Jim Jordan's 40 Things To Do After The Yearbook Is Done

SUMMER PLANNING 38. PLAN FOR SUMMER CAMP

Attending a yearbook camp is a not-to-be-missed experience for every yearbook staff. You will bond as a staff. You will all learn together about what goes in to creating a fantastic yearbook. You will expand your skills in design, writing and photography. You will get feedback from yearbook experts locally and from around the country. You will decide on and begin developing a theme. I can’t imagine starting a yearbook year without going to camp. In the spring, you will need to get commitments from whoever plans to go, as well as start collecting registration forms and deposits. Choose one staffer as camp registration coordinator to be sure you do not miss any deadlines. 39. HAVE A BOOT CAMP AT YOUR SCHOOL If you have the time and energy in the summer, during the week or two before the year begins, run your own mini-camp for your staff at school. Have all new staffers come in to be trained in the basics of interviewing, caption writing, design, coverage and photography. Also, set aside time for the editors to plan how they will lead the class during the first two weeks. You will begin the year with a rolling start that will pay huge dividends. I have always figured that one or two focused days in the summer equal about four to six weeks of training in time available in class once school begins.

Summer Fun. Yearbook staffs around the country bond together while getting a head start on the creation of their next book.

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