Typically a time to weigh the merits of pens vs. pencils, markers vs. crayons and which after-school program to choose; this year's back-to-school marketing is dripping with a different type of message -- FEAR.  Today's AdAge.com features an article: "Swine Flu Fear puts Disinfectant Brands on School Supply List."
So what does this have to do with you?  A couple of things -- as you already know, what trends in schools often translates to changes in after-school and recreation programs.  Summer camps already know the impact of the real threat of swine flu -- as both a medical and economic malady. "Where kids gather, the flu is sure to spread," the media seems to warn.  So, as children, students and athletes return to your programs and head back indoors this fall, consider these three ideas: 

1. Keep lots of over-sized bottles of disinfectant on hand. You can even order half gallon bottles imprinted? How cool would it be to have that sitting on your school nurses desk ALL YEAR LONG?  Talk about a good use of limited funds!
2. Educate children and parents about the preventative measures you have and will be taking to protect children from all types of communicable disease.  The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has all sorts of information you can download, print, post and share.  They even have PSAs (public service announcements you can post right on your web site) as a measure of goodwill.
3. Order some personal hand sanitizer (with prices starting at about .25 each there's something for every budget) imprinted with your program name as a wonderful reminder that you are part of the health and safety team in your community.  Consider giving these as a back to school gift to teachers, school nurses, parents, students -- just about anyone who has a child or children in their lives.  To get some free samples or look into this timely idea call/email andy@advisorsmarketing.com or 1-800-IADVISU (800-423-8478).  He's at your service!