10 Creative Summer Camp Marketing Strategies to Boost Registrations This Year

Writien by Justin Brackett

Marketing a summer camp can feel like a daunting task—especially when you’re competing with other camps for families’ attention. Whether you’re running an outdoor adventure camp, an arts-focused retreat, or a general summer camp for kids, getting your message out in a way that resonates with parents and kids alike is critical to boosting registrations.

The good news? There are plenty of creative, proven ways to market your camp effectively—and I’m here to help guide you through them. Let’s dive into ten creative summer camp marketing strategies that can help you fill your roster faster than ever.


1. Use Social Media to Build Excitement (and Share Your Camp’s Personality)

Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are fantastic tools for connecting with families and showing off what makes your camp unique. Share fun videos of camp activities, testimonials from campers, and behind-the-scenes clips of your staff preparing for the summer.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Run a “Countdown to Camp” series featuring photos or videos of activities.
  • Post camper success stories or quotes from parents about how your camp positively impacted their kids.
  • Use TikTok trends to create fun, relatable videos that highlight camp life (like choreographed dances with your staff!).

If you’re unsure how to craft a social media strategy that drives results, check out Camp Marketing 101 for more ideas and resources to help you get started.


2. Host Virtual Open Houses

Parents love to know where they’re sending their kids for the summer. Hosting a virtual open house can help showcase your camp’s facilities, programs, and staff without requiring families to travel. Use tools like Zoom or Facebook Live to create a welcoming virtual experience.

What to include:

  • A virtual tour of your facilities (think cabins, dining hall, activity spaces, etc.).
  • A live Q&A session with your camp director and staff.
  • Pre-recorded testimonials from past campers and parents.

3. Create an Engaging Referral Program

Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most powerful tools for summer camps. Encourage current and past families to spread the word by offering a referral incentive. For example, offer a discount on tuition for each new family they refer or provide them with camp-branded swag.

Parents who already love your camp are your biggest advocates—give them the tools they need to help spread the word!


4. Leverage Email Marketing to Stay Connected

Email marketing remains one of the most cost-effective ways to stay in touch with current and prospective camper families. Use email campaigns to share updates, countdowns to camp, and exclusive offers.

What to include in your emails:

  • Highlight new activities or programs for the upcoming summer.
  • Send reminders about early registration discounts.
  • Share stories or photos from previous summers to spark excitement.

5. Collaborate with Local Schools and Organizations

Partner with schools, youth organizations, or after-school programs in your community to spread the word about your summer camp. Consider offering free workshops or presentations that align with your camp’s theme, such as an outdoor skills demo or an arts-and-crafts night.


6. Invest in a Mobile-Friendly Website

Your camp’s website is often the first impression families get of your program. Make sure it’s easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines. Parents should be able to:

  • Quickly find camp details (dates, tuition, activities, etc.).
  • Easily register online.
  • View testimonials, photos, and videos that highlight the camp experience.

If your website needs a refresh, don’t hesitate to reach out—I can help you design a website that gets results.


7. Use Google and Facebook Ads

Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising can help you reach new families searching for camps online. Google Ads allows you to target parents in your local area, while Facebook Ads can reach families based on their interests (e.g., outdoor activities or STEM programs).

Tip: Start small with your ad spend and track performance to see which campaigns drive the most sign-ups.


8. Create Video Content That Stands Out

Video content is one of the most engaging ways to promote your camp. Consider creating a highlight reel of camp activities, “day in the life” videos, or testimonials from happy campers and their parents. Post these videos on your website, social media, and even YouTube.


9. Start a Blog (and Focus on SEO)

Blogging is a fantastic way to attract new families to your website. Write helpful content that answers common questions parents have, such as:

  • “How to Choose the Right Summer Camp for Your Child”
  • “10 Benefits of Sending Your Child to a Summer Camp”
  • “A Beginner’s Guide to Packing for Summer Camp”

A blog not only establishes your camp as a trusted resource but also improves your visibility in search engine results. Need help with content creation? I’d love to help you craft engaging, SEO-optimized blog posts that drive traffic to yoursite.


10. Build a Strong Online Community

Create a private Facebook group for camper families to connect and share their experiences. It’s a great way to build a sense of community while encouraging word-of-mouth marketing. Families can post questions, share photos, and get excited about the upcoming camp season.


Ready to Boost Registrations? I Can Help!

Marketing your summer camp doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right strategies in place, you can connect with families, grow your registrations, and create a memorable experience for every camper who walks through your gates.

If you’re feeling stuck or need help implementing these ideas, I’m here to help you with all your marketing needs. Whether it’s designing a winning social media campaign, optimizing your website, or crafting email newsletters that convert, I can help you take your summer camp marketing to the next level.

Justin has a proven track record of delivering results for clients across a range of industries, including hospitality, technology, retail, and non-profit.

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