By Kara Durante, Sr. Account Manager, Community Brands/Diamond Mind
For many schools across the country, the new year started with the sharp contrast of managing ice and snow closures while planning summer camp programs. Independent, private, and faith-based K-12 summer camps offer students and families a continuity of education, mission, and community values through unique, first-hand experiences. Having worked with families and schools for over a decade, I also know the integral contribution that successful summer camps can provide to your overall school revenue and long-term school growth.
In talking with our schools, the enrollment staff often note to us, how summer camp programs serve as a steppingstone for families with smaller children to begin the enrollment process for the following year. Summer camps provide unique opportunities for prospective families to meet the school’s staff and students and experience the school community. Summer students also meet diverse people, explore new ideas and hobbies, and hone their leadership abilities during camp.
When schools give parents a superb camp experience, they get great recommendations and word of mouth from the community. The advantages of automated payment processing contribute to family happiness and help school staff as well. The benefits of online and mobile systems automating the payment processes reduce stress for busy parents and ensure a more seamless payment experience for everyone. Using a solution that provides parents 24/7 access for making payments and the flexibility to choose the summer camp fee payment plan that best suits their financial needs, makes summer camp more accessible for a wider and diverse range of participants.
With the MySchoolWallet mobile app, as a free addition to Diamond Mind, families also have a simple, 24/7 accessible way to pay and give on the go. With just a few taps on their smartphone, they can make quick, secure payments and donations to your school.
Additionally, schools benefit from online payment processing solutions in three key ways:
Efficiency: Streamlined online workflows save camp and administrative staff valuable time previously lost in processing fees, manually entering data, and chasing late payments.
Reduced errors: Automatic data entry minimizes the risk of human error, ensuring accuracy and eliminating potential discrepancies in financial records. This leads to smoother accounting and avoids unnecessary headaches for camp administrators.
Enhanced brand image: By embracing modern technology, camps demonstrate their commitment to innovation and family-friendly practices. This can attract tech-savvy parents and strengthen your brand image in the summer camp landscape.
Just as picking the perfect school for your children is an important decision for parents, so is selecting the best online and mobile payment method for your school’s needs. Embracing online and mobile payments is not just a convenience for families; it’s a strategic move for schools seeking to thrive in the digital age. By offering an automated payment experience, your school empowers families, streamlines operations, and paves the way for a summer full of happy campers, satisfied parents, and supported staff. Let the easy-to-use and integrated tools of Diamond Mind set you up for a fantastic summer camp and a fruitful academic year for your schools, students, and families.
To help you get started, we’re offering up to 10% off processing rates on new Diamond Mind processing volumes. Click to learn more.