Cracking the Alumni Development Code: What Camps Can Learn from University Alumni Models

Summer camps have deep alumni roots, yet many of us are still guessing at how to build lasting and structured alumni associations. This session explores how camps can apply the proven strategies that universities use to create lifelong supporters. Drawing from conversations with the CEO of the Clemson University Alumni Association, we’ll uncover how higher education builds engagement that lasts well beyond graduation. Participants will gain practical insights on how to adapt these methods to the camp setting, including how to track and use alumni data, create meaningful events that connect generations, and build fundraising models that sustain mission-driven work. This session moves beyond nostalgia, offering a roadmap for camps ready to strengthen relationships with former campers and staff, grow their reach, and develop a lasting culture of belonging and support.