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Sunday, August 31, 2008

The 4 “C’s” of Camp Building

From the Orphan Brigade newsletter (points to ponder for our camp)

Communication:
a camp has to have several modes of communication in order to be successful. The camp newsletter is the foundation, but is augmented by electronic (email, website) and personal (phone calls, visits)

Connection: Members have to feel connected to a camp, or they will drift away. Communications help lead to relationships within the membership that keeps people anchored. From how they are greeted at their first meeting, to phone calls seeing how they are doing, the goal is to connect.

Camaraderie: It has to be enjoyable and uplifting to be a member. Camps must seek activities that increase esprit’ de corps, and must avoid distractions that divide.

Cause: a camp must have a reason to exist. This should be a combination of short and medium-term projects, along with longer term ideals. Without a direction to be working on, the camp will wander aimlessly until it withers.