketball player running a basketball clinic
• …among others

While seeking key players of alumni you know of, you can also put out an open call on Facebook.

Jennifer says it’s great publicity for camp, parents LOVE the idea, staff love that they are allowed to get a period off and join in on an activity different from their typical routine, alumni are thrilled to be back to camp for a day, and the camp board members loved the innovative, low-cost way of achieving two goals (provide alumni with an opportunity to connect and give back AND provide current campers with a fun-filled day that is a change from the typical schedule.

This involves very little prep, a few materials for a select group of guest instructors (some will even donate their supplies; plus, you may be able to get some donations from parents and board members. 

If possible, send your guest instructors home with something special (camp swag, pictures, etc. Jennifer sends them home with a jar of local maple syrup made down the road from the camp and of course, a handwritten thank you note.