10 Ways to Promote Your Summer Camps Without Wasting Budget

1. Know What Makes Your Camp Different

Before you spend a dollar on marketing, ask yourself: Why do families choose us?

It could be your focus on leadership development, your waterfront location, your all-star coaching staff, or your long-standing reputation in the community. Whatever it is, lean into it. This is your Unique Selling Proposition (USP).

Quick tip: Turn your USP into a one-line message and use it everywhere—from your website header to your social media bio.

2. Let Social Media Do the Heavy Lifting

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show up consistently and authentically.

Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to showcase what daily life at your camp looks like. Post behind-the-scenes clips, camper quotes, silly staff videos, and highlight reels of big moments.

Bonus tip: Run small, geo-targeted ads ($50–$100) on Facebook or Instagram to promote registration deadlines or early-bird offers to nearby families.

3. Make Sure Your Website Works for You

Think of your website as your digital front door. If it’s hard to navigate or slow on mobile, you’re losing campers.

✔ Is it mobile-friendly?
✔ Can someone register or request info in under 2 clicks?
✔ Are there clear CTAs on every page?

Also, make sure your site is optimized for search engines (SEO). Families are googling “summer camps near me.” You want to show up.

4. Use Email to Stay Top of Mind

If you’ve run your camp before, you already have one of the best marketing assets: an email list.

Segment it by audience (past campers, inquiries, etc.) and send updates regularly—think registration reminders, early-bird discounts, and helpful camp prep tips.

Pro tip: Use free or low-cost tools like Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Substack to automate your emails and track results.

5. Set Up a Referral Program

Word of mouth is still the most powerful marketing channel for summer camps.

Make it easy for families to refer friends—and rewarding, too. A simple $25 credit or free camp merch can be enough to spark action.

✔ Mention your referral offer in confirmation emails
✔ Add a referral CTA to your website
✔ Share success stories (“5 new families joined thanks to Sarah!”)

6. Partner with Local Organizations

Think of schools, libraries, youth groups, and small businesses.

Offer to host a free activity, donate a raffle prize, or hand out flyers at events. These partnerships put your camp in front of new families in a way that feels organic and community-driven.

Collab idea: Team up with a local coffee shop for a “Camp Coffee Morning” where parents can grab a latte and learn about your programs.

7. List Your Camp Where People Are Looking

There are dozens of online directories where parents go to compare summer camps. Many offer free or affordable listings.

Make sure your profile includes:

✔ Eye-catching photos
✔ Clear program info
✔ Easy registration links
✔ A few strong testimonials

Encourage current families to leave reviews, which carry a lot of weight for first-timers.

8. Create Content That Solves Real Parent Problems

Blog posts, videos, or even a short “Camp Readiness Checklist” can drive traffic and build trust.

Topics like:

• “What to Pack for Camp (and What to Leave Home)”

• “Is My Child Ready for Overnight Camp?”

• “5 Ways Camp Builds Confidence in Kids”

Post them on your site, share on socials, and include them in emails. Content like this helps establish your camp as a helpful resource, not just a promotional one.

9. Use Limited-Time Offers the Right Way

Urgency works—but only if it’s real.

Create early-bird discounts with firm expiration dates. Announce a limited number of spots in popular sessions. Use countdown timers in emails or landing pages.

Just be sure not to overdo it. Constant “last chance” emails can backfire if they don’t feel genuine.

10. Track What’s Working (and What’s Not)

This is where most camps waste money: throwing dollars at platforms without knowing what brings results.

Use tools like Google Analytics, Meta Ads Manager, and your email platform’s reporting features to track:

• Which pages drive the most sign-ups

• What email subject lines get the most opens

• What content generates engagement

Then, double down on what works—and skip the rest.

Conclusion

Promoting your summer camp doesn’t require a massive budget. It just requires clarity, consistency, and a willingness to test and adapt.

Start by getting clear on your value. Then share it everywhere consistently.