Summer is the season to relax — except for DECA chapters. It's actually the perfect time to get started. A summer kickoff event is one of the best ways to build early excitement, make important contacts and begin recruiting members even before the school year starts.
Whether it is a chapter picnic, ice cream social, pool party, community service activity or even a team-building workshop, summer activities offer an open and relaxed environment. Potential members can meet current leaders, discover what DECA does, and see how fun and rewarding the organization is. Summer activities take away the pressure of the school setting and immediately make students feel connected.
Here are some popular summer kickoff event ideas:
- Ice cream social at the local park
- DECA picnic with games and team challenges
- Pool party or water balloon day
- Leadership workshop or officer Q&A
- Chapter service project for a local nonprofit
Recruitment is most effective when it is personal. At a summer event, you can share your DECA story, talk about your experiences at conferences or competitions and let new members imagine themselves in your shoes. You are not simply explaining DECA but painting a picture. You are showing a snapshot of the friendships, opportunities and growth that membership has to bring.
These activities also lock in your chapter internally. Officers work together on planning and communication, building leadership chemistry before the school year starts. Returning members get to plug back in and feel like they are a part of something immediately. Most importantly, it sets the tone of your chapter culture: inclusive, energetic and proactive.
Tips for hosting your summer kickoff event:
- Choose a date that doesn't conflict with large vacations or sports camps.
- Reserve a location like a park, gym, or local business.
- Promote the event through your school, social media, and flyers.
- Make it enjoyable, music, games, prizes, or a giveaway
- Provide brief DECA testimonials or share current member stories.
The most successful chapters don't wait until August to grow in size; their efforts begin in June. So, this summer, don't wait. Hold an event. Share your story. Make someone feel welcome. Recruitment starts now, and your future members are waiting to meet you.
