Holding a successful summer sports camp can be extremely fun, rewarding and…laborious.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to start a summer sports camp.
There are countless options for summer camps!
They can be day camps, sleepaway, over the summer or over school breaks or both. You can choose a specific theme or general enrichment, and all ages or just a small range. It’s important that your specifications meet your goals for the camp.
Understand the CostsThe cost will be determined by the type of camp you choose. For example, a sleepaway will require more funds than a day camp.
To legally run a summer sports camp, insurance is often required and varies in price based on the type of camp you choose to run. Purchasing camp insurance is not the same as insurance for your home or car though. There are only a few companies that provide this type of insurance and typically require a safety audit before you can make the purchase.
Most camps choose the following areas to cover:
States require a number of licenses and permits, including health department checks, background checks for staff, camp operating licenses, and more. Be sure you understand the requirements of your state and comply as soon as possible.
Find a Location for Your CampThe right location will depend on the type of activities you want to run, the age of the campers, when the camp will run, and your overall budget.
With a summer sports camp, you will need to find a facility that has access to fields and courts (likely inside and outside).
St. Bonavenue offers several venues for a summer sports camp, including high-quality turf fields, wooden basketball courts, and even dormitories for overnight camps.
Find staff or volunteers that are responsible and eager to help your campers have the best summer ever.
In the job posting, be sure to include salary, benefits, and other important details that can tell the full story of the role. Likewise, if there are certifications, years of experience, or degrees needed, include those in the description so applicants know if they are the right fit.
It is also common for states and cities to require background checks for professionals who will work with children. This protects your campers, your staff and parents appreciate this security measure too.
It’s recommended that you research the local guidelines of your state, city and county. Each state varies in how it oversees and regulates camp operations. Though most require certifications focused around swimming, first aid, CPR, children’s allergies and sports and playground equipment.
When considering how to start a summer sports camp, funding should be high on the list.
Here are some of the most important line items:
To forecast your costs, add up your expected expenses then subtract your estimated enrollment numbers and income from what you plan to charge.
Establish Registration FormsOrganization is key when running a summer sports camp. It’s important to get key information from parents when they drop their kids off.
This may include:
Flexible payment options, such as installment buying and payment plans, are becoming standard make sure you can offer a good variety.
Once you have the logistics for your summer sports camp, you can start spreading the word!
You may utilize:
Don’t Forget We’re Here to Help!If you’re scratching your head wondering how to start a summer sports camp, we can assist you…because it’s definitely a team sport!
As a NCAA Division 1 school, our campus boasts state-of-the-art athletic facilities. This includes high-quality turf fields, wooden basketball courts, scoreboards, press boxes, spectator seating and even a rock wall. Plus, our on-site dormitories can provide budget-friendly options that keep everyone in one convenient location.
Talk to us about your summer sports camp today!