A Step by Step Approach to Developing
and Maintaining an Alumni Program
Some Examples
- Yearly alumni days or weekends with family events
- Special reunions for different programs (equestrian, outdoor ed, etc.)
- Special reunions for camp anniversary years
- Camp may facilitate other impromptu events: canoe trips, running events
Factors to Consider
- To charge or not to charge - consider a free event with an option to
donate to cover expenses and/or towards a special project
- Spouse-free and children-free events(!) - might be appropriate for
some types of reunions
- Lead time for notification - consider significant lead time (around a year)
for special reunions. Those from long distances may make plans to visit family
or friends in the area around the same time.
- Distribute/post lists of who's coming
- Contact key alumni to encourage attendance - i.e. the Program Directors
if it's a special program reunion
- Don't miss the opportunity to verify and document history - it may
be the last chance to hear the stories, watch certain groups of people interact,
etc. Bring the camera and/or the video recorder.
Remember the Alumni Who Can't Attend
- Many if not most of your alumni will be scattered throughout the country
and the world
- Take the time to jot down descriptions of special moments and include them
with any available pictures to be distributed in a followup newsletter or to
be posted on the web site.
- Communication may be the only link that some alums have to camp and their fellow alumni.
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