Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/819246
42 / MAY.JUNE.2017 USICERINKS.COM did everything we could to attract players: emails, snail mail, advertising and our web site. We offered discounts and two-for- one specials. With 35 participants, we only grossed about $10,000, but were able to get the program off the ground with lots of new photos and testimonials of success. In 2016, we grossed more than $90,000 in summer Gunga Hockey programs—much more than the $40,000 worth of rentals we lost in 2011. This coming summer of 2017, we are offering nine camps and programs on our schedule; we expect to generate more than $100,000. As expected, it took time to grow the program—it definitely did not happen overnight. Once you have the ball rolling and get one summer under your belt, you can use that momentum, along with the help of a great marketing and advertising plan, to propel the overall size and capacity of your in-house programs. The only thing that will limit you is the amount of ice time you have to offer! J SOUTHWESTERN LEADER IN COMPLETE ICE ARENA SERVICES CompleteIceArenaServices.com /CompleteIAS Specializing in Servicing all makes and models Brandon Klement: 612.685.6506 The Pros and Cons of Running In-House Summer Camps THE PROS: • It fills your unused ice time. • It generates revenue for your facility both through registration fees as well as ancillary income (pro shop, food service, etc.). • You control the quality of the program and don't have to deal with outside vendors running the camps. • It provides work for your staff during the "slow season" who have the ability and desire to coach kids. • It brings new customers into your building for future business—both for you and your rental tenants. • It provides your local youth hockey and skating associations with programs during the off-season by offering their players/ skaters additional opportunities to develop their skills locally. THE CONS: • It may require hiring and training additional staff. • Like in Massachusetts, it may require you to follow regulations which can be costly and time consuming. • While health and safety are important even when renting out your facility, this responsibility is even more important. In fact, it's your highest priority when running your own programs. • It will require you to invest in equipment, uniforms, marketing and other supplies. • It requires significant administrative support in terms of registering participants, communicating with families, managing staff, purchasing and local permitting. • It precludes you from renting the ice time that you're using for your camps. • It will take you several years to become profitable. + - REAL PROGRAMS Summer Camps