Weekend and week-long specialty mini-camps

Parents and guardians looking for enrichment for their children during school breaks and summer.

Fee per child per camp or per session. Small groups with a higher price per child can work with low overhead and few or no employees.

• Expertise in a teachable skill
• Planning age-appropriate lessons
• Marketing to parents through local groups
• Patience with children

• Check whether your state or city treats short camps as licensed child care or youth programs
• Background checks and a second adult present whenever possible
• General liability insurance, and check what your venue requires
• Running camp at home may need a home occupation permit and must respect HOA or lease rules
• Parent waivers and allergy or medical information for every child

Estimates suggest startup costs typically run around $300 to $2,500, depending on your venue, supplies, insurance and how you market the camps. Group size and the skill you teach also affect what you need to buy.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on group size, pricing and how many camps you run. It works as a side hustle, with at least about 10 hours a week as a starting estimate.

Check whether your state or city treats short camps as licensed child care or youth programs. Also check background checks, venue insurance requirements, any home occupation permit and HOA or lease rules, and parent waivers with medical information for each child.