How to Maximize Summer Camp Enrollment with Facebook & Instagram Ads

Did you know that 73% of parents in the U.S. spend an average of two hours per day on social media? That’s a massive window of opportunity for kids’ activity centers looking to fill their summer camps. To ensure your camps reach full capacity, you need a strategy that effectively targets and engages parents where they are—on Facebook and Instagram. But running ads successfully isn’t just about hitting “Boost Post.” To truly maximize enrollment, you need a tailored approach that drives sign-ups.

Meta Ads Strategies to Fill Your Summer Camps

Parents searching for summer camps aren’t just scrolling—they’re actively looking for programs that fit their needs. To capture their attention and drive registrations, your ads should be visually engaging and optimized for action. Here’s how:

  • Use Video Ads: Meta reports that short, engaging videos increase conversion rates. A 15-30 second clip showcasing happy kids enjoying your summer camp activities can make all the difference.
  • Leverage Local Targeting: When setting up your campaign, choose the Leads or Conversions campaign objective to drive sign-ups. Then, define your audience by selecting your camp’s city or setting a custom radius around your business to ensure your ads reach local families.
  • Run Retargeting Campaigns: Many parents browse but don’t sign up immediately. Retarget website visitors and social media engagers with a follow-up ad that includes a strong incentive, like a limited-time early bird discount or a free trial day.

Social Media Tips to Boost Summer Camp Registrations

Beyond ads, your organic social media presence should work alongside your paid efforts. Here are a few key strategies:

  • Use Location-Based Hashtags: Adding city and community-specific hashtags (e.g., #DallasSummerCamp #NYCKidsCamps) makes your content more discoverable to local parents.
  • Encourage Parent Reviews & Shares: User-generated content, like parent testimonials or tagged posts of their child enjoying camp activities, builds trust and visibility.
  • Engage in Community Groups: Many parents turn to Facebook Groups for recommendations. Join and contribute value (not just promotions) to local parenting and activity groups.

By combining high-converting Meta Ads strategies with strong local engagement on social media, your summer camp can stand out, attract new families, and reach full enrollment. Want to take the guesswork out of Meta Ads? Our team specializes in helping activity centers fill their camps and grow their business. Let’s chat!

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