The Camp Subpage (Layout Builder) content type allows you to build comprehensive camp microsites with flexible, drag-and-drop pages for activities, schedules, packing lists, registration, and more.
Machine name: camp_lp
When to Use Camp Subpage (Layout Builder)
Use Camp Subpage (LB) for:
- ✅ Activity pages - Detailed descriptions of camp activities (swimming, archery, hiking)
- ✅ Schedule pages - Daily schedules, weekly calendars, session timelines
- ✅ Packing lists - What to bring, what not to bring, gear recommendations
- ✅ Registration pages - How to register, deadlines, forms, pricing details
- ✅ FAQ pages - Common questions about safety, health, policies, refunds
- ✅ Staff pages - Meet the counselors, director bios, staff qualifications
- ✅ Policies pages - Rules, safety protocols, medical procedures, cancellation policies
Do NOT Use Camp Subpage (LB) for:
- ❌ Main camp location page - Use Camp content type for the primary camp landing page
- ❌ Branch day camps - Use Program Subcategory or Landing Page (LB) instead
- ❌ Event-specific pages - Use Event (Layout Builder) for time-specific camp events
Camp Subpage vs. Other Content Types
Criteria | Use Camp Subpage (LB) | Use Camp | Use Program Subcategory |
---|---|---|---|
Purpose | Internal microsite pages | Main camp landing page | Branch day camp programs |
Parent page | Requires Camp page | Standalone | Requires Program page |
Menus | Inherits camp menus | Creates camp menus | Uses site navigation |
Location | Outdoor camp facilities | Outdoor camp locations | Branch facilities |
Examples | Activities, schedules, packing lists | Camp Widjiwagan homepage | Summer Day Camp |
Simple rule: Camp Subpage is for additional pages within a camp microsite. Camp is the main landing page. Program Subcategory is for branch-based day camps.
Creating a Camp Subpage
Prerequisites
Before creating Camp Subpages, you must:
- Create a parent Camp page - Navigate to Admin > Content > Add Content > Camp
- Set up Camp menus - Configure Camp Menu and Camp Quick Links on the parent Camp page
- Enable Layout Builder on Camp page - Check “Use Layout Builder” on the Camp page
→ See Camp content type documentation
Step 1: Add New Camp Subpage
- Navigate to Admin > Content > Add Content
- Select Camp Subpage (or Camp Landing Page in older versions)
- You’ll see the Camp Subpage creation form
Step 2: Fill in Required Fields
Title (Required)
The page headline that appears at the top and in navigation menus.
Best practices:
- Be specific and descriptive (“Daily Schedule” not “Schedule”)
- Use terminology parents/campers understand
- Keep under 60 characters for menu display
- Match menu link text exactly
Examples:
- ✅ “What to Pack for Camp”
- ✅ “Daily Schedule & Activities”
- ✅ “How to Register”
- ✅ “Meet Our Camp Staff”
- ❌ “Info” (too vague)
- ❌ “Everything You Need to Know About What to Bring to Camp Coleman This Summer” (too long)
Camp (Required)
The parent Camp page this subpage belongs to.
How to select:
- Click in the Camp field
- Start typing the name of your Camp page (e.g., “Camp Coleman”)
- Select from autocomplete dropdown
Important: This creates the parent-child relationship and ensures camp menus appear on this subpage.
Step 3: Configure Layout
After clicking Save and edit layout, you’ll see the Layout Builder interface with camp menus pre-populated.
What’s pre-populated:
- ✅ Camp Quick Links (utility menu)
- ✅ Camp Menu (main navigation)
- ✅ Site logo and branding
- ✅ Camp Header layout
You now add:
- Content sections (1 column, 2 column, etc.)
- Layout Builder blocks (Text, Cards, Images, etc.)
- Camp-specific content
→ See Layout Builder documentation
Step 4: Add Content Blocks
Common block patterns for Camp Subpages:
Activity Page Example
[Banner Block] - Hero image of activity
[Simple Content Block] - Overview paragraph
[Cards Block] - Skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)
[Accordion Block] - FAQ about the activity
[Gallery Block] - Photos from past sessions
Schedule Page Example
[Simple Content Block] - Introduction to daily flow
[Table Block] - Daily schedule table
[Accordion Block] - Schedule variations by age group
[Simple Content Block] - Special event callouts
Packing List Page Example
[Banner Block] - Header image
[Simple Content Block] - Introduction
[2-Column Section]
- Left: "What to Bring" (bulleted list)
- Right: "What NOT to Bring" (bulleted list)
[Accordion Block] - Optional items by activity
[Cards Block] - Gear recommendations with links
Registration Page Example
[Banner Block] - Registration header
[Simple Content Block] - Key dates and deadlines
[Cards Block] - Pricing tiers (week 1, week 2, full summer)
[Webform Block] - Registration interest form
[Accordion Block] - Payment FAQ
[Simple Content Block] - Contact information
Step 5: Add to Camp Menu
Camp Subpages are not automatically added to camp navigation.
To add your new subpage to the Camp Menu:
- Go to your parent Camp page → Layout tab
- Find the Camp Menu block → Click Configure
- Click Edit links
- Click Add new link
- Fill in:
- Menu link title: Display name (e.g., “Daily Schedule”)
- Link: Internal path (e.g.,
/camp-subpage/daily-schedule
) or start typing page title - Enabled: Checked
- Show as expanded: Checked (if it has child items)
- Save the link
- Save the menu configuration
- Update the block
- Save layout on the Camp page
Pro Tip: Menu changes on the Camp page will reflect on all Camp Subpages since menus are copied when subpages are created.
Step 6: Preview and Publish
- Click Save layout to create draft
- Click Preview to see how page looks
- Check that camp menus display correctly
- Verify navigation between camp pages works
- Test mobile responsive display
- Check Published checkbox
- Click Save to publish live
Camp Subpage Best Practices
Microsite Structure
Recommended camp microsite structure:
Camp Coleman (Camp page)
├── About Camp Coleman (Camp Subpage)
├── Daily Schedule (Camp Subpage)
├── Activities (Camp Subpage)
│ ├── Swimming (Camp Subpage - child)
│ ├── Archery (Camp Subpage - child)
│ └── Hiking (Camp Subpage - child)
├── What to Pack (Camp Subpage)
├── Registration (Camp Subpage)
├── Staff (Camp Subpage)
└── FAQ (Camp Subpage)
Menu organization tips:
- Group related pages (all activities under “Activities” parent)
- Limit top-level menu items to 5-7 (avoid overwhelming parents)
- Use child menu items for detailed sub-topics
- Order by user journey (About → Schedule → Activities → Registration)
Seasonal Content Planning
Content planning timeline:
Timeline | Action | Content Type |
---|---|---|
2-3 months before | Publish registration, dates, pricing | Registration page |
1-2 months before | Update activities, schedules, staff bios | Activity/Staff pages |
3-4 weeks before | Release packing lists, FAQ updates | Packing/FAQ pages |
1 week before | Final reminders, check-in details | Updates across pages |
During camp | Photo galleries, daily updates | Gallery blocks, news |
After camp | Testimonials, next year preview | Testimonial blocks |
Why timing matters:
- SEO: Google needs 1-2 months to crawl and rank seasonal content
- Parents: Research and compare camps 2-3 months in advance
- Planning: Staff needs lead time to prepare content
Content Freshness
Update frequency by page type:
- Registration pages: Update 3-4 months before each season (dates, pricing, deadlines)
- Activity pages: Annual review (new activities, updated descriptions)
- Packing lists: Annual review + weather-based updates
- FAQ pages: Update as questions arise (rolling updates)
- Staff pages: Update when staff changes (usually annually)
- Photo galleries: Update during/after each camp session
Parent-Focused Writing
Write for your audience - parents and guardians:
- Safety first: Address safety concerns upfront (certified staff, medical procedures, supervision ratios)
- Clear logistics: Dates, times, drop-off/pick-up, what to bring
- Authenticity: Use real photos, real camper testimonials, real staff bios
- Scannable: Use bullet points, headings, short paragraphs (2-3 sentences)
- Action-oriented: Clear calls to action (Register Now, Download Packing List, Contact Us)
Example - Good vs. Bad:
❌ Bad (vague, jargon):
“Camp Coleman offers a comprehensive aquatics program with certified instruction in a supervised environment.”
✅ Good (specific, parent-focused):
Swimming Program
All campers swim daily with Red Cross certified lifeguards. We offer:
- Beginner lessons (learn to swim)
- Intermediate skills (stroke improvement)
- Advanced training (diving, water safety)
- Free swim periods (supervised fun)
Safety: 1 lifeguard per 10 swimmers. All campers take swim test on Day 1.
Accessibility
Make content accessible:
- Alt text: Describe all images (especially activity photos)
- Headings: Use H2, H3 structure for screen readers
- Links: Descriptive link text (“Download packing list PDF” not “click here”)
- Color contrast: Ensure text readable on backgrounds
- Tables: Use proper table headers for schedules
Mobile Optimization
70% of parents browse camp info on mobile:
- Test all pages on phone/tablet before publishing
- Use responsive images (compress to under 500KB)
- Avoid wide tables (use accordion blocks for schedules on mobile)
- Keep forms short (only essential fields)
- Make buttons large and tappable (minimum 44x44px)
Common Patterns by Page Type
Activity Page
Purpose: Detailed description of single camp activity
Recommended blocks:
- Banner - Activity hero image
- Simple Content - What is this activity? (2-3 paragraphs)
- Cards - Skill levels or age groups
- Gallery - Photos from past sessions
- Accordion - FAQs (equipment, safety, experience level)
- Simple Content - Staff qualifications for this activity
SEO tip: Include keywords like “camp [activity] for kids” in title and first paragraph
Daily Schedule Page
Purpose: Show typical day at camp
Recommended blocks:
- Simple Content - Overview of daily flow
- Table or Accordion - Hour-by-hour schedule
- Cards - Highlight special activities (campfire, talent show)
- Accordion - Schedule variations by age group
- Simple Content - Evening activities and lights-out
Pro Tip: Use Accordion blocks for schedules on mobile (better than wide tables)
Packing List Page
Purpose: Help parents pack appropriately
Recommended blocks:
- Banner - Packing theme image
- Simple Content - General packing guidance
- Two-column section:
- Left: What to Bring (bulleted list in Simple Content)
- Right: What NOT to Bring (bulleted list in Simple Content)
- Accordion - Optional items by activity (horseback riding gear, etc.)
- Cards - Recommended gear with purchase links
- Download - Printable packing list PDF
Content tips:
- Group by category (clothing, toiletries, bedding, personal items)
- Specify quantities (“3-5 t-shirts” not just “shirts”)
- Explain WHY for restricted items (“No electronics - we focus on outdoor connection”)
Registration Page
Purpose: Guide parents through registration process
Recommended blocks:
- Banner - Registration header
- Alert - Key deadlines and dates (use alert block if available)
- Simple Content - How to register (step-by-step)
- Cards - Pricing options (early bird, regular, late)
- Webform - Registration interest form
- Accordion - Payment FAQs (deposits, refunds, financial aid)
- Button - Link to external registration system (Daxko, CampMinder, etc.)
- Simple Content - Contact info for questions
Conversion tips:
- Show total cost upfront (no hidden fees)
- Offer multiple payment options (deposit + installments)
- Address objections in FAQ (cancellation policy, refunds)
- Create urgency (early bird deadline, limited spots)
FAQ Page
Purpose: Answer common parent concerns
Recommended blocks:
- Simple Content - FAQ introduction
- Accordion - Questions grouped by category:
- Safety & Supervision
- Health & Medication
- Daily Activities
- What to Bring
- Communication & Visits
- Refunds & Cancellations
- Simple Content - Contact info for unlisted questions
FAQ best practices:
- Group questions by topic (use accordion sections)
- Write conversationally (“What if my child gets homesick?” not “Homesickness policy”)
- Link to related pages (packing list, schedule, activities)
- Update seasonally based on actual parent questions
Staff Page
Purpose: Build trust by introducing camp team
Recommended blocks:
- Banner - Staff team photo
- Simple Content - Staff philosophy and qualifications
- Cards - Staff bios with photos (Director, Program Director, Head Counselor)
- Simple Content - Counselor training and certifications
- Testimonials - Parent/camper quotes about staff (if testimonial block available)
Bio tips:
- Include photo, name, role, certifications
- Add personal touch (years at camp, favorite activity)
- Highlight safety credentials (CPR, First Aid, lifeguard)
- Show diversity of staff (age, background, skills)
Camp Menu Strategy
Menu Types
Camp Quick Links (utility menu in header):
- Contact
- Register
- Dates & Pricing
- FAQ
- Packing List
Camp Menu (main navigation):
- About
- Schedule
- Activities (with child items)
- Staff
- Registration
Menu Best Practices
Navigation principles:
- Limit top-level items: 5-7 maximum
- Logical order: Follow parent journey (About → What We Do → How to Register)
- Descriptive labels: “Daily Schedule” not “Schedule”
- Consistent naming: Use same terminology across site
Example menu structure:
Camp Quick Links (utility):
- Register Now
- Dates & Pricing
- Contact Us
- FAQ
Camp Menu (main):
- About Camp Coleman
- Daily Schedule
- Activities ▼
- Swimming
- Archery
- Hiking & Nature
- Arts & Crafts
- What to Pack
- Registration
SEO Best Practices for Camp Subpages
Page Titles
- Format:
[Topic] | [Camp Name]
(e.g., “Daily Schedule | Camp Coleman”) - Length: 50-60 characters
- Keywords: Include primary search term (activity name, “camp schedule”, “packing list”)
Meta Descriptions
- Length: 150-160 characters
- Include: Camp name, key benefit, call to action
- Example: “Camp Coleman’s daily schedule balances outdoor activities, skill-building, and fun. View our hour-by-hour schedule for ages 7-15. Register today!”
Image Optimization
- File names: Descriptive (
camp-coleman-archery.jpg
notIMG_1234.jpg
) - Alt text: Describe image for accessibility and SEO (“Campers practicing archery with certified instructor”)
- Compression: Keep under 500KB (use TinyPNG or similar)
- Dimensions: 1920x1080px for banners, 800x600px for content images
Internal Linking
- Link between camp subpages (“See our Daily Schedule for activity times”)
- Link to registration from all pages (sticky CTA, footer button)
- Link to Camp homepage for location/contact
- 2-5 internal links per page
Content Freshness
- Update dates annually (schedule, registration, pricing)
- Add new photos each season (galleries, staff, activities)
- Refresh FAQ based on real parent questions
- Google favors recently updated seasonal content
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake 1: Not Adding Subpages to Menu
Problem: New pages invisible to users Solution: Always add new Camp Subpages to Camp Menu after creation
❌ Mistake 2: Outdated Dates/Pricing
Problem: Parents see old information, lose trust Solution: Calendar reminder to update registration pages 3 months before season
❌ Mistake 3: Walls of Text
Problem: Parents don’t read long paragraphs Solution: Use bullets, accordions, cards for scannable content
❌ Mistake 4: Missing Parent Concerns
Problem: FAQ doesn’t address real questions Solution: Track actual parent questions, update FAQ quarterly
❌ Mistake 5: Stock Photos Only
Problem: Looks generic, not authentic Solution: Use real photos from your camp (with parent permission)
❌ Mistake 6: No Clear Call to Action
Problem: Parents browse but don’t register Solution: Registration CTA on every page (button, sticky header, footer)
❌ Mistake 7: Buried Registration Info
Problem: Parents can’t find how to sign up Solution: Registration link in Camp Quick Links + CTA on every subpage
Use Cases & Examples
Use Case 1: Summer Camp Activity Microsite
Goal: Showcase 8 core camp activities with detailed pages
Structure:
- Camp page: Camp Pinewood
- Camp Subpage: Activities (overview)
- Camp Subpage: Swimming & Waterfront
- Camp Subpage: Archery & Shooting Sports
- Camp Subpage: Hiking & Nature
- Camp Subpage: Arts & Crafts
- Camp Subpage: Team Sports
- Camp Subpage: Campfire & Songs
- Camp Subpage: STEM & Robotics
- Camp Subpage: Leadership Training
Menu setup:
Activities ▼
├── Swimming & Waterfront
├── Archery & Shooting Sports
├── Hiking & Nature
├── Arts & Crafts
├── Team Sports
├── Campfire & Songs
├── STEM & Robotics
└── Leadership Training
Use Case 2: Session-Based Schedule Pages
Goal: Different schedules for different age groups
Structure:
- Camp Subpage: Daily Schedule (overview)
- Camp Subpage: Tadpoles Schedule (ages 6-8)
- Camp Subpage: Campers Schedule (ages 9-11)
- Camp Subpage: Explorers Schedule (ages 12-14)
- Camp Subpage: Leaders Schedule (ages 15-17)
Each schedule page includes:
- Hour-by-hour table
- Activity rotation explanation
- Special events callout
- Free time details
Use Case 3: Registration Information Hub
Goal: One-stop registration resource
Structure:
- Camp Subpage: Registration (main)
- Camp Subpage: Dates & Pricing
- Camp Subpage: How to Register (step-by-step)
- Camp Subpage: Payment Options
- Camp Subpage: Financial Aid
- Camp Subpage: Cancellation Policy
- Camp Subpage: Registration FAQ
Registration page includes:
- Webform: Interest/waitlist signup
- Cards: Pricing tiers (early bird, regular, sibling discount)
- Button: Link to external registration system
- Accordion: Payment FAQ
Troubleshooting
Camp Menus Not Appearing on Subpage
Problem: Camp Subpage missing navigation menus
Solutions:
- Verify Camp field is filled in (must select parent Camp page)
- Check parent Camp page has menus configured
- Camp menus are copied when subpage is created - if Camp page menus were added later, you may need to manually add menu blocks to subpage layout
- Compare subpage Layout with parent Camp page Layout
Menu Updates Not Reflecting on Subpages
Problem: Changed menu items on Camp page but subpages unchanged
Solution:
- Menu content (links, items) updates automatically across all pages
- Menu block configuration (which menu is selected) does NOT update automatically
- If you changed which menu is linked to the block, update each Camp Subpage layout individually
Cannot Find Parent Camp in Dropdown
Problem: Camp field autocomplete doesn’t show Camp page
Solutions:
- Verify Camp page is published
- Check Camp page is content type “Camp” (not Landing Page or other)
- Try typing exact camp title
- Clear cache (
drush cr
)
Broken Links in Camp Menu
Problem: Menu links return 404 errors
Solutions:
- Verify linked Camp Subpage is published
- Check URL path is correct (use autocomplete when adding menu links)
- If page was deleted, remove menu link
- Clear cache
Related Resources
- Camp Content Type Documentation - Create parent Camp pages
- Layout Builder Documentation - Build flexible layouts
- Block Library - 30+ Layout Builder blocks
- Content Editor Getting Started - Learn Layout Builder basics
- Migrate to Layout Builder - Migrate legacy camp pages
Need Help?
- YMCA Community Slack - #content-editors channel
- Monthly Community Calls - Ask questions live
- Troubleshooting Guide - Common solutions
- Quick Reference - Fast answers
Happy camping! Camp Subpages help you create rich, informative microsites that give parents confidence and get campers excited. 🏕️