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ORIGINS
| WHAT'CHA BEEN DOING? |
JUST THE FACTS MA'AM
| THE FUTURE IS NOW
It's been a month…
would you believe it's time to wrap up our second birthday celebration?
Wow! Previous installments have covered our "Origins",
"What'cha been doing?" and "Just
the facts, Ma'am". To conclude, we think it's fitting to read some
final thoughts from Ranch management, along with touching on what the
future holds for PhantomRanch.org.
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 "One
of the unique things about Phantom Ranch is the loyalty and ownership
that campers and staff have to the camp," explains Olen Johnsen,
Program Director. "One of the sources of this sense of ownership
comes from the down to earth ministry that the counselors and support
staff have with the campers and with each other. The website, through
its news updates, Guestbook,
and The
Campfire, has provided an ongoing connection with staff and
campers."
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"I've seen a lot happening with our website just over the past six
months," quotes Roy Tanner, Executive Director. "We've definitely
seen an increase in the number of retreats we are booking based
on our Internet presence." [Editor's Note: 20% of all "first
contacts" with new patrons of the Ranch now come from the Web -
See "Just the facts,
Ma'am"]
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 There
are many people who mention they used our website to get information
that ultimately influenced their decision to initiate further
contact with the Ranch. "Just recently, an assistant at a church
found us on the Web, and called to see if we had room for a particular
weekend," explained Johnsen. "She then told her pastor that we
would be a great place for a retreat. So they came."
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"It's been encouraging to have 'old time' Ranch alumni reappear
because they discovered us on the Internet," adds Tanner. "We
are consistently hearing from others via e-mail or on our site
from those who wonder 'is Phantom Ranch still around?'" We sure
are!
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 The
Campfire Discussion Forums have been very good at letting us know
what we are doing right, and what needs improvement. "I have learned
much from our 'customer' base…. In some ways, we are receiving the
type of customer feedback that many marketers can only dream about,"
gloats Johnsen. Recently, we've had concerned comments about the
music
during our teen programs, what's
"fun" at camp, changes
in age limitations for Superteen Week, and helpful discussion
regarding our food service.
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Having looked at many different websites over the past two years,
and evaluating sites in comparison to the camp and its resources,
I must say that ours is one of the best in the country," triumphs
Johnsen. "This is only possible through the ongoing support of the
people who have that special place in their hearts for camp, along
with the dedication of our core volunteers. My special thanks goes
to Chris Arndt and Steve Tanner."
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There have been many occasions when the Ranch staff is asked what
lies ahead in regards to PhantomRanch.org. Well, we have a great
"wish list" we'd like to accomplish, God willing. 
- A
new look! - Coming early 2001, expect a bold new look to
your favorite website. Making it an even more resourceful tool
for information, community, and action, we are excited about
what lies ahead!
- More
valuable information - "I look forward to being able to
provide more information to potential campers and guest groups,
enabling camper and group registration to be easier," sums up
Johnsen.
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Online transactions - "With our economy, many people
prefer other methods of payment for camp sessions," explains
Tanner. The Ranch is investigating using our website to enable
these types of transactions, including credit, debit, and other
exchanges. This can also be extended to other online shopping
concepts, such as being able to order Canteen merchandise over
the Web.
 Staff
resources - "I look forward to increasing our staff training
and awareness through this marvelous tool," plans Johnsen. Better
materials, in-depth information and applications, and other
resources can be provided to both current and former staff members.
- Photos,
photos, photos! - Yes, the Web Team knows you'd like to
see more photos. We shot hundreds over the summer with our new
digital camera. They are coming, we just have to make it happen.
- Online
directories - We are working at ways to safely provide friends
of the Ranch with online directories including the contact information
of other staff and alumni. Protecting your privacy is of our
utmost concern with this initiative.
- More
Web Team volunteers - It takes a lot of work to keep this
thing going. That's why it is our goal to greatly increase the
number of people working to make PhantomRanch.org an excellent
website. Visit our Staff
section or send an e-mail
if you are interested in helping in any capacity.
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We hope you enjoyed
participating in Happy Birthday2.org - our month-long birthday celebration!
It's hard to believe we've been doing this for two years, and we
have you to thank for it. Thanks for partying with us. Now, who
wants to cut the cake?
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ORIGINS
| WHAT'CHA BEEN DOING? |
JUST THE FACTS MA'AM
| THE FUTURE IS NOW
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