Bubblemaker Birthday Parties

[juls64]

Does anyone's dive shop offer these type parties for kids? We were approached by a park district about them. I am working on putting together a package and was just looking to compare ideas with someone.

Naufins, this seems like something you might be able to educate me about!

:0374:

Julie

[Mverick]

We used to do them like discover scuba..... Did boyscout camps like this....

Might not be what you're looking for though...

And, I don't know what the cost was.... They usually had food. And all the dive shop did was provide the gear and DM's and Instructors....

[juls64]

Yep, thats what the deal is. The park district does the party, the cake, everything. We are basically the "entertainment".

J.

"OK kid, its your birthday.....do you want to have a moon jump, Shakes the Clown, or SCUBA!"

[DeepDiverBob]

Naufins, this seems like something you might be able to educate me about!

:0374:

Julie

Just remember Bubblemakers is a PADI program. Becky is NAUI. I dont know what the NAUI kids program is called. I am assuming they have one.

[juls64]

Just remember Bubblemakers is a PADI program. Becky is NAUI. I dont know what the NAUI kids program is called. I am assuming they have one.

Yeah, your right. They are Scuba Rangers vs. PADI Seal Team. I figured they have a similar program to Bubblemakers.

[reefraff]

I've done a bunch of them and they can be fun - but a lot of work. A LOT of work.
It's hard enough keeping tabs on a herd of yunguns topside, put them in the water and the entire world can go apeturdly in a heartbeat. Ignore the ratios for the first couple you do and have lots of extra help on hand. Remember that children are all sociopaths until they turn 13, whereupon they become psychopaths for five or six years. Think defensively.
It works better if at least one woman is working the party if there are girls involved and at least one man is working the party if there are boys involved. This will make the kids, the parents and the employees less nervous. Coed teenage groups are a nightmare.
It's better if the shop doesn't get involved in providing the food (which might not be legal in your area) other than scarfing leftovers and cleaning up the mess. Be sure to have lots of disposable utensils, plates, paper towels, plastic tablecloths and garbage bags on hand.
Remember to make absolutely certain that ALL the event organizers understand the medical and liability documents and impress upon them just how sad it will be when little Johnny has to sit out the fun because Mom and Dad screwed up the paperwork. Require all paperwork be faxed (or dropped off) to the shop no later than a couple of days ahead of the party so it can be reviewed and so you can get an accurate body count.
Have lots of toys on hand (and for sale): torpedos, underwater frisbees, scavenger hunt items, buoyancy obstacles, etc. Be sure your snorkel sets are in good shape and promote them before and after the party.
Take a couple of group photos in front of a shop logo and some candids of the kids in the pool and be sure that everyone gets a print at the end of the party (requires a digital camera and a little photo printer) along with a brochure for lessons and trips.
As far as profits go, the direct margins are pretty skinny but that's the way of the scuba business, ain't it? You'll find that your conversion rate to student status will be unimpressive unless you can get the parents in the water. Less work that way, too. :D

[juls64]

ReefRaff-

Thanks for the info. We actually won't have anything to do with food at all. The park district will have the party planners. We will just take over as far as the scuba/snorkel related activity itself. We bring the gear, we brief the kids, gear them up, get them in the water, supervise them, get them out, pack up and go home. The suggestion about getting the paperwork to use a few days early is a great idea. Also the picture idea and gear to sell. We thought of doing underwater pictures like they do at OWU, the "I took my first breath underwater" thing. I think that would be too much for a 1 hour party, but a group one like you suggested may work better.

Thanks for the ideas, and if you think of anything else, please share!

Julie

[nauifins73]

Sorry I haven't gotten back you sooner been out at DEMA. Just got back an hour ago.

My shop is an SSI shop and we have the Rangers program. NAUI is my OW but...MWA is now an SSI shop. We offer birthday parties, just swimming or SCUBA diving b-day parties, SASSY, discover SCUABA, etc. I have a brochure in my info. I will dig it out a little later and send you the info.

Steve is right - it can be a real job. The Shop provides the cake, plates, a juice box and a shop tee-shirt or beach towel as a gift.