If you want to run your own summer camp business then read on…
We’ve created a series of articles that will give you all the information you need to setup and run a successful summer camp business.
What’s a summer camp?
Summer camps can also be known as school holiday clubs, activity day camps, kids clubs or simply holiday activities. What you call yours and which customers you target will depend on your own goals for your camp.
In this series of posts, we’ll give you tips and models for providing a quality programme for your campers and keep them coming back every school holiday.
Running a Summer Camp is Tough, but Rewarding
Running a Summer Camp business isn’t your typical 9-5. You will start early and finish late, you will be responsible for up to 500 campers (depending on your business model) and for the first couple of camps, you may operate at a loss!
That said, running a camp is an extremely rewarding experience and can make a real difference to a young person’s life. Not only will they have an opportunity to take part in fun activities but they will also develop a sense of independence and make friends for life.
At Summer Camps, Safety is Priority Number 1
Safety of your camp and staff standards need to be of the highest of quality. Remember, parents are putting their trust in your organisation to look after their child and provide a positive experience – never take that lightly.
The most important thing you should know is that you are operating as a child care service. Parents are looking for supervision for their child during the school holidays and you provide a service that does just that. Combine your child service with fun, engaging activities and you have a holiday camp business.
The Complete Guide to Create Your Own Summer Camp Business
The following guide to creating a Summer Camp Business is split into 5 parts (each link will open in a new window).
1. Getting Started with a Summer Camp Business
This will help you build a strong foundation for your camp. We provide a step-by-step approach for starting a camp from coming up with a name to booking your venue and hiring your team.
Read about how to start your summer camp business.
2. Planning Your Summer Camp Business
Everything you need to know about creating a business plan, what documentation you’ll need, camp insurance, finding a venue, and creating a programme. This section deals with correct procedures and programme management to ensure your campers get the best experience in a safe, secure and fun environment.
Read about how to plan a summer camp business.
3. Marketing and Sales for Summer Camps
Your camp isn’t a business unless it has paying customers. Here we go through ideas on how to grow your summer camp business and keep your campers and staff coming back.
Read about marketing and sales for summer camps.
4. Budgeting and Finance for Summer Camps
You could have the best summer camp in the world, but you’ll have to close your doors if you’re losing money. This article covers proper budgeting, how much to charge campers, analysing your spending, and some finance tips for running your own camp.
Read more about budgeting and finance for summer camps.
5. Sumer Camp Activity Ideas
In this article we show you how to write a camp programme, find facilitators, create theme days and end of week reviews, and even give you an example programme that you can use for planning your summer camp.
Click here to read more about summer camp activity ideas.
Very informative, thank you for the information!
Hi Vanessa. Thanks for visiting and you’re welcome.
Glad you found it useful.
Thanks a lot for the information. I am so interested in such idea and I have a plan to start my own camp. Hope I can start it in the most correct way.
Glad to hear that Marwa! Very exciting. Let us know how it goes.
Marwa, Did you end up starting your own camp?
This is very useful and encouraging! My fiance’ and I are in the works for a five year plan. As we near our wedding plans, buying a home follows suite. Since we live in a rural area in the bible belt, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts & Church Camps are all the rage. However, as people our own age (mid twenties) are starting their own families or already have kids reaching camp age, we want to provide something that isn’t the previously listed camps. This is the info I have been looking for!!
Glad to hear you found the info useful Dannah! :)
Keep us posted on how it goes with your new summer camp venture.
Dannah,
How is your camp doing?
Hello, can I get the 3 parts of your article? Could u plz email to me? Thank you.
Hi Nat.
Sorry, we had updated the article but not the links! I’ve mailed you the (now) 5-part series.
Michael
I’m interested in starting a summer camp though I reckon I’ll need guidance
I’m in PTA,South Africa… I’m 21 years and a freelance camp facilitator
Awesome – Let us know how it goes?
Michael, Thank you!!
this has really helped line up my mind, with all the, need to do check lists. (check lists are KING)
so many ways to do something, helps to know i am going in the right direction.
if you have any other useful links or advise it would be most welcome :)
Glad you found it useful. We’d love to hear how it is going.