Parents or Family Weekends are special occasions for families to visit and connect with their college students, creating lasting memories and celebrating their academic journey. To make this event truly memorable, it's important to choose the right branded products and marketing ideas.
Every college's Parents Weekend varies in length and activities, ranging from attending get-togethers with faculty and students, dining on campus, and participating in student activities. Some colleges include sporting events, scavenger hunts, mixers and dances, coffee hour, crafting or art lessons, comedy hour, and more. Whether it's a two-day event or a five-day celebration, these weekends typically occur in the fall and offer a unique opportunity to engage and enjoy campus life together.
From thoughtful gifts to engaging activities, we’ve got seven ideas to help you impress parents and students, for a successful and memorable Parents Weekend. Let’s explore how you can elevate this special occasion with creativity and innovation.
The Importance of Parents Weekend at Your College
Parents Weekend is so much more than just a time for students to reconnect with their families – it's a fun event that strengthens the bonds between students, their parents, and the college community. This cherished tradition offers a unique blend of social, academic, and emotional benefits, making it a highlight of the college experience.
Here are four compelling reasons why Parents Weekend is so important:
1. Strengthen family bonds: Parents Weekend provides a valuable opportunity for students and their families to reconnect and spend quality time together. Amid the busy academic schedules and newfound independence, students often miss the comfort and support of home. This event allows parents to witness their child's growth and accomplishments firsthand, fostering a deeper understanding and connection.
2. Bolster student support systems: Having parents and other family members on campus can be a great morale booster for students – reassuring them that their families are invested in their education and well-being. This support can be particularly beneficial during stressful times, such as midterms or the beginning of a new semester. Knowing that their parents and siblings are there to support them can significantly reduce stress and anxiety for younger students..
3. Build a stronger college community: Parents Weekend also helps integrate families into the college community, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment. When parents engage with faculty, staff, and other students, it fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. This connection can lead to a more engaged and collaborative college community, benefiting everyone involved. Younger siblings who come along also get to experience college life, potentially setting them up to be a future student at your university.
4. Promote academic and extracurricular engagement: Family Weekend often includes a variety of events, such as academic presentations, campus tours, and extracurricular activity showcases. These activities allow parents to see the diverse opportunities available to their children and understand the breadth of their college experience. This aspect of the event can also encourage students to participate more actively in campus life, knowing their parents are interested and supportive of their involvement.
Parents Weekend is a pivotal event that brings families closer, reinforces student support systems, strengthens the college community, and highlights the importance of academic and extracurricular engagement. It's a celebration of the collective effort that goes into making the college experience enriching and successful for everyone involved.
7 Ways to Make Parents Weekend a Blast for Everyone
As you plan your upcoming orientation events, consider trying something new. Check out our ideas and see what resonates with you.
1. Welcome Parties and Networking Events
Hosting a kickoff welcome party and networking event allows parents and students to connect with each other – and with faculty and staff – in a relaxed environment. These stress-free events foster a sense of community and belonging. Parents can meet the peers their children will be spending time with, and students can bond with their classmates, upper-level students, and college staff, creating a supportive network from the start.
Branded Product Ideas: Give out logoed lanyards for badges parents and students can use throughout the weekend for ID cards and event passes. These lanyards serve a practical purpose at the event, and attendees will take them home as a keepsake.
2. Campus Tours and Scavenger Hunts
Organize interactive guided campus tours and fun scavenger hunts that help parents and students explore your campus while learning about its history, traditions, and resources. These activities offer a fun way for families to get acquainted with the campus layout and discover important locations such as libraries, student centers, and dining halls.
Branded Product Ideas: Give out helpful campus maps, reusable water bottles, and branded tote bags to carry during the tour and hunt, serving as both a guide and a keepsake. The maps can feature special highlights of the campus, and the tote bags can be reused for grocery shopping or as a daily carryall.
3. Family Picnic and Outdoor Activities
Arrange a big family picnic with outdoor games and activities such as volleyball, frisbee, and sack races to encourage bonding and relaxation in your beautiful campus setting. This casual environment allows parents and students to unwind and enjoy the outdoors together, fostering stronger connections with each other and new friends.
Branded Product Ideas: Provide custom picnic blankets, caps, sunscreen, and water bottles to keep families comfortable and hydrated throughout the event. These items will be useful for the picnic and people can take them home for future outings, serving as a reminder of the fun day spent on campus.
4. Parent-Student Workshops
Conduct workshops where parents and students can participate in activities together, such as cooking classes, art projects, or career planning sessions. These workshops provide an opportunity for parents to experience a taste of college life and for students to showcase their skills and interests.
Branded Product Ideas: Hand out branded aprons or notebooks that parents and students can use during and after the workshops. Aprons are perfect for cooking classes, while notebooks can be used for taking notes during career planning sessions or art classes.
5. Sports Events and Tailgating
Host a sports event or tailgating party where families can cheer for their college team and enjoy the festive atmosphere. These events create a lively and spirited environment that strengthens school pride and offers a fun way for families to support their students.
Branded Product Ideas: Give out logoed foam fingers, caps, or t-shirts to build team spirit and create lasting memories of the event. Everyone will be happy to wear these items during the game and keep them as souvenirs of the exciting day.
6. Panel Discussions and Q&A Sessions
Organize panel discussions featuring faculty, alumni, and current students to provide valuable insights and answer parents’ questions about college life, academics, and career prospects. These sessions can help parents understand the college’s support systems and educational philosophy.
Branded Product Ideas: Offer branded notebooks and pens for parents to take notes during the sessions. These items are practical, and also serve as a lasting reminder of the informative discussions.
7. Farewell Breakfast or Brunch
End the weekend with a farewell breakfast or brunch, giving families a chance to reflect on their experiences and share their thoughts before leaving campus. This final event provides closure and a moment for parents and students to connect one last time before the weekend or event concludes.
Branded Product Ideas: Provide custom coffee mugs or travel mugs as a memento of the weekend, reminding them of the special time spent together. They’ll use these special mugs throughout the week, keeping the memory of Parents Weekend fresh in their minds.
Extra Credit: Sibling Engagement Events
Setting up an event for students’ siblings who might be interested in attending your institution can be a great addition to Parents Weekend. These events can include campus tours, informational sessions, and fun activities designed to showcase what your university has to offer. It’s a wonderful opportunity for prospective students to see if it’s the right fit for them.
Branded Product Ideas:
These branded products can make siblings feel welcomed and valued, while also serving as lasting reminders of their visit and potential future at your university.
- University-branded backpacks: Provide siblings with a backpack featuring your university logo. They’ll use this practical gift during the event and long after as a reminder of their exciting visit.
- Logoed water bottles: Keep everyone hydrated with reusable water bottles branded with your university logo. Prospective students will use them throughout the event and beyond, promoting sustainability.
- Campus maps and guidebooks: Wayfinding documents can help siblings navigate the university and learn more about what it has to offer.
- College t-shirts: Give out t-shirts with your college logo. This serves as a memento and also creates a sense of belonging and excitement about potentially attending your institution.
- Custom notebooks and pens: Hand out branded notebooks and pens for siblings to take notes during informational sessions or campus tours.
- Keychains or lanyards: Small, portable, and useful, branded keychains or lanyards can be a great way to keep the university top-of-mind for new students..
- Event-specific badges: Create badges for the event with your university logo and event name. These can double as keepsakes and practical items for identifying participants.
- Campus-themed tote bags: Provide tote bags with the university’s branding for prospective students to carry all the goodies and information they’ve collected during the event.
Make Parents Weekend a Memorable Event With Branded Merch From Campus Stop
Campus Stop offers a variety of promotional items and branded apparel to enhance your Parents Weekend events. Our experienced creative team delivers superior customer service, competitive pricing, and award-winning designs exclusively tailored to colleges and universities.
From welcome receptions to family activities and beyond, Campus Stop provides branded merchandise that excites, engages, and connects with your community. We understand the “why” behind every project, ensuring goal clarity and delivering merchandise that builds school pride.
Visit us at www.campusstop.com or email us directly at sales@campusstop.com to learn how Campus Stop can make your Parents Weekend memorable with our wide range of promotional items and branded apparel.
