Engage!

The Wall Street Journal published an article yesterday
(3-12-09) by Anjali Athavaley entitled, “Cutting Back on the Kum Ba Yah.” This
article gives us an excellent opportunity to engage the users of our camps and
conferences and enter into a conversation about something they care deeply
about…money and the value of the things they are spending that money on.

We know that families and churches are in the process right
now of making some very difficult decisions about this summer. Why not engage
them? Do more than just send them a brochure or a link to your website. Start a converstation.Talk
about the value of a week at your camp or conference center. Tell them why it’s
worth it.

Here are some things you can do:

• Use the article as a
  springboard on your website to create an “Is it worth it” page. Last year
  the FAQ’s were “How close is the nearest emergency room?” and “Are your
  cabins air conditioned?” This year the FAQ on everyone’s mind is “Is camp really
  worth the cost?” You have the answer! Give it to them.
• You can post the article
  on your camp Facebook page and invite response from your fans and friends.
  At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter as much want we (as camp
  leaders) think about the article as what our users think.
• If you blog, use this
  article as the basis for a blog post on the benefits of a Christian
  camping experience. Invite response from those who read your blog. Get the online
  conversation going!
• If you’re on Twitter, post
  the link and ask your followers what they think. Point them to your blog
  or Facebook page to see your response.

An article like this doesn’t have to be a negative thing.We’ve all been thinking these things for months. Now’s the time for you to
engage your tribe and talk to them about why THEY value camp and encourage them
to tell their own spheres of influence.