Outdoor and nature day camp for children
Take small groups of children outdoors for forest, park and nature-based camp days through the warmer months.
- C$1k-5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small day camp held mostly outside in parks, conservation areas or on private land, with activities like nature walks, building shelters, crafts and games. It suits someone who prefers small groups and low overheads over a big indoor venue.
Your first three steps
- Scout two or three parks or private sites and ask the owner or municipality what permission or permit you need for regular group use
- Get wilderness or standard first aid and CPR training, and a police record check including the vulnerable sector check
- Check with your province or territory and your municipality whether a day camp like yours needs a licence, registration or an inspection, or is exempt
Who pays
Parents who want screen-free, outdoor experiences for their children during summer and school breaks.
How it makes money
Weekly or daily fees per child, sometimes with discounts for siblings or multi-week bookings. Small groups mean fewer children but you can charge for the specialist programme.
Skills that help
- Outdoor skills and confidence in nature
- Working well with children
- Risk awareness and safety planning
- Organizing small groups
Watch out for
- Rules differ by province and municipality: some day camps are exempt from child care licensing, others must register or meet staffing and safety requirements, so confirm with your provincial child care or camp regulator before you advertise
- Permits for using public parks or conservation land for a commercial activity, which vary by municipality and land manager
- Commercial general liability insurance that covers outdoor activities and children
- Weather, insects, ticks, sun and allergy risks, with a clear wet-weather and emergency plan
- A short season in most of Canada, so plan for the colder months or a second income
Deep research report · Canada
Everything you need to start: outdoor and nature day camp
Researched with live web search for Canada: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an outdoor day camp in Canada?
Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on equipment, insurance and any park or land permits you need. These are estimates, so price out your gear and cover before you set your fees.
Do I need a licence or permit to run a nature camp in Canada?
Rules differ by province and municipality. Check whether your camp is exempt from child care licensing or must register, and confirm with your provincial regulator. Also check permits for using public parks or conservation land, and insurance covering outdoor activities.
How much can an outdoor nature camp make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on group size and how many days you run. The season is short in most of Canada, so plan for colder months or a second income.
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