Does it seem like the list of features for a camp management software is never ending and all of the camp registration systems on the market are all pretty much the same?
How do you choose which software is the best fit for your camp and which offer the best price?
You can see a full comparison of the best camp management systems on the market today and what, of the major features, they do and do not offer. You can check out the full comparison chart below:
The major features we compare include payment plans, family registration, camp store, automated communication tools, reporting, and integrated payments.
You see that Amilia does not offer the ability to embed into your website, and Regpack does not offer a camp store. Amilia also does not advertise a staff management feature.
Price wise, they are comparable, though it’s wise to do a demo of each to compare any payment processing fees and any additional costs: setup, contract requirements, data transfers, etc as this can make one system that has a lower monthly cost higher in the long run or vice versa.
Check out this post all about how to get the true cost of a registration system, not just the price.
Which is the better camp software? Regpack vs Amilia
This is subjective to the camp evaluating both options as the needs of each camp vary. I would recommend first sitting down and writing a list of what features you need most in a camp registration software.
Frame your list by thinking of challenges you face with registration and what you need your software to do for you. Then, request a demo from a few software choices that seem like a good fit.
Make sure you speak with someone that has experience with summer camps, so they can show you how their system can match the needs you listed. Often times you think you need a certain feature to solve a problem, but really you need another feature or a combination of features to truly accomplish what you need.
An experienced account manager will know how to show you what you need to achieve your goals.
Once you narrow the field, request a demo so you can see the software in action. Is it intuitive? Is it easy to use for your families? What is the true cost – upfront, setup, maintenance, storage, etc? What kind of contract terms do they offer.
Many camps do not need access to their registration process 365 days a year, so a software that offers month to month pricing is often a better deal in the long run than a yearly contract.
Conclusion
The first step in finding a camp software that meets your needs, is defining your needs. Then test systems and ask the right questions.
This eBook (totally free!) will help give you even more information on how to ask the right questions. Make sure you understand the cost of the service, not just the monthly or yearly fee you will pay, as this can make a cheap program actually expensive, and an expensive program look more affordable (or any combination! cheap even cheaper, expensive more expensive!).
Once you see the system in action, gauge the knowledge base of the rep of the camp field and how well you think their software will meet your specific needs. Doing this will help you to make a great software choice!
If you’re still looking for other camp suggestions, head over to our comprehensive guide to summer camp management software options and read through our thoughts.
