Deciding what to give the kids for camp giveaways can be tricky. Sometimes, it’s a small budget that keeps you from giving what you want. Other times, it’s trying to decide what you can give that ALL the campers will enjoy.
It’s a tough decision. But one thing that almost always works? Picture frames. Here’s why:
Want to be a camp budget hero? Summer camp picture frames made out of paper are an inexpensive giveaway.
If the kids don’t like the frame, we bet the parents or grandparents will love it! It’s a win-win.
Full-color printed frames with summer camp theme
DIY isn’t for everyone. And that’s ok! For those who want an easy summer camp picture frame gift, check out our printed frames.
We can create fully custom printed paper picture frames that make the perfect end-of-camp giveaways for campers—or their parents.
Design it to match the camp theme (or we’ll help!).
Shown: Custom printed picture frame for summer campground. We can make frames like this match your camp theme! Learn more about printed picture frames.
Camp craft: let campers decorate blank picture frames
Decorate with stickers, washi tape, stamps, or scrapbooking embellishments. Or pick up small sticks or leaves and glue them to the frame.
However you choose to let kids decorate, these easy camping picture frame craft is something that parents (or grandparents!) will love as a gift from summer camp.
It’s a craft and camp giveaway in one clever package! You simply design a frame with a coloring book pattern, we’ll print it, and your campers color it in! Crayons works, as do colored pencils. Markers give a vibrant splash of color, but be careful! They can smear easily on the paper frames.
Greeting cards as picture frames… gifts for loved ones
Not a traditional picture frame, photo insert cards can be used as a frame… but first, kids get to send them as a greeting card.
These 5″ x 7″ picture frame cards hold a 4″ x 6″ photo. Have campers write a note inside, and that’s it! These photo insert cards come with envelopes, so they are super easy to mail to loved ones or friends. And once they get the card, they can frame it! The card frame border acts as a simple matting for the photo, so just slide the whole thing in a 5″ x 7″ picture frame.
Take a photo of the camper, mail the card to loved ones from camp. Campers can decorate the card or just write a note inside.
Looking for an idea to connect with families after vacation bible school (VBS) ends? Paper and cardboard photo frames are a fun and effective outreach tool.
Why?
Because VBS participants can all get their photo packaged safe and sound in a frame or photo folder, and it’s an opportunity to say something else. You can reinforce the event theme, add a slogan, or even a Bible verse.
Sending VBS follow-up frames as a gift shows your appreciation for the child’s enrollment, and at the same time reaches out to the family. Photo keepsakes are often hung on a refrigerator door or propped up on a desk, and serve as a constant reminder of your church and how much fun they had.
Photo folders and paper picture frames are a budget-friendly way to help campers remember their VBS memories. A great gift for campers—or mom, dad, or grandparents! Shown: Custom Printed Photo Folder for a horizontal 4×6 photo.
What kind of VBS photos go in a photo holder?
Some camps set up a photo booth station (some VBS organizers use Instax cameras for this)
Photos of kids at craft stations
Group photos—either with teams, or if there are many different churches involved, with other kids from their church
A large group photo of everyone from camp
How to personalize photo holders for VBS
If you choose to order custom printed photo folders or personalized cardboard picture frames, add your event logo or graphics, along with some text. Consider adding a line like one of these to your custom VBS paper frames:
Look at how much fun you had at VBS!
Glad you came, we hope that you and your family will be back for more fun activities!
I feel blessed at VBS
Incorporate your theme, like “I had fun at {theme}”
Don’t forget to include ways to keep in touch, like social media icons, a website address, or even info on upcoming programs.
Make it an activity: DIY VBS picture frames
Want to make your own frames at VBS? That’s easy with inexpensive paper picture frames.
Cardboard photo frames are easy to work with, and you can use just about any craft material on them: markers, pens, stickers, washi tape, and stencils. We don’t recommend painting paper frames because the frames might curl and warp from the paint.
Oh, and you can use glitter, too… if you’re feeling brave.
What to do if you’re short on time but still want custom VBS frames
Check out these double-sided folders. Simply slide a print-out with your event logo into one side of the frame. The other side is left open for frame your photo from vacation bible school.
You have two options: hand them out at the event, or mail them to participants after the event is over.
If you choose to hand the photo holders out at the event, you’ll want to either have a photo printer on-site, or have someone send the photos to a printer early enough so you have the photos back before the end of the camp.
If you choose to mail them to participants after the event is over, be sure to order envelopes for your folders or frames. It is important to note that some photo folders and frames will be larger than first-class mail size limits, so keep this in mind if you choose this route.
Need Cardboard Picture Frames for Vacation Bible School? We can help.
We make photo folders and cardboard picture frames for all kinds of church activities and events.
With hundreds of affordable photo folder and picture frame options, we’re sure we can find one to suit your needs. Whether you need a 4″ x 6″ folder, 5″ x 7″ frame, blank photo holder, or a ready-to-ship photo event folder, we have options for everyone—and every budget.
A photo memory keepsake makes one of the best family reunion souvenirs.
Family reunions are the best time to get photos of everyone: the entire family, the individual families, the cousins, the aunts and uncles.
Because when else do you have your entire extended family together in one spot? Seize the opportunity and take some group photos. Future generations will thank you when they come across these photo memories that capture their family history.
The easiest way to set up your family reunion picture is to use a tripod with a self-timer.
Make sure the camera is turned horizontally to get everyone in the picture.
Take several test shots, and if using a digital camera, take advantage of the LCD display screen to preview the image.
Since this opportunity comes along only once a year, once a decade, or in many cases once in a lifetime, make sure to take several (or more) shots to ensure that you have the perfect photo.
In addition to a large group shot, it is a great idea to take photos of individual couples and their children. With all these photos, you can create a visual family tree!
If you are looking for a more unique option, consider hiring a photographer to take journalistic-style photos during your family reunion. These are candid shots that offer a more natural approach than posed photographs. With this style of photography, you can capture some great photos of people laughing, hugging, socializing, and enjoying themselves.
Left: Vertical or Portrait (best for individual or couple shots) Right: Horizontal or Landscape (best for group shots)
The Checklist: One Month Before The Reunion
Go over your guest list and see how many photos you will be giving away as souvenirs. Will you give a photo to each guest, or one per family unit?
Decide if you will be taking horizontal (group) or vertical (couple) photos, or if you will be taking some of each. Also decide which size prints you will be printing – 4″ x 6″, 5″ x 7″ or larger.
Choose a mailable photo holder. You can choose a folder style print holder (where the photo is inside) or an easel photo frame. To make your photo gifts extra special, imprint your family name, reunion date, and location in foil. Some families even have a family logo! This would be great to print or imprint on your photo holders. Don’t forget the mailing envelopes!
Purchase a guest book. Even if you have many of the addresses or your family, having a guest book is a nice touch for any large event. Guests will write their names, addresses, and personal message. You can later use this “address book” for sending out all of your photos! Since most guest books are designed with a wedding theme, think outside of the box and make your own with a blank bookstore journal or a family tree guest book.
Clear out your memory card. Make sure that your camera works (having back-up camera is always a good idea). Charge your batteries, get your tri-pod, and make sure you have everything you need to take great photos. If hiring a professional, now is the time to reserve a photographer.
In the days after the reunion, process and print your photos and insert into your folders or frames. Address your envelopes using your guest book information and mail out your family reunion photo keepsakes!
Having a personalized photo of your reunion is more memorable than a cheap reunion t-shirt or key chain, and will provide lasting memories for your family for generations to come.
If you need help finding the perfect frame for your family reunion photos, visit our website, send us an email, or give us a call at (800) 346-3063.
Ideas and tips for planning a successful fishing derby this summer season.
A fishing derby is a fun event for kids & families to get out and enjoy the weather during the lazy summer months. With a little research and planning, you can create an event that reels them in year after year.
Choose a location for your tournament
Choose a waterfront that has plenty of open space for participants, spectators, and volunteers. A small stocked pond or lake is best for fishing derbies geared for kids-only events, while rivers and larger lakes may be a better option for adult amateur fishermen. Get permission from parks and recreation or the owner of the land to have the event there. In most cases you will need to apply for a special permit or insurance. Do your research on the rules and regulations and contact your state’s department of natural resources for info on fishing licenses, tags, and permits prior to arranging your event.
Timing: Avoid event conflicts
Before choosing your date, make sure that there are no other conflicting events going on in the area the same weekend. If there happens to be a county fair or town festival, see if you can make your fishing derby part of that larger event. The beginning of June is National Fishing Week and a great time to host a fishing-related event!
How to promote your fishing derby
Create a website to promote your event—and keep it running all year. If you aren’t skilled in website building, reach out to volunteers and sponsors to see if someone can help.
If you are not able to create a site, submit your event to other websites like the local chamber of commerce, park districts, and churches, asking them to add it to their community calendars. Add your event to sports registration sites like Active.com, as well as your local Facebook “What’s Happening” page. Speaking of Facebook, create a group or event page.
Don’t forget about print ads! Hang signs and banners in local business storefront windows or on any community bulletin boards, like those you might find at a library or village hall. If you have sponsors, ask for them to promote your event on their website and communications.
Whatever marketing mediums you use, include photos of last year’s fishing derby, start/end date, award categories, location, cost, registration details, and other event info like what to wear, bring, and participant expectations.
Chairs and tables will need to be rented or borrowed. Consider renting a tent; it provides shade for volunteer workers or participants during those hot summer days. If you choose a location that does not have rest rooms, you may need to rent portable toilets.
Make catering or food arrangements
Arrange for plenty of water, or other beverages, and snacks. Want to stretch your fishing derby budget? Find a sponsor to donate food and drinks. You can either do a buffet style food table, or to save some event day set-up, pre-pack individual lunch bags.
Awards & Raffle Giveaways
Offering awards is a terrific way to reward participants. Try to offer awards in different age groups or categories. Awards for heaviest fish or smallest fish add an element of fun and competition. Order trophies, ribbons or plaques with the event name, date, and location. You may also want to give away a participant ribbon for everyone who signs up, especially for kid’s fishing derbies. In addition, raffle and door prizes are a fun addition to any event, and anyone can win!
Need giveaways? Consider photo souvenirs.
Want quality photos of your fishing derby? Hire a professional photographer, or consider hiring a photo booth company that does open-air photo booths. If you cannot afford to hire a professional, find a volunteer or hobbyist photographer.
Photo souvenirs are great keepsake items for participants. Customize an inexpensive paper photo folder or cardboard frame to giveaway. In addition, these photos are also great marketing tools to promote your event next year! Take candid shots of the fishermen in action, as well as posed shots with their catch. For kid’s events, have a volunteer dress up in costume as a fish or another fun character.
Make sure to supply live bait or fishing lures. You may also want to have back-up poles and other essentials just in case, particularly if you’re planning a fishing derby for kids.
Take it a step further for charity
Want to take your derby a step further? Use your event’s popularity to raise money for a local charity. Sponsorships will greatly help offset tournament costs, leaving you more funds to donate to your chosen non-profit.
Good luck—and have fun!
The key to a successful fishing derby is getting people to participate year after year—and having them invite others to compete with them. If you plan it right, families will want to make it an annual event that they look forward to participating in.
Each fishing derby is as unique as its director and volunteers. With a strong team and creative vision, your fishing derby can be a memorable community event.
