2026 SPARC National Conference

Inspired by the principles of Raving Fans! A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles, this interactive workshop explores how independent school auxiliary and camp leaders can transform families, students, and partners into enthusiastic advocates for their programs. In today’s competitive landscape for summer camps, after-school programs, and facility rentals, delivering a good program is no longer enough. The most successful auxiliary programs intentionally design experiences that delight participants, exceed expectations, and create lasting loyalty.

Through guided reflection, small-group discussion, and practical exercises, participants will leave with a framework for identifying the small operational and cultural shifts that can create outsized impact in their programs. Whether you oversee summer camps, enrichment programs, or auxiliary operations, this workshop will help you move beyond satisfied customers and begin building true “raving fans” who return year after year—and bring others with them.

Key takeaways:

- Define a clear service vision that aligns with your school’s mission and sets a standard for exceptional experiences.
- Build a culture of continuous improvement through the “1% better every day” mindset.
- Explore the systems and operations behind sustainable programmatic and customer service excellence.
- Differentiate your programs through customer service, turning ordinary interactions into memorable moments for families and students.
- Map and improve the user experience, from registration and communication to arrival, programming, and follow-up.
- Evaluate the business case behind service excellence, including enrollment growth, retention, pricing power, and financial sustainability.

Optional pre-reading: Raving Fans! A Revolutionary Approach to Customer Service by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles