For camp directors, the end of summer doesn’t mean the end of work. It simply shifts the focus. While campers return to school and staff move on to new adventures, directors enter a critical phase: the offseason. This period offers the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and lay the groundwork for an even better camp next year. Here’s a guide for making the most of summer camp offseason.
1. Survey and Evaluate
The first step in a productive offseason is looking back at the summer you just completed by compiling an evaluation report. By analyzing what went well and opportunities for improvement, you can capture valuable lessons while the details are still fresh. Evaluation also provides a strong foundation for setting realistic goals for the year ahead.
- Collect feedback from staff, campers and parents through surveys or small group discussions.
- Document what went well and what didn’t go as planned.
- Identify opportunities to improve.
- Compile everything in an evaluation report.
2. Stay Connected with Your Community
Even when camp isn’t in session, maintaining strong relationships with campers, families and alumni is key. Consistent communication helps keep your camp top of mind and builds excitement for the next season. It also strengthens loyalty and ensures the spirit of camp continues year-round.
- Send newsletters with camp stories, highlights and updates.
- Share photos or videos on social media to remind families of the memories made.
- Organize virtual meetups or seasonal events to keep campers engaged year-round.
3. Show Appreciation to Staff
The summer camp offseason is an ideal time to let your staff know how much you value them. Recognizing their hard work not only boosts morale but also helps with retention and encourages them to return next summer. A little gratitude goes a long way in building a strong camp culture.
- Write personal thank-you notes or emails.
- Feature outstanding staff contributions in newsletters.
- Stay in touch to keep them excited about returning next season.
- Include staff in year round school year programs and events if they are local to your area and available to continue.
4. Focus on Professional Development
Directors can invest in their own growth and that of their leadership team. The offseason provides the time and space to explore new skills, learn from peers and discover fresh ideas to improve camp operations and programming.
- Attend conferences, webinars or training sessions to stay current on camp trends.
- Network with other camp directors to exchange ideas.
- Encourage senior staff to seek training opportunities as well.
5. Plan and Prepare for Next Season
The offseason is also your planning period. Early preparation is the key to avoiding last-minute stress. Use the offseason to organize systems, refine policies and brainstorm new ideas to implement in your next program. The more you prepare now, the smoother your next summer will run when the energy ramps back up.
- Review budgets, registrations and staffing needs early.
- Update policies, procedures and safety protocols.
- Brainstorm and pilot new programs or activities to keep camp fresh and exciting.
- Research new systems and technology to help improve your programs and streamline your operations.
6. Maintain Your Facilities and Equipment
Camp facilities and gear require attention to ensure they are safe and ready for use when the next season begins. The summer camp offseason is the best time to address repairs, upgrades and preventative maintenance without disrupting camp life.
- Inspect cabins, kitchens and activity spaces for needed repairs.
- Clean, store, and inventory equipment for sports, arts and outdoor programs.
- Schedule major projects or improvements while the property is quiet.
The offseason is more than downtime, it’s a chance to strengthen your camp’s foundation and set the stage for another unforgettable summer. By reflecting, connecting, appreciating, planning and maintaining, camp directors can ensure their program continues to grow and thrive year after year.
