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Blah Blah Blah: Is Your Camp’s Real Distinctiveness Getting Through?


“Experience the magic…Lifelong friends…Unforgettable summer….”

This is camp language that may be 100% true, but also does nothing to distinguish your camp from many other (very different) camps. Prospective families surfing the web frequently make judgements in seconds, and generic language could rule out your camp before you even get the chance to communicate what you really are.

“If you want to stand for something,
You can't stand for everything.”

This blog post from Seth Godin reminds us of the importance of understanding our audience. In JTEC, JCamp 180 Training in Effective Communications, Debra Askanase works with the camps on truly understanding what makes them unique, and then defining content and conversations that connect with that uniqueness.

When you are clearer about what your camp is all about, what makes it different, you will likely turn some potential families away. But those families probably wouldn’t have a great experience at your camp anyway. And you are much more likely to recruit the campers who will have the kind of experience that creates life-long memories and connection to your camp.

At the risk of ruling out some families, distinguishing yourself helps draw even more in.

So…what makes YOUR camp truly unique? Feel free to contact Kevin Martone if you want help with this process – we know from experience it isn’t as easy as it initially sounds!

P.S. Applications are live now for the next cohort of JTEC – apply today!

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Written by Kevin Martone. Kevin is the Technology Program Manager with JCamp 180. His focus area is in applying technology (database management, communications) to support fundraising and outreach efforts. Kevin leads JTEC (JCamp 180 Training in Effective Communications) and co-leads Data2Donors, a program to help camps prioritize their database for improved Alumni outreach and fundraising.


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Who we are: JCamp 180 is a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF). Our goal is to significantly enhance the long-term effectiveness of nonprofit Jewish camps in North America. To meet this goal, we provide affiliated Jewish camps with consulting services, annual conferences, shared resources, professional development, and matching grant opportunities. Find more at www.jcamp180.org