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A media open house is an excellent opportunity
to showcase a camp, the staff, and facility.
An open house can take place during a
special event such as:
| Camp Olympics –
You can set up the camp in a series
of Olympic-type sporting events
and challenge the campers to compete
against the counselors. |
| Around the Farm –
You could invite the media to see the
amazing animals at camp. Show the media
how the horses are groomed or how the
children learn about snakes and spiders. |
| The Three R's
– Rappelling, Horseback Riding,
and Raft Swimming – Invite the
media to cover the "Three R's
of Summer" as they watch children
learn to rappel, ride a horse,
and play in the water. |
The following tips will assist you in organizing
a successful event:
| Prepare a message.
Remember to make sure to have two to
three talking points in mind about what
you want the media to know about the
camp experience. For example, you can
talk about how camp teaches children
independence and a respect for their
environment. |
| Select a logical
location. Make sure the location is
safe and secure for reporters. Make
sure the media understand if an event
will be held outdoors and ask what
equipment they will need from you
(i.e. power supply, place to park
a satellite truck, etc.) |
| Notify the media.
Send a media advisory, or media alert,
to key reporters inviting them to
the event. Always include contact
information and a cell number where
the reporter can call the day of the
event. Call the reporter a day or
two before the event to see if he/she
will be able to attend. If it is not
possible, extend an invitation for
a reporter to cover the camp at a
later date. |
| For planning purposes,
you may consider hosting your event
on either a Tuesday, Wednesday, or
Thursday morning. Some media markets
are looking for good stories to cover
during their long weekend morning
shows while other markets are short
staffed on weekends. In some cases,
you might want to check with a broadcast
station first before planning your
event. |
| Provide the media
with a press release about the event
and/or a press kit on your camp. Make
sure to include a brief bio on the camp
director. |
| Identify two to
three people to speak with the media
during the event. Ideally this would
include a camp counselor, camper,
and the camp director. Children under
the age of 18 will need their parents
to sign a waiver in advance of any
media interviews. |
| Book a photographer.
Some weekly newspapers may be unable
to send a photographer but are interested
in covering the story. Your ability
to provide photos to reporters will
enhance your visibility. |
| Designate a media
greeter. You should have a designated
person meet the media as they arrive
and assist them during the event. |
| Follow-up. Contact
news outlets that expressed an interest
in attending the event but did not show.
They should receive the press release
and photos with a letter asking them
to consider covering the camp story. |
| Evaluate news coverage.
Stories should be evaluated in terms
of your objectives. Were your talking
points in the story? Were you able to
recruit new campers as a result of the
coverage? |
Remember to thank reporters for covering
your story. A personal letter can go a long
way in a reporter remembering you next time
you have a story to tell!
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