Most camps completely miss the golden opportunity that’s right in front of them—turning summer campers into full-time students. They pour money into marketing to get kids through the doors for a few weeks, then let them walk right back out.
If you’re not actively converting campers into long-term enrollments, you’re burning money.
Here’s how to fix that and leverage summer camps into a consistent pipeline of new students.
1. Personal Follow-Up That Actually Works
A generic “Thanks for attending!” email won’t move the needle. Parents need a real connection—a reason to continue with you after camp ends. The best way to do this? Make it personal.
What to Do Instead:
✅ Send a Personalized Photo – Capture a great moment of their child at camp and send it via email or text. Parents love seeing their kids in action, and this small gesture builds instant trust.
✅ Use a Simple Yet Effective Message – Keep it short, natural, and warm:
“Hey [Parent’s Name], just wanted to share this awesome moment of [Child’s Name] at camp today! They crushed it on the [activity]. We’d love to keep that momentum going in our year-round classes. Let me know if you’d like more info!”
✅ Follow Up with a Call – If they don’t respond, pick up the phone. Most parents are interested, but they’re busy. A quick call to check in and offer an exclusive next-step deal can be the push they need.
Why This Works:
- You’re not just another program—you’re a place where their child thrives.
- Parents make buying decisions based on trust and connection, not just price.
2. QR Codes: Make Signing Up Instant
Most parents think about signing up but get distracted. If there’s any friction—having to find your website, type in a link, or call you—they’ll put it off and forget.
A QR code removes all barriers and gets them enrolled immediately.
How to Do It Right:
✅ Put QR Codes Everywhere – On checkout counters, exit doors, flyers, camp shirts, and in follow-up emails. The more visible, the better.
✅ Direct to an Enrollment Page – Not your homepage. Not a generic info page. Straight to a sign-up form with a limited-time offer.
✅ Make It an Event – On the last day of camp, have a “Scan to Continue” station with staff on hand to answer questions and enroll kids on the spot.
3. Campers-Only Discount That Creates Urgency
If there’s no urgency, parents will say, “We’ll think about it” and never come back. Give them a reason to act NOW.
Best Enrollment-Boosting Offers:
✅ Limited-Time Discount – “Enroll by Sunday and get $XX off your first month.” (A deadline forces action.)
✅ Fast-Action Bonus – Free branded gear, a private lesson, or a special event invite for those who enroll early.
✅ Easy Payment Options – Offer a low-cost trial or flexible monthly payment plan to lower resistance.
How to Push This Offer Effectively:
- Announce it EVERYWHERE – Emails, social media, in-person at pick-up and drop-off.
- Create FOMO – “Spots are filling fast—only X left at this rate!”
- Multiple Reminders – Most parents need 3+ touchpoints before they commit.
Most summer camps treat the end of camp as a closing chapter. But the best see it as the starting line for long-term enrollments.
Want to learn how we can help sell out your summer camp? Book a FREE strategy call now!