Club Sleepover/Lock-In

How has this idea enhanced your club's operation, etc.?

Champions Run has an amazing youth program, and offers activities year-round. However, we were noticing a lack of participation from our teenage demographic. With the goal of boosting our teen program, as well as bring together kids at the club; Champions Run’s Summer Sleepover Lock-in was born. Now the name is a mouthful, but that’s because the night is packed full of fun activities: a DJ, bonfire, midnight swimming, late night games on the golf course, movies, and the best way to cap off the night of any slumber party - A HUGE PILLOW FIGHT! Then, in the morning we get smoothies for all the kids for breakfast. The slumber party has been the highlight of many kids’ summers for the last three years, with over sixty kids attending each year.

How was this idea implemented, and what have been the club members' reactions?

Each summer, the coaches of the swim team run the event. These coaches already have a great relationship with the older kids on the swim team, making it much easier to communicate with everyone. The event is also, limited to kids 11 years and older, to make it more ‘teen’ friendly. Finally, every year, we shoot a fun video of the event to help with marketing for the next year. The event is always a hit and both the kids love it, as well as their parents who get a night without the kids!