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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 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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