By guest author Marc Johnson
Below Marc shares some of his expertise in managing a property with looking at the users view.
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It’s a beautiful sunny day and you are walking through your property and your thinking, “what can I do to put a little spring into the property?” Here are some ideas that I think work well and don’t take a lot of money.
- What needs a fresh coat of paint? Use lighter colors to lighten dark areas. Nothing is as drab as a brown living area.
- Can you use uniform signs stating your mission or goals and lining the entrance road?
- Solar lights placed at buildings, trails and roads are an efficient way to light the property.
- How about simple colored flags placed in front of buildings and entrance ways?
Any time volunteers, guests, or campers can be part of something festive or bright, it seems to put a smile on people’s faces. See how you can involve them in many of the projects list above.
What are simple things to make your property more user friendly? Walk into all places where campers and guests are staying and think what I need to have a usable environment.
- Is there a refrigerator close by to keep food and drinks in? This is a lot safer than using ice and a cooler. Is the refrigerator clean and operating efficiently?
- Are the pathways open and clear of branches and debris? Are roots covered to prevent tripping?
- Is it easy to get in and out of the buildings with gear?
- Is it easy to find bathrooms? You might need to clear debris from the winter, align rocks, etc.
Always think of the first time user. Is your property encouraging or discouraging? Most people are not experienced campers and guests. The more things seem easy to find and organized, the more comfortable they will feel. We are in competition with a lot of recreational activities and the more usable, and comfortable our properties are the more people will return. Your property is where memories are being made.
About the author. Marc has worked at camp since 1970 in a variety of positions from camp director to dining hall manager. His degree work from N.C. State includes; a background in Forestry, Wildlife management and Recreation Administration. Marc has worked for the Girl Scouts at 2 councils since 1980 in property management as a camp director, camp ranger, camp manager and property director. He is also a lead visitor with the ACA.