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Turn "find a summer camp" into searches that work

  • For Parents and households
  • You practice Giving the right context
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You want to use an AI search tool to find a camp for your son, but "good summer camp near me" brings back junk. Write exactly 3 numbered search queries, each under 20 words, that each include his age, the town of Oakridge, and the July 7-25 dates; one query must target a nut-free lunch policy. Use the budget you settled on most recently. Plain text, queries only.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Asking the AI to find camps. The AI can't see your town's listings from the notes, so it invents camps or gives generic advice. Try: Say: "Write 3 search queries for me to run. Don't suggest camps."
  • Leaving out the details. The AI writes broad queries like "best kids camps" that bring back the same junk. Try: Add: "Each query includes age 9, Oakridge and July 7-25."
  • Forgetting the must-haves. The allergy and full-day needs are buried in your notes, so the AI skips them. Try: Add: "One query targets a nut-free lunch policy; include full day."
  • Using the old budget. Your notes list $300 first, and the AI picks the first number it sees. Try: Add: "Budget is $400 a week now."
  • No shape or length. The AI writes long queries with explanations under each one, in markdown. Try: Add: "Exactly 3 numbered queries, each under 20 words, plain text, nothing else."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Asks for search queries, not answers
  • Puts in age, town and dates
  • Includes the must-haves
  • Uses the current budget
  • Sets the count and length

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