“Okay, but who’s actually going to run this?”
Cans from Campers is an encapsulated project, making it perfect for:
One or more staff members to oversee
A group of older campers to “own” each year
An opportunity for alumni to participate
What suits your camp?
TIPS
Suggest that campers (and staff!) bring a can for each year that they’ve attended camp.
#1: Ideas for promoting Cans from Campers to your camp families (and staff)
Promote your food drive in ways that suit your camp’s communication schedule and platforms (email, text, zoom, social media posts, etc.)
Include “canned item(s)” on your packing list.
In addition to “Opening Day,” camps could host a food drive for each of their sessions including pre-and post season groups. Plan to publicize Cans from Campers to each incoming group.
Suggest bringing a can for each year that campers and staff have attended camp!
Send an email dedicated to Cans from Campers ahead of arrival day (see email sample below, under “Resources”).
Send a final reminder with your last-minute details and post reminders on social media.
Suggest campers arriving by car have their donation handy to drop off at the collection site; campers arriving by plane or bus can tuck their can of tuna or box of mac ‘n’ cheese in an accessible place in their luggage.
Please promote our collective effort by using the name “Cans from Campers.” We’ve designed a logo for your use in emails on signs, etc. (see logo below, under “Resources”)
#2: How to find a food pantry
If you don’t already know of a nearby food pantry, Feeding America provides a “Find a Food Bank” link to find your state food bank as well as loads of statistics, inspiration, and information.
Your state food bank can connect you with a nearby “registered agency” (ie a food pantry) so you know you’ll be supporting your camp’s neighbors. They’ll be delighted to hear from you.
Do you give leftover food at the end of the summer to a local food pantry? Chances are they’d welcome donations from your food drive(s), too.
Need assistance finding a food pantry (or other agency) - let us know. We’re happy to help.
#3: Ideas for collecting donations
Stage a welcoming, eye-catching, collection site in a prominent area to collect donations on the day(s) your campers arrive, and/or other significant day(s) in your schedule.
Consider a bright colored kayak or canoe, a camp tractor or van, your camp’s mascot, a decorated table, etc. Include a Cans from Campers sign. Show your camp’s personality!
Ask your staff to contribute donations so the collection site is started before campers arrive.
During pre-season, ask your food suppliers if they’ll contribute to your effort.
Have several boxes/bags/milk crates on hand. If you’re not undercover in a building or pop-up tent, have large bags or a tarp on hand in case those dark clouds turn into a downpour.
Assign a staff member or two to serve as greeters to receive the donations. It’s a great opportunity to make connections! Invite veteran campers to help by welcoming and talking with new campers.
Take photos of your Cans from Campers collection site!
Stage a welcoming collection site.
#4: How to transfer donations to the food pantry
Coordinate with your food pantry for them to pick up the donations or find out what days or times are best for you to deliver your collected goods to them.
Store the goods in a safe, dry place until delivery or pick-up. Beware of leaving food outside or on porches as it might attract rodents or other unwanted animal life.
If camper volunteers are going to organize donations, move all the goods to a location with enough space for them to gather. (Perhaps wait 3 or 4 days to do the organizing to give campers a chance to settle in a bit.)
Ask the food pantry to report back to you with the total weight of your Cans from Campers donations. This will help you calculate the meals your community provided (1.2 pounds = 1 meal). If there’s time in your schedule, your staff and campers might want to do this too. See Service Learning.
RESOURCES
Here’s a low-res logo for you to use to introduce Cans From Campers to your camp families via email, social, etc and a high-res logo for print use, including large posters, banners, etc.
(Logo created in 2019 by Don Hyde, EVP Marketing & Media.)
Here’s a list of Most Needed Items made by the New Hampshire Food Bank.
Here’s a sample email to introduce Cans from Campers to your camp families.
See Cans From Campers in action at Pemi. Video created in 2019 by Don Hyde, EVP Marketing & Media.
Read this blog post about Pemi’s first Cans from Campers food drive experience.
