How to Design Summer Day Camps
- 1). Determine the theme for the camp and maintain that theme in all your scheduling, advertising and literature. People who send their children to camp are looking for activities that match their children's interests. Day camp theme options include sports, art or education.
- 2). Determine the target demographic. Determine if the camp is going to be co-ed, the age groups you want to have and socioeconomic status. Knowing these things will help to determine the activities to provide and the pricing for the day camp.
- 3). Determine how many counselors will be needed to supervise the campers (this will depend on the groups and demographics and the number of attendees). The ratio of campers to counselors will determine the price and is something a parent might like to know so they can assure that their child is properly supervised.
- 4). Create a schedule that meets the needs of the participants. Younger participants will need more free play and break time. Shorter periods of time for structured activities will be more enjoyable. The older the group the longer structured activities can be and the less break time will be needed.
- 5). Determine the limits of your facility. If it is an indoor facility make sure that you do not over crowd the building. An over-crowded building might be a safety hazard and will limit the enjoyment of the participants. Outdoor activities will be limited by the supplies available and areas to play in.
- 6). Determine if licensing and background checks are needed for the camp to be opened and operated. There are also several accrediting agencies that certify to parents and campers that their children will be safe while attending your day camp and taking part in the day camp's activities.
- 7). Once the camp is open, keep campers and parents up to date on all the activities that are going on. Keeping them active in the decision making and scheduling will make for a better all-around day camp experience.