Launch a Martial Arts Summer Camp
Summer presents a golden opportunity for martial arts school owners to capitalize on the availability of students out of school. Parents are on the lookout for engaging and constructive ways for their children to spend the long break, making it the perfect time to offer a martial arts summer camp.
According to a feature in Inc. Magazine, over 5 million children participate in various summer camps across the United States annually. This demonstrates a robust market ready to be tapped by enterprising martial arts schools. Running a successful summer camp can be quite lucrative, with many school owners reporting earnings between $30,000 to $50,000 from their summer programs.
Types of Martial Arts Summer Camps
There are primarily two types of camps you can offer: a comprehensive six-week martial arts summer camp or an immersive weekend retreat.
Six-Week Martial Arts Summer Camp
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Camp Leadership: The camp should ideally be led by you or a senior instructor from your school. If this isn’t feasible, carefully select a supervisor who aligns with your school’s values and has proven experience managing groups of children.
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Instructor Quality: Ensure that the martial arts instruction is top-notch. The quality of teaching will not only impact the immediate success of the camp but also influence campers to enroll in regular classes at your school.
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Staffing: Employ enthusiastic teens from your leadership programs as assistants. They provide energy and relatability at a cost-effective rate, with a recommended supervisor-to-student ratio of 1:8. Aim to keep labor costs below 30% of your total revenue.
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Logistics: Arrange for a bus and driver for necessary transportation to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Weekend Retreats
Even though weekend retreats are shorter, they require the same attention to detail:
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Supervision: Maintain a strict supervisor-to-student ratio of 1:5 to ensure each child receives adequate attention and support.
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Activities and Schedule: Equip each leader with the necessary tools such as a colored t-shirt, schedule, whistle, digital watch, clipboard, and a roster. Communication devices like walkie-talkies or headsets can be invaluable.
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Transportation: Similar to the six-week camp, secure reliable transportation for participants to ensure safety and punctuality.
Conclusion
By providing a mix of exciting activities and ample downtime, your martial arts summer camp or weekend retreat can offer a memorable experience that encourages new enrollments while boosting your summer income. Remember, thorough planning and a focus on quality instruction are key to creating a successful summer program that students will eagerly anticipate year after year.
