How to Run a Successful Summer Marching Band Camp: Tips for Fun and Profit!
Summer marching band camps are a great way to help students sharpen their musical skills, build strong friendships, and get ready for the upcoming season. These camps also provide an opportunity for the band program to raise some extra funds. Whether you’re a parent involved in the booster club or a band director looking for ideas, this guide will help you plan a fun and successful camp.
A summer camp for marching band members is the perfect compliment to any of our marching band fundraising brochures like these in our free kit:
Planning Your Camp
Choosing the Right Time and Duration
The first step in planning your summer marching band camp is picking the right time. Most camps work best in July or early August, giving students enough time to enjoy their summer break but still prepare for the fall season. A week-long camp is often just the right amount of time—not too short, but not so long that kids get tired.
Also consider a day camp in case your target market isn’t able to commit to a full week.
Selecting a Location
Choosing the right location is key. Look for a place that has both indoor and outdoor spaces, so the band can practice rain or shine. Schools, community centers, or local parks with fields can work well. Make sure there are places for students to rest, eat, and cool off.
Setting Goals and Objectives
Decide what you want your camp to achieve. Is it mainly about improving marching techniques? Or maybe it’s about getting the band ready for a big competition? Setting clear goals will help you design the camp schedule and activities. You might also want to include leadership training for drum majors and section leaders.
Creating a Budget
Running a camp costs money, so it’s important to plan your budget carefully. Think about the cost of hiring instructors, renting facilities, and providing food. Don’t forget about smaller expenses like water bottles, sunscreen, and music sheets. Once you have an estimate, you can set a reasonable fee for the camp to cover costs.
Designing the Camp Program
Daily Schedules and Activities
A good camp balances work and play. Start the day with marching drills and sectional rehearsals. In the afternoon, break up the routine with fun activities like team challenges or water balloon fights. Don’t forget to schedule time for meals and breaks, so students stay energized.
Instructor Selection
The quality of your instructors can make or break the camp. Hire experienced band directors, musicians, and even alumni who know the ins and outs of marching band. They can offer valuable tips on everything from instrument technique to drill design.
Curriculum Development
Your camp’s curriculum should cover both music and marching. Choose a few pieces of music that the band will perform during the camp. Spend time on marching techniques, making sure students understand the basics like posture and footwork. If possible, use apps or video recordings to give students feedback.
Making the Camp Fun
Team-Building Activities
A camp isn’t just about hard work—it should be fun too! Plan team-building activities that help students bond. Icebreakers, group challenges, and evening social events like movie nights can make the camp experience memorable.
Competitions and Games
Friendly competitions can add excitement to the camp. You could have section vs. section contests or reward students for things like the best march or most improved musician. Small prizes or daily awards keep everyone motivated.
Theme Days
Spice up the camp with theme days, like “Crazy Hat Day” or “Color Day,” where each section wears a different color. These themes make rehearsals more fun and give students something to look forward to.
Monetizing Your Camp
Setting Camp Fees
To keep the band program financially healthy, set a camp fee that covers your costs and adds a little extra for the band’s budget. Offering discounts for early registration or group sign-ups can encourage more students to join.
Sponsorships and Partnerships
Consider reaching out to local businesses for sponsorships. In return, you can offer to feature their logos on camp T-shirts or banners. Selling branded merchandise like hats or water bottles at the camp can also bring in extra money.
Fundraising Opportunities
Host a showcase performance at the end of the camp to show off what the students have learned. Invite parents, friends, and community members, and charge a small admission fee. You could also offer optional services like private lessons for an additional fee.
Marketing Your Camp
Building a Strong Online Presence
Promote your camp through a dedicated website or social media page. Share photos and videos from previous camps, along with testimonials from past participants. The more people see how much fun the camp is, the more likely they are to sign up.
Targeted Outreach
Reach out to local schools, community organizations, and past participants to spread the word about the camp. Encourage alumni to share their experiences and get the word out to potential campers.
Creating Engaging Content
Regular updates, blog posts, and newsletters can keep the excitement going. Highlight special aspects of the camp, like guest instructors or unique activities, to draw interest.
Include video interviews of past attendees to tell about their experience at the camp.
Post-Camp Follow-Up
Gathering Feedback
After the camp, send out surveys to campers and their parents. Their feedback can help you improve future camps and ensure everyone had a good experience.
Maintaining Engagement
Keep the connection with campers alive throughout the year. Use social media or an email newsleter to stay in touch, and consider hosting smaller events during the off-season.
Planning for Next Year
Start planning for next year’s camp early. Offer early bird registration to secure spots and build on the success of this year’s camp.
Now what?
Running a summer marching band camp is a rewarding experience that helps students grow as musicians and as a team. It is another tool in your tool belt for raising funds for your march band program. Combined with our free catalog fundraiser program you will be one step closer to reaching your fundraising goals this year. With the right planning, you can create a camp that’s not only fun but also profitable for the band program. So start planning now, and get ready to make your next camp the best one yet!
