Technology is important in all facets of our lives and it’s no different in your recreation operation. Technology can be intimidating, may come with a cost and can be time consuming to implement, but will pay dividends in the long run. Here are different types of technology you can implement to make your operation more efficient and streamlined.
1. Online Registration Websites, Software or Apps.
The first thing you should do to streamline your operations is invest in online registration. Online registration platforms have been around for many years and if you are still taking registration by hand and in person, you’re falling behind and doing a lot of unnecessary work. These platforms make it easier and more efficient on the front end for parents and on the back end for administrators to manage your rosters. Every recreation program should without a doubt have one.
2. Booking Systems.
Are you using a manual calendar or spreadsheet to keep track of booking your facilities, activities or events? There are many automated booking systems you can use that will take this on for you. Many times, registration platforms also come with booking systems that will further streamline your operations on the front end for customers and the back end for you as the administrator.
3. Websites.
A website for marketing your organization and programs is essential and is another extremely common tool everyone should have. Just about everyone has a website, but unfortunately there are many that don’t keep it up to date or are unwilling to invest in making it better. Your website is the face of your organization for many and should also be the information hub for your programs where participants don’t have to call or come in to get it.
4. Email Marketing Platforms.
An email marketing platform will help you reach current, past and future participants more effectively. Use email marketing platforms to create better content, start a newsletter, fundraise or sell merchandise.
5. Communication and Management Tools.
We provide this type of tool to recreations with our Recreation Source App because many times communication, organization and access to information gets forgotten. As recreations are focusing on running their program, parents get left out of the loop, which results in more questions or complaints. Improving your communication and organization will instantly improve your program. At The Summer Camp Source, we developed the Camp Source App to greatly improve communication within your camp programs and keep you and your parents organized with all your important camp updates and reminders.
6. HR, Accounting and Payroll Software.
Take away some of the time you spend on menial administrative tasks and let these types of platforms handle it for you.
7. Information Sharing Platforms.
These systems are for both internal and external communication and document sharing. Sometimes our email systems are not always the best way to communicate and share information. For several reasons such as crowded in boxes, security and limitations, sometimes it’s easier to invest in a system everyone can access to share files, sign documents, store documents and use other forms of communication.
8. Maintenance Management Systems.
Facility maintenance can be a tall task and many times goes to the wayside for other priority items due to the cost and time. Maintenance management systems will help you stay on track with routine maintenance of your facilities along with on-demand work orders that come up with things need repairing or replacing. They can also help with your equipment repairs and asset inventory to make sure all aspects of your maintenance operation are running as efficiently and cost-effective as possible.
9. Fundraising Platforms.
There are many tools you can use to assist in your fundraising efforts. Help reach more people, make it easier for them to donate, keep better track of transactions and make it easier for you as the administrator to manage fundraising campaigns.
10. Updated Electronics and Interactive Technology.
No, we don’t want kids to play video games or be on their phones all day within your rec programs. However, there are many different types of interactive technology you can incorporate into your recreation activities. Also, having things like a projector for movies and a nice sound system for music can make your activities more enjoyable for participants.
Sometimes, we feel we don’t need technology and can do things the same old way, but when we have it we ask ourselves how we ever got by without it. Identify where you’re spending too much time or could use assistance managing an area of your operation and do the necessary research to find what works for you. It’s important you put the time and effort needed for technology so you don’t fall behind and can continue to take your recreations to the next level.
