ESSK

Program Options & Implementation

The Extreme STEAM Science Kids Program Options and Implementation will provide a camp owner/director with a variety of options and a “how-to” guide that will help them to set-up their own customized approach to an exciting robotics program. The options outlined will provide suggestions on how a robotics program can generate additional income by attracting a new pool of campers and parents who would not have necessarily attended your camp. 

The Implementation section details a variety of ways to structure and schedule your program suggested enrollment charges and projections, return on investment, and potential target audiences. It will also provide a blueprint to launch the program and raise awareness and interest in your program and your camp.

 

Option One

Integration of The Extreme STEAM Science Kids Robotics Program into your present camp scheduling with no additional charge.

Ages

  • Schedule by age as you do in your present camp structure

Structure & Scheduling

  • A scheduled camp period activity.
  • Electives/Club Pick Program where interested campers can choose the day(s) to attend when your Elective/Club Pick program is offered.

Option Two

Separate Extreme STEAM Science Kids Program from camp with an additional charge.

Ages

  • Dependent on enrollment
  • Group by age so that the curriculum is age-appropriate
  • Suggestion: 1st & 2nd grades and 3rd-5th grade for the Dash Robotics Program and ages 4-5 and a separate class for 6-year-olds for the Code & Go Program

Structure & Scheduling

  • You can set up a before, during, or after camp.
  • Campers sign up for a specific Extreme STEAM session.  

 Enrollment Charge

  • Suggestion: A fee of $20 – $30 per one hour class or $200 – $300 per 2-week class.   

Scheduling Scenario & Revenue Projections

  • A 2-week program with 10 campers per class would gross $2,000-$3,000.
  • Ideally, you should have a lead instructor and assistant.
  • Run the program for eight weeks with 2 classes in the morning, 2 classes during camp, and 2 classes after camp=$72,000 gross.

Estimated Costs

  • Teacher: $75 per class; Assistant: $25 per class.
  • Total Salary Cost Per 2 Week Class $1,000; Per 2 Week Block (6 classes) $6,000
  • Total Cost Per 8 Week Program $24,000 (plus applicable taxes)

Net Gain: $48,000

These figures are just an example. The variables include how many campers enroll, how many classes you run, what period of time, and what your actual salary and taxes might be.

Target Audience

Primary: Parents who are not interested in traditional camping but are interested in science and robotics.

Secondary: Parents who want to attend camp but are also interested in extending their day learning about science and robotics.

You now can become creative and figure out how to incorporate Extreme STEAM into your camp world.  

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding setting up or running your Extreme STEAM Program.

ESSK

Marketing Outreach

The Marketing Outreach provided by Extreme STEAM Science Kids (ESSK) offers suggestions on how you can promote the ESSK program to your community. It provides you with a platform that will align your camp with STEAM education, the hottest topic in education today. The Extreme STEAM Science Kids Marketing Outreach details a variety of ways to promote your new program including Marketing Objectives, Strategies, Target Markets and Tactics. The use of these tactics has the potential to expand your reach and your business potential. Extreme STEAM Science Kids was created by Park Shore Country Day Camp. We started with 27 science campers and now have more than tripled our enrollment in science.  In addition, we created tremendous community awareness of our program.

Launching a new program at your camp is very exciting. The Extreme STEAM Science Kids Robotics Program is a turn-key operation that can become a magnet to new campers and revenue once your staff is chosen and they have utilized our Professional Development to familiarize themselves with the program.

Marketing Objectives

To create awareness and excitement for your ESSK program and build enrollment through a comprehensive outreach program.

Target Audience Description

Parents of children in grades 1-5 who are interested in educational opportunities for their children in camp. Robotics and Science is an area among these people that is both appealing and attractive as a unique learning experience for their children.

Marketing Tactics

Below are suggestions on how to create awareness for your new Extreme STEAM Science Kids Robotics Program.

Website

Update your website to announce your new program. Utilization of your present website to promote awareness of your new program is essential. A prominent position at your website with beautiful pictures and detailed information will showcase your new endeavor. Proper SEO will make your program searchable for interested families.

Create a Blog

If you blog, then write about the new program and why it benefits customers. Anyone who regularly views your website will soon learn about the new program.

Social Media

  • Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc: (Provide a link back to your website)
  • Posts about your new Extreme STEAM Science Kids Program with links back to your website
  • Posts about Robotics, STEAM Education, 21st Century Skills and their importance
  • Paid Facebook and Instagram advertising
  • Join various local Facebook groups. Post about your new program or any free events

Email Marketing

  • Utilize robust email marketing tools such as Constant Contact or Mail Chimp. Email lead acquisition is vital in today’s digital age. Email campaigns designed for existing prospects can help encourage their purchase decision. Follow-up these campaigns with a phone call to maximize effectiveness.
  • Promotional & Informational Newsletters to your present camp families and inquiries
  • Invitations to Free Events

Free Events

  • Host free events/classes to showcase your new program! Running FREE one-hour Extreme STEAM Robotics classes at your camp or a different location, if you are a resident camp, is an excellent way to build traffic.  You will get those families who want technology education for their children.  We have found that there are not many programs like this offered so you should get traffic coming to you.  This creates the beginning of a relationship that could translate into enrollments.
  • Promote your event:
  1. Post your event to Social Media
  2. Post to your Website
  3. Post to local Facebook Groups
  4. Email your current camp families and inquiries

Community Awareness

  • Create awareness within your community by reaching out to local schools and organizations and work together to provide information about your program to their members and students.
  • Elementary schools are a perfect place to offer this program.  Try to establish a relationship with your surrounding school districts so flyers can be sent home with the students.   Always make sure to have a knowledgeable person about your robotics program to answer the inquiries you are trying to generate.
  • Try to run a free session at a store near you or at a Mini Maker Faire under your brand.
  • Donating money creates goodwill.  If it is in your budget to donate to a religious facility, public or private school, you can possibly get more exposure and freedom to advertise in these locations.

 Create Referral Campaigns

  • Use your existing customer base to generate additional leads through a referral campaign. Offer an incentive to your existing customers to refer a friend. Because these new prospects will have had your camp endorsed by a friend, the chance for you to close the sale is much higher.

News Media

  • Over time, you will build relationships with different journalists and press outlets. At the time of a program release, your team can reach out to the press to entice journalists to write about the new program.
  • You can use press releases to announce your new program. Press releases are most effective when the content is newsworthy and they include a customer endorsement.
  • Your local politicians might want to take their pictures with campers using a robot.  Technology education is huge and growing every day.  This is another way to attract families to your camp.

Conclusion

The overall concept that must be maintained is that your program is engaging, exciting, meets the demands of the families you are serving and led by a dynamic instructor.  It is also helping campers and students during the year increase their 21st-century skills by strengthening their critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, and adaptability.  These concepts should be used when promoting your robotics program.