How To Start A Camp

Knowing how to start a camp is something that can truly make a difference in someone's summer. There is something magical about it: doing what you love and having all the time to do it. If you have the dedication, desire, and investments to start a camp, then consider this your guide! Granted, it won't be easy, but having a camp to call your own really is "priceless".

1. Decide what kind of camp you want to found. This is a very broad question. There are basketball camps, religious camps, outdoor camps, and even some dedicated to just having fun! Figure out which camp you want to start, and from there we can work a little bit more specifically on your situation.
2. Location, location, location. Ever heard that when starting a new business venture? Well, as it turns out, a camp isn't much different. Those campgrounds that will focus on the outdoors will need something similar in size to a modern-day ranch, with areas designated for group meetings, cabins, meals, and pure fun. While the resident areas are important for outdoor camps, the crazy-fun spots are what will sell it to your customers. Sport camps should select local, well-known gyms to propagate with. Camps with athlete sponsors tend to do well with both the press and finances.
3. Plan and staff. A camp is nothing without a plan for the campers. People who pay big bucks to go to camp expect something big to be set up for them. Yes, this includes meal plans, schedules, occasional events, and free time. The staff, on the other hand, is your right hand. These experienced "counselors", as they are often called, will lead your camp. A captain is nothing without his loyal crew, so recruit with caution.
4. Funding and the money. Sure, you just might have all of the initial investment for your camp right out of pocket, but no one ever said sponsors were detrimental. In fact, for advertisements, sponsors will line up to be seen in front of your camp. Plus the extra money, well that never hurt your operations either.

Now, to start a camp is to start a world of adventure for campers from all over. It will take some real investment (both monetarily and time-wise) to get it up and running, but nothing will beat the feeling. Keep with it and we're sure you'll have that camp operational in no time!