Start a Sports Camp From Scratch

Starting a brand new sports program is an exhilarating task that allows you to combine a passion for sports with a desire to inspire and develop upcoming talent. Starting a new sports program presents an opportunity to create a dynamic and safe environment where young athletes can develop their skills, build character and make lifelong memories. While you already understand the benefits of sports programs, you may be seeking guidance on executing your sports program idea. Below you will find seven essential steps to kickstart your sports program.

Before planning your camp, you need to look and see what's happening around you. This is called market research. So jump on your computer and look into the sports programs that are up and running in your area. Look into what they offer (programs, camps, etc.), what ages they cater to, and different price options. Find all the information you need to better understand what your target market already has access to. This will help you determine what type of sports camp you should offer and how to differentiate your program from others.

Selecting the right location for your sports camp is essential. This may be renting a facility, finding a community centre, or maybe an outdoor space. Some critical factors to consider are accessibility, safety, and price. If you offer a multi-sport program, you will also want to view all the sports you offer and if the location can accommodate them. If not, you may need to look into a couple of different areas to work out of.

Now it's time to put your plan on paper. Creating a business plan is a significant step to getting your program from the idea stage to running. Your business plan should include your camp's mission, target market, pricing, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Your business plan will serve as a roadmap for your sports camp. It will also be what you show financial investors because you will need starting cash.

This is an essential step in your sports camp planning. Before you open, you must obtain the necessary licenses and permits. This includes a business license, a health department permit, and liability insurance. As much as you want your participants to be safe, you must be safe yourself. Also, check with your local government to determine what licenses and permits are required in your area.

Now that you have a location, a business plan built, starting cash, and obtained the necessary licences and permits, you need to hire your staff. You'll need coaches, instructors, and other staff members who are knowledgeable and experienced in the sports you are offering. Additionally, you will want to hire staff who are good at working with children and have good communication and leadership skills. This may include requiring staff to submit a Criminal Record Check. You will also need to look into what your labour laws are in your area and what the minimum wage is to pay your staff.

It's time to create the curriculum for your camp. Make sure to incorporate activities and drills that will enhance campers' abilities. Additionally, include exercises that teach essential life skills like teamwork, leadership, and time management. Remember, your goal is to improve the participants' skills, but you must also prioritize their enjoyment and safety.

Your sports camp is ready to go, but now you must advertise and promote your program to your target market. You can use traditional marketing methods such as flyers, posters and print ads. But it's also essential to invest in online strategies as well. Developing a website and an engaging social media platform is as important as a business plan. A lot of people's first instinct when hearing about a new sports camp is to look it up online, so not having a presence there can be detrimental. For more ideas on promoting your new program, check out our 7 Tips to Market Your Youth Program!

Starting a sports camp from the ground up takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but careful planning and organization can be a rewarding experience. Remember to always be open to feedback and be willing to make changes as needed to ensure the success of your camp. The only way to grow is by constantly evolving into the next best thing.