When Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta was considering ways to get older children involved with club activities, it hit the jackpot with an idea to host sleepover events at the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.
When Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta was considering ways to get older children involved with club activities, it hit the jackpot with an idea to host sleepover events at the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta.
“We’d heard of members’ Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops participating in these events, and thought our kids would really enjoy the opportunity,” says General Manager Nick Markel, CCM. “Both the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta are close by, so it made perfect sense.”
In 2011, the club launched its first event, with just eight kids attending a sleepover at the zoo. Through the years, the program has grown considerably. Today, 30 kids and four chaperones attend two annual sleepovers. The events have become so popular, in fact, that last October’s aquarium sleepover sold out in just 46 minutes.
The kids meet at Druid Hills at 5 p.m., and the club provides transportation to and from the zoo and aquarium. After a number of planned activities, the children sleep among the animals and/or fishes. They then enjoy a group breakfast and additional activities before returning to the club for parent pick-up.
The sleepovers offer young members behind-the-scenes access to the animals and the venues’ operations. “The fundamental goal is to provide our groups with educational and entertaining adventures they won’t forget,” says Markel.
The aquarium sleepover focuses on the aquatic habitats and animals, including sharks and whales. The program also educates the kids about preservation efforts. The zoo sleepover provides a unique opportunity to learn about zoos, the animals and wildlife conservation.
“Kids get an up-close look at all of the animals and get to interact with them,” says Markel. “Our groups have fed the giraffes and elephants and had the opportunity to pet stingrays. We are usually the only group touring the facility, so kids get a good view of the animals and have an opportunity to ask questions of their personal guide.”
Of course, a highlight of the program is where the kids sleep. “We have slept in the tunnel at the aquarium with the fishes swimming over us all night and in the gorilla conservation center at the zoo,” Markel notes.
Careful Preparation
Planning the events is a team effort among club staff, parents, and the zoo and aquarium personnel. Druid Hills’ youth activity coordinator arranges transportation and organizes the various forms and liability releases. The club’s Kids’ Corner staff and salaried staff volunteers serve as chaperones.
Parents also play a crucial role in making sure the events run smoothly. “It is important to make sure the parents complete all of the necessary paperwork,” Markel says. “One of the challenges we have recently run into are the children’s special dietary needs [gluten-free, vegan, etc.]. We work with the parents, kids and the organizations to make sure [the right] meals and snacks are available or brought on the trip.”
The youth activities coordinator also works with the club’s director of communications to promote the event via the club newsletter, e-mails, member website, the private member Facebook page, and fliers that are spread around the club.
“This event gives our youth activities coordinator a chance to build relationships and engage with the [club’s] youth, while doing a unique and exciting activity,” adds Markel. “The kids are thrilled to participate and spend one-on-on time with her, too.”
Parents are equally enthusiastic. “They’re excited that the children have the opportunity to enjoy this behind-the-scenes look with friends and with people they trust,” says Markel. “Many members drop their children off for the sleepover and plan to spend an adults-only night at the club.”
INSTANT IDEA With a lush and expansive property that provides great views of the Mississippi River, the Minneapolis skyline and the charming surrounding neighborhoods of historic Saint Paul, Minn., Town & Country Club (T&CC) has always evoked a nostalgic and sylvan feeling. To take full advantage of its special setting, the club now treats member families and those from nearby communities to free “Shakespeare on the Lawn” performances on its grounds, featuring the local Cromulent Shakespeare Company. The troupe is known for putting humorous twists on renditions of classic Shakespeare productions, adding to the events’ appeal. The events provide a comfortable and fun environment for all family members to mix and mingle, the club reports, and before and after the performances, members of the club converse with others from the community, helping all who attend to make valuable new connections. Opening the event to the public has also helped to boost the club’s image, management reports. |
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