Last year, I earned a free loaf of French bread using my Albertson’s (grocery store) card. I had never bought a loaf of French bread before, yet within a minute, a store clerk handed me a *hot* fresh loaf of the best bread I have ever had. This launched an insane French bread addiction that lasted for a few months until the scale yelled at me. Even now the thought of that bread makes my mouth water. So hold onto that thought while you keep reading…As part of a new online community for camp and conference professionals, I saw a new group form around the growing popular activity- geocaching. (Visit http://www.geocaching.com/ for more info.) It’s the scavenger hunt gone hi-tech with GPS.What a GREAT experience- getting outdoors and away from the TV and the computer, inspiring your adventurous side, having fun with a group of people.
Here comes the French bread reference. It got me thinking- this would be a GREAT way to introduce your camp or conference center to new people- a free sample! Not an overnight stay, not a free retreat- just a fun day event on grounds. During your offseason, the weather is cooler, the grounds are emptier, a lot of animals have gone into hibernation, and you have the perfect opportunity to get new potential guests on your grounds.
By offering a free geocaching event to your local churches or community, you can give them a pressure-free chance to explore your property, meet your staff, have thrilling recreation, even taste your food if you choose to close the event with a tasting or lunch. Or make it a late afternoon event that ends with a s’more roast.
The more options for retreats and vacations people discover online, the more important it is to captivate their senses with tangible experience. It could be enough to get people hungry for a longer experience and stronger relationship with your camp or conference center. And a camping addiction, unlike French bread, will not add to the waistline.
