Small Neighborhood Day Camp

Parents and guardians of children, usually ages 5 to 12, who need supervised activities while school is out.

Fee per child per week or per session, sometimes with extras like early drop-off, lunch or a t-shirt. Costs are mostly staff, space rent and supplies.

• Organizing schedules and activities
• Managing and motivating young staff
• Clear communication with parents
• Comfortable with children and safety planning

• Check your state's child care or youth camp licensing rules, as requirements and exemptions vary by state and county
• Background checks for all staff and volunteers, and required staff to child ratios
• General liability insurance, and often abuse and molestation coverage, which venues may ask for
• First aid and CPR training, allergy and medication handling, and parent consent forms
• Cancellations or low sign-ups can leave you with fixed costs, so set a minimum enrollment and refund policy

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $1,500 to $8,000, depending on your venue rental, theme, supplies and insurance. Cancellations or low sign-ups can leave fixed costs, so setting a minimum enrollment and refund policy is worth considering.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many children enroll, your pricing and how many weeks you run. Camp is seasonal, so plan your finances around the summer period.

Check your state's child care or youth camp licensing rules, as requirements and exemptions vary by state and county. Also check background checks, staff-to-child ratios, insurance venues may require, first aid and CPR training, and parent consent forms.