Start a kids camp
Typically $5,000 to $40,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. It can start part-time, around another job.
Licenses and permits
This is general information to help you research, not legal advice. Requirements change and vary by location, so confirm with each issuing authority. Allpage doesn’t guarantee it’s complete or that your business is compliant.
The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city. Pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page.
What it takes
- To start
- Typically $5,000 to $40,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
- Time
- It can start part-time, around another job.
- License to practice
- The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits.
- How it charges
- Per week, with sibling discounts and payment plans.
- A site with shade, water and space to play, or a school or park permit
- Your state’s day-camp or child-care rules, and background checks for staff
- Liability insurance, first aid and a signed waiver from parents
What goes wrong early
- Summer is short, so a few weeks carry the year
- Staff to child ratios set how many you can take
- Weather and late cancellations
Steps to start
- Check the licenses and permits. The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
- Get what you need to start. A site with shade, water and space to play, or a school or park permit. Your state’s day-camp or child-care rules, and background checks for staff. Liability insurance, first aid and a signed waiver from parents. Typically $5,000 to $40,000 to start, from lean to comfortable.
- Set your prices. Per week, with sibling discounts and payment plans.
- Set up your website and bookings. Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (selected work, your story and a way to reach you) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.
What Allpage sets up
Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (selected work, your story and a way to reach you) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.
- Booking reminders. Reminds each customer before every session they’re booked into, including each one of a series.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a kids camp?
Typically $5,000 to $40,000 to start, from lean to comfortable. Costs vary by place, so check prices where you are.
Can I start a kids camp part-time?
It can start part-time, around another job.
Does a kids camp need a license?
The work itself usually doesn’t need a state license, though you may still need to register the business and get local permits. What applies depends on your state and city: pick your state for what businesses like it typically need there, with each agency’s page. This isn’t legal advice.
How do businesses like it usually charge?
Per week, with sibling discounts and payment plans.
What goes wrong early?
Summer is short, so a few weeks carry the year. Staff to child ratios set how many you can take. Weather and late cancellations.
How does Allpage help?
Answer a few questions and Allpage drafts your website (selected work, your story and a way to reach you) and turns on booking reminders. You approve anything that matters.