Summer Prep = Easier Yearbook

~ by Evan Kehler, Print Consultant – Minnesota & Louisiana

As the school year wraps up, it’s tempting to completely shut off your yearbook brain for the summer. And honestly? You’ve earned a break.

But here’s something to think about: spending just a little bit of time on yearbook-related prep over the summer can make next year more organized and way less stressful…for advisors and students.

Here are a few smart (and manageable) things your yearbook team can tackle over the summer to set yourself up for success.

DO A QUICK “WHAT WORKED, WHAT DIDN’T” DEBRIEF

We have talked about this before…while everything is still fresh, take time to reflect on the past year. This doesn’t need to be formal or complicated. A simple conversation or shared document works just fine. Write it all down. These notes become gold when planning starts again in the fall, especially if team members change or memories fade.

Read our “Closing the Book on This Year’s Book” article for a deeper dive.

ORGANIZE YOUR PHOTOS

Photos pile up fast over the school year. Summer is the perfect time to:

• Sort images into folders by event, sports, or theme
• Delete duplicates and unusable shots
• Label folders clearly so nothing gets lost (this is also a good time to evaluate your photo sorting system)

Even spending an hour or two organizing photos now can save days later when deadlines are looming.

Bonus Idea: create a shared photo wish list for next year so everyone knows what types of shots you’re hoping to capture.

CAPTURE SUMMER STORIES BEFORE THEY’RE FORGOTTEN

Summer counts as part of student’s lives, so why not include it? Over the break, consider collecting:

• Summer job photos
• Camps, trips, tournaments, or volunteer work
• Fun “first week back” reflections or quotes

You can:

• Send out a simple Google Form
• Run a casual summer photo contest
• Ask team members to submit a few highlights from their own summer

This makes fall coverage easier and helps the yearbook feel more complete and personal. Check out our “Incorporating Summer Activities” blog for more ideas.

START THINKING (LIGHTLY) ABOUT NEXT YEAR’S THEME

No need to lock anything in yet…but summer is a great time to brainstorm. Encourage students to:

• Save inspiration they come across (designs, colours, fonts, phrases)
• Snap photos of textures, signage, or layouts that catch their eye
• Jot down theme ideas or concepts as they pop up

A shared inspiration folder or Pinterest board works well and keeps creativity flowing without pressure. Our blog “Theme Seeding for Summer” gives you more to consider.

RESEARCH WORKSHOPS AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Summer is also a great time to look ahead at professional development for your yearbook team. Researching workshops early gives you time to explore options, build interest, and plan ahead before the busy school year starts.  Look for:

• Local or regional yearbook workshops
• Virtual learning opportunities
• Hands-on training focused on photography, design, storytelling, or leadership

One option to keep on your radar is Spark Academy by Friesens…a yearbook-focused learning experience designed to help advisors and students sharpen their skills, gain fresh ideas, try something new, and feel more confident heading into the new year.

REVIEW ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Before the new school year begins, it helps to have clarity around who does what. Over the summer, advisors and editors can:

• Review existing roles
• Note where responsibilities felt unclear or overloaded
• Think about where student leadership can grow next year

Even a rough outline of roles makes onboarding smoother in the fall, especially for new staff members.

GET A HEAD START ON PLANNING TOOLS

Summer is a great time to review planning calendars, ladders, checklists, or templates. You’ll get your new Yearbook Kit in late summer/early fall, but in the meantime ask yourselves:

• Did these tools actually help us?
• Were we missing anything?
• What do we wish we had earlier in the year?
• Did we utilize the expertise of our Friesens Print Consultant or Project Specialist enough?

Updating or refreshing planning tools now means you could start the school yar organized instead of rushed.

DON’T FORGET TO REST

Yes, prep is helpful…but rest matters too. The most successful yearbook teams are the ones who come back in the fall rested, recharged, motivated, and excited to create something meaningful.

You don’t need to spend your entire summer thinking about yearbook like we do. But a few small steps now can turn next year from “barely keeping up” into “we’ve got this”. So, take breaks. Travel. Sleep in. Enjoy summer. Just know that even a little intentional prep will make your next yearbook season smoother and more fun.