While many studio owners bemoan the slow, hot summer months, others confess that summer is often their most profitable season. With a bit of resourcefulness and ingenuity, you can make summer camps, weekend retreats, sleepovers, and special weapons training highly successful.
Planning for Success To ensure a successful summer camp, plan and organize every detail in advance. The approach to your summer camp should be different from your regular classes to keep things interesting.
Many studio owners have had success holding camps in mid-August, just before the school year begins. Others operate one camp per month throughout June, July, and August, grossing up to $15,000 over the summer.
Structuring Your Camp Classes typically last four hours in the afternoons, when the studio is least congested. Break your class into 15-minute increments, accounting for every minute, including breaks, to keep the camp organized and engaging.
Activities can include fitness kickboxing, games, problem-solving activities, character-building exercises, and martial arts.
Promotion and Enrollment Most of your camp participants will come from your own studio, but encourage your current students to invite their friends. Distribute brochures and offer incentives for students who bring in the most new participants. Target places moms frequent, like grocery stores, beauty parlors, and childcare centers.
Determine the number of participants in advance to ensure you have enough snacks, T-shirts, awards, and supplies. Require participants to pay and sign a waiver, medical release, and provide emergency contact information upfront.
Creating a Memorable Experience Establish rules from the beginning, such as no talking or running during instruction. Stick to your schedule and include plenty of breaks for snacks and beverages.
Make the last day memorable by inviting parents and arranging a tournament to showcase what students have learned. Present each participant with a certificate of completion and an award.