Why CampBrain?
a fully customized database?
It’s expensive. If you do it, calculate how long it will take - what is your time worth? If someone else builds it, how much will it cost?
It’s not easy. For example, the structure of the CampBrain database is actually quite complex. We have people who work on the software full-time!
It has to be easy to use. For other people to use the database, it needs to be intuitive and quick to learn. Building a database that only one person can use can be risky.
Ongoing technical support needs to be considered. We know that users require support - they have questions and need efficient service to complete their tasks.
Ongoing upgrades, changes and additions need to be planned. Software and databases are not static. They require constant work.
The database needs to be built to outlast the developer. Reliance on one person for the entire existence of the database is risky.
CampBrain is flexible. One of the primary reasons that people choose a custom solution is to build something to their exact specifications. CampBrain has been built with that need in mind. Each camp is unique - CampBrain allows you to configure your camp information and customize all of your reports.
The CampBrain database is “open”. We use MS Access and leave our database open. Many of our camps have added to the database, designing their own features.
“...I don’t have time anymore. I am a Director and I need to spend more time with campers and staff, less time fixing our database...”
“...Nobody else knows how to use this homemade database - just me...”
“...My cousin’s brother-in-law built this database as a side project but he moved to Houston. We canÌt change anything in it...”
“...We have to wait for the guy who built the database to come in and build a new report. He has a full-time job and can only do it on the weekends...”
“...This database was built many years ago and it has never been upgraded and no one is willing to do so...”
“...I have to pay the programmer to come visit the camp every time I want a small change and it is very expensive...”
