Wayfinding at Camp

Without the correct signage, arriving at camp for the first time can be a less than pleasant experience. Signage at camp can have a great impact on a visitor’s initial experience of the camp. While some camps are centrally focused on a few acres, others may be spread out over hundreds of acres and wayfinding is necessary to direct campers, staff and visitors into the right areas. Wayfinding incorporates all of the ways in which people familiarize themselves with a particular area and helps them to navigate around the camp. Items that can be used as wayfinding elements could be signage, sculptures, works of art and water elements. These items act as visual cues for someone that is unfamiliar with the layout of a specific place.

Signage can be successful in both interior and exterior situations. Exterior signs may point in the direction of a particular building or program activity; while interior signs may direct someone to the restroom or building exit.

Wayfinding should be designed to address the appropriate audience. For camps, the audience that will rely on signage the most is its first time visitors. The entrance sign will be the first sign that a visitor will associate with your camp; make sure it is remarkable!

Simple words such as “pool” or “archery” on a directional sign are enough to tell a visitor where the building or activity is located. This concept can also be used for living space and operational facility locations.

A color coded system or symbol can also help with visual recognition. Similar to the brown public services signs with white lettering located along most highways, these visually cue people to think to park and visit a historic site, forest or campground. Developing a standardized look to signage at your camp can visually aid someone understand what to look for if they should become lost.

Other things to consider when developing your standardized signage are the size, type face, color and overall look that will work well with your surroundings. A camp located on a waterfront might incorporate signs on boat paddles or life preservers. Whereas a camp located in the forest may have signs on a slice of a tree trunk or signs that are shaped like evergreens.

Appropriate signage at your camp will allow for visitors to successfully navigate the site with little or no help from a guide or a site plan. It will also allow the visitor to feel comfortable within their surroundings. A sign post located a the entrance or the center of camp with several arrows pointing in different directions is also a successful way of setting visitors on the right path to a space before a more detailed sign gives the exact location.

Signage does not have to break the budget. Signs can be hand-made by a staff member to look similar and keep with the rustic nature of the camp. If your budget allows, a consultant who specializes in shaping and how humans interact with public environments can be brought in.

The best way to find out how well your camp is doing with your wayfinding and signage is to allow a first time visitor to walk around and give you feedback and advice. The feedback from first time visitors will be invaluable to your camp as you try to enhance the experiences of every person that enters your camp.