The Visioining Process - Process Steps

Written by Mike Swofford Monday, 16 May 2011 02:11

Visioning Process Steps

Phase 1: Focus Groups

The first step for collecting feedback and data towards the development of the Camp Michaels vision will be in the form of focus groups. Through guided discussion, the current thoughts and feelings on the camp should come to light. These general discussions will focus on what people would like to see Camp Michaels become, how it is currently used and how it might be used if the resources were available. With this information, the scope of the possibilities of development will begin to form. It will also provide suggestions for the questions to be asked in the survey phase of the process.

Phase 2: Online Survey

Based on the initial ideas from the focus group, an online survey will be implemented during the month of September. The survey will be open to Scouts, leaders, parents, and the general public. The primary questions will collect demographic information including age, tenure in Scouting, location, position, and history of usage of Camp Michaels. The second part of the survey will address the participant’s Scouting unit and what programs it offers or would like to offer. The third part of the survey will ask fixed questions about possibilities for the camp, followed by open questions for “in your own words” ideas.

As this survey will be the meat of the visioning process, the survey data will need to be analyzed thoroughly. The most vital feedback is the desires of the average Scout and Scouter. While the responses from veteran Scouters and those that already frequent Camp Michaels are important, the feedback from those that have the most to gain from the development of the camp should be focused perspective from which the data is reviewed.

Phase 3: Camp Michaels Vision Committee

After the survey has been completed and ideas gathered, a committee of volunteers from diverse areas of the council will be convened. This group of 10-15 should represent all the Scouting programs, be diverse in age, location, position in Scouting, and familiarity with the camp. The committee will be tasked with transforming the ideas taken from the focus groups and the survey into a realistic vision for the camp. The outcome of the committee’s work should lead towards the following objectives:

• Focus and scope of development: If there is a specific focus needed for the camp, e.g. high adventure or youth training, the scope of any development to be done will be determined.
• Structures and facilities: To be able to offer new programs or in order to better serve as a resource to units, any facilities that need to be designed and built will be listed.
• Necessity of a campaign: Based on the determinations of the committee, the need and size of a capital campaign to implement the vision will be decided.
• Next steps: After the visioning process, the roadmap for beginning to implement and communicate the vision will be outlined.