Build Summer Joy: How to Start a Summer Camp in Ontario

Ontario’s vast landscapes and vibrant communities make it an ideal setting for summer camps, where children and teenagers can enjoy outdoor adventures, develop new skills, and create lifelong memories. Starting a summer camp offers more than just a business opportunity—it’s a chance to foster joy, connection, and growth in young participants. Whether your vision includes canoe trips across serene lakes, arts and crafts in sunlit pavilions, or STEM-focused workshops, Ontario’s diverse regions provide the perfect backdrop for your camp’s unique identity.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps to establish a summer camp in Ontario, from understanding legal requirements to designing engaging programs. With proper planning and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, your summer camp can become a cornerstone for local families and a source of inspiration for generations to come. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or outdoor enthusiast, this article will help you navigate the journey of building a summer camp that thrives in both spirit and operation.

1. Understanding the Summer Camp Industry in Ontario

Ontario’s summer camp industry is a cornerstone of childhood experiences, offering programs that range from outdoor adventures to specialized interests like arts, sports, and STEM. These camps, operating primarily from June to August, provide both day and overnight options, creating spaces where children can explore, grow, and connect. With oversight from the Ontario Camps Association (OCA), families can trust in high standards of safety and quality across the province.

For those entering the industry, success begins with thorough research and strategic planning. The competitive landscape rewards innovation, making it vital to identify underserved niches or unique programming opportunities, such as camps for children with special needs or emerging trends like sustainability education. At the same time, legal compliance—covering health and safety standards, permits, and insurance—is essential to building a reputable operation.

Marketing plays a pivotal role in attracting campers and their families. A well-rounded strategy that blends traditional outreach, like community partnerships, with digital tools, such as social media and targeted advertising, can effectively showcase your camp’s offerings. By emphasizing what sets your camp apart, you can carve out a strong presence in Ontario’s thriving summer camp community.

2. Developing Your Summer Camp Concept

Designing a summer camp that stands out begins with a clear vision and a focus on what makes your camp unique. By honing in on key elements like your target audience, theme, and activities, you can create an unforgettable experience for campers. Here’s how to shape your concept effectively:

  • Identify Your Target Audience: Determine the age group your camp will serve—young children, teens, or a mix of both—and tailor your programs to their interests.
  • Choose a Theme or Specialization: Focus on a specific area, such as sports, arts, science, outdoor adventures, or performing arts, to create a cohesive and appealing experience.
  • Plan Session Formats: Decide whether to run day camps, overnight programs, or both, and determine the session lengths, whether week-long or multi-week.
  • Build a Strong Brand Identity: Develop a logo, color scheme, and messaging that reflect your camp’s values and resonate with your audience.
  • Develop Engaging Activities: Brainstorm age-appropriate activities that align with your theme and offer opportunities for skill-building, creativity, and confidence.
  • Seek Strategic Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses or organizations for field trips, guest instructors, or other unique experiences.

By thoughtfully addressing these aspects, you can design a camp that not only attracts families but also leaves campers with cherished memories and new skills, ensuring your place in Ontario’s vibrant camping community.

3. Creating a Business Plan

A solid business plan is essential for starting a successful summer camp in Ontario. It will guide your decisions, help secure funding, and provide a roadmap for your camp’s growth.

Market Research

To develop a successful summer camp business plan, start with thorough market research. Assess the demand in your area by analyzing the number of school-aged children, family income levels, and existing camps. Examine their offerings to identify gaps your camp could fill, such as unique activities or underserved age groups.

Research the pricing structures of competitors, considering factors like camp duration, activities, and target demographics, to establish a competitive yet profitable pricing strategy. By understanding local demographics and market trends, you can tailor your camp to meet the community’s needs effectively.

Defining Your Target Audience

As mentioned in the previous section, defining your target audience is essential for effective planning and outreach. Consider key factors like age ranges, interests, and specific needs—whether your camp will feature general activities or specialize in areas such as sports, arts, or STEM.

Equally important is understanding parents’ priorities, such as safety, educational value, and convenience, which heavily influence their decisions. Developing detailed camper personas can refine your approach, ensuring your programs and marketing efforts resonate with the families you aim to serve.

Planning Activities and Programs

When planning your camp’s activities and programs, it’s essential to choose options that align with the camp’s theme and appeal to your target audience. A balance of indoor and outdoor activities will keep campers engaged no matter the weather, offering variety and flexibility.

Crafting a daily schedule that incorporates both structured activities and downtime is key to maintaining a positive flow. Be sure to include meal breaks, rest periods, and smooth transitions between activities to keep the day running smoothly.

Projecting Financials

Financial projections should include startup costs, revenue estimates based on varying attendance scenarios, and operating expenses such as staff wages, supplies, and insurance. Cash flow projections must also account for seasonal income and year-round expenses to ensure long-term sustainability.

4. Securing a Location

Finding the right location is crucial for your summer camp’s success. You’ll need to consider zoning regulations, safety requirements, and necessary facilities to create an ideal environment for campers.

Zoning and Permissions

Before settling on a location, check local zoning laws. Contact your municipal government to ensure the area is zoned for summer camp activities. You may need to obtain specific permits for operating a camp.

You should also be prepared to submit detailed plans of your proposed camp layout and activities. Some areas might require environmental impact assessments, especially if your camp is near protected lands or water bodies.

Another consideration is noise regulations, as camp activities can be lively. Discuss potential concerns with neighboring properties to maintain good community relations.

Safety and Accessibility

When choosing a camp location, prioritize safety and accessibility. Ensure the site has clear emergency exit routes and is easily reachable by emergency services. Proximity to medical facilities is crucial for quick response in case of accidents. The camp should also accommodate all campers, including those with disabilities.

Facility Needs and Equipment

It’s essential to ensure your facilities are well-equipped to support a wide range of activities, regardless of weather conditions. From comfortable accommodations to the right equipment for activities, here are the key facilities and resources to consider:

  • Sleeping Quarters: Ensure you have adequate cabins or tents to accommodate campers comfortably.
  • Dining Area and Kitchen: A spacious dining area and well-equipped kitchen are essential for preparing meals and creating a communal eating space.
  • Bathrooms and Showers: Clean and accessible bathrooms and showers are vital for campers’ comfort and hygiene.
  • Indoor Activity Spaces: Designate areas for activities during rainy days, keeping the camp spirit alive even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
  • Storage: Provide ample storage for equipment, supplies, and personal belongings to keep everything organized.
  • Activity Equipment: Have the necessary gear for planned activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and safety equipment like first-aid kits.
  • Administrative Space: Ensure space for managing camp operations, including an office and a dedicated first aid station.

By aligning your facilities with the OCA standards, you ensure a safe and enjoyable camp experience for everyone involved, maintaining both high safety and quality throughout the camp season.

5. Legal Requirements and Insurance

Creating a summer camp involves navigating various legal requirements and securing proper insurance coverage. You’ll need to take several important steps to ensure your camp operates legally and safely.

Incorporating Your Business

Before launching your summer camp, you should consider incorporating your business. This step protects your personal assets and provides a formal structure for your operation. You can choose between incorporating as a for-profit or non-profit entity, depending on your goals.

To incorporate, you’ll need to:

  • Select a unique business name
  • File articles of incorporation with the Ontario government
  • Obtain a business number from the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Register for necessary taxes (e.g., HST if your revenue exceeds $30,000)

Remember to consult with a lawyer or accountant to determine the best structure for your camp.

Understanding Camp Regulations

Ontario has specific regulations for summer camps and recreational programs. You must familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure compliance. Key areas to focus on include:

  • Staff-to-camper ratios
  • Health and safety standards
  • Food handling and preparation
  • Activity safety guidelines

For water activities, specific lifeguard requirements apply based on the number of campers in the water. For example, you’ll need two lifeguards for 1-25 campers and three for 26-100 campers.

Obtaining Insurance Coverage

Insurance is a cornerstone of protecting your camp, staff, and campers. At a minimum, general liability insurance is essential to cover risks associated with daily operations and activities. However, depending on your camp’s unique needs, additional coverage options may be worth exploring, such as:

  • Property Insurance: Protects camp buildings, equipment, and other assets.
  • Accident and Medical Coverage: Provides financial support for injuries or emergencies.
  • Directors and Officers Liability Insurance: Shields leadership from legal claims related to decision-making.

Insurance costs can vary widely, influenced by factors like the number of campers, the nature of your activities, the camp’s location, and your claims history. To ensure comprehensive protection, compare quotes from multiple providers and tailor coverage to your camp’s specific operations. This proactive approach safeguards your camp’s future while giving everyone peace of mind.

6. Staffing Your Summer Camp

Building a competent and enthusiastic team is crucial for your summer camp’s success. You’ll need to focus on hiring qualified individuals, ensuring proper training and certifications, and implementing effective management strategies.

Hiring Qualified Staff

When staffing your summer camp, prioritize candidates with relevant experience and a passion for working with children. Look for individuals who have backgrounds in education, recreation, or childcare. Conduct thorough interviews and check references to ensure you’re selecting the best fit for your camp’s culture and values.

Consider hiring a mix of returning staff and new faces to create a balanced team. Returning staff bring valuable experience, while new hires can offer fresh perspectives and energy.

Remember to hire support staff for roles like food service, maintenance, and administration. These positions are essential for keeping your camp running smoothly.

Training and Certifications

Proper training and certifications are vital for ensuring the safety and quality of your summer camp experience. Require all staff members to complete first aid and CPR certification before the camp season begins.

Organize a comprehensive pre-camp training program that covers:

  • Camp policies and procedures
  • Emergency protocols
  • Activity-specific safety guidelines
  • Child development and behavior management

You should also consider additional certifications based on your camp’s offerings, such as lifeguard training for waterfront activities or wilderness first aid for outdoor adventure programs. Encourage ongoing professional development throughout the season to keep your staff’s skills sharp and up-to-date.

Staff Management and Schedules

Effective staff management is the foundation of a positive camp environment. Clear job descriptions and defined expectations set the stage for accountability and reduce confusion. Balanced schedules, which include rest periods and rotation through activities, keep staff energized and engaged throughout the season.

To maintain morale, regular check-ins, and performance reviews provide opportunities to address concerns and celebrate achievements. Team bonding activities, like theme days, further strengthen relationships and create a sense of unity. Open communication between staff and management ties everything together, ensuring issues are resolved quickly and a supportive camp culture thrives.

7. Marketing and Promotion

Effective marketing strategies are key to attracting campers to your Ontario summer camp. A user-friendly website can serve as your primary showcase, featuring your camp’s activities, facilities, and unique offerings. High-quality photos and videos add a dynamic touch, giving families a vivid preview of the experience. To complement your online presence, maintain active profiles on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, where engaging content can generate excitement and anticipation.

Strengthen your outreach by hosting open houses and free tours, offering families a personal look at your camp’s offerings. Partnering with local schools, community centers, and youth organizations can further boost visibility while attending fairs and events allows you to connect directly with potential campers and parents.

Maintain ongoing engagement with families through email marketing, sharing updates, camp highlights, and early registration incentives. Consider adding themed days or special events to your program to create memorable experiences that campers will rave about. These strategies, when combined, can effectively position your camp as an exciting and unforgettable summer destination.

8. Registration and Enrollment Processes

Establishing efficient registration and enrollment processes is crucial for running a successful summer camp in Ontario. You’ll need to set up user-friendly systems, create clear pricing policies, and maintain open communication with parents and participants.

Setting Up Registration Systems

To streamline your camp’s registration process, consider implementing an online registration system. This allows parents to easily sign up their children from the comfort of their homes. Choose a secure platform that can handle payments, medical information, and consent forms.

Make sure your system can:

  • Collect essential participant details
  • Process payments securely
  • Send automatic confirmation emails
  • Generate reports for your staff

It’s wise to offer both online and offline registration options to accommodate all families. Provide clear instructions on your website and in your camp brochures about how to register. Remember to set registration deadlines and clearly communicate them to parents to help you plan staffing and activities effectively.

Pricing and Payment Policies

Create a clear and family-friendly pricing structure for your summer camp to make registration straightforward and appealing. Offering tiered discounts—such as early bird savings, sibling reductions, or multi-week session deals—can make your program more attractive while encouraging commitment.

Lay out payment policies in detail, including deposit requirements, refund terms, and any available payment plans. Flexible payment options can help make camp more accessible to a wider range of families, ensuring no one misses out due to financial constraints.

Be upfront about any extra costs, such as fees for optional activities, field trips, camp merchandise, or extended care hours. Transparency here helps build trust and avoids surprises later.

To ensure a strong turnout, encourage early registration by offering winter sign-up incentives, such as discounts or exclusive perks. These strategies not only secure spots in advance but also help families plan ahead for a stress-free summer experience.

Communication with Parents and Participants

Effective communication plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless camp registration experience. Start by preparing a detailed information package for parents that covers essential details, such as the camp schedule, activity lineup, packing requirements, health and safety protocols, and clear instructions for drop-off and pick-up. This package will set the foundation for well-informed and confident participants.

To stay accessible, offer multiple communication channels like email, phone, and social media, and make it a priority to address inquiries and concerns promptly. Regular updates leading up to the camp’s start date can help keep families engaged and informed. These updates might include reminders about key deadlines, program changes, or exciting announcements like special activities or guest appearances.

Additionally, consider organizing a pre-camp orientation session. This provides an excellent opportunity for families to meet the staff, ask questions, and familiarize themselves with the camp environment. Such initiatives not only alleviate anxieties but also build enthusiasm, setting the stage for a memorable camp experience.

9. Health, Safety, and Emergency Preparedness

Proper planning and preparation are essential for starting a summer camp, ensuring the well-being of campers, and effectively handling emergencies. Below is a table highlighting key areas for consideration in camp operations.

Developing Safety ProtocolsFood and Allergy ManagementEmergency Response Planning
Develop a written camp safety plan outlining daily operations and potential risksCreate a detailed food safety plan for your camp kitchenDevelop a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan (ERP) covering severe weather, medical emergencies, and missing campers
Establish supervision ratios, activity safety guidelines, and hygiene practicesTrain kitchen staff on proper food handling, storage, and preparation techniquesDefine roles and responsibilities for all staff members during emergencies
Train staff on safety protocols before camp starts and conduct regular drillsCollect comprehensive allergy information and develop individualized care plansSet communication protocols for notifying parents, emergency services, and authorities
Implement a check-in/check-out system using wristbands or badgesLabel food items clearly and prevent cross-contaminationConduct regular emergency drills with staff and campers
Maintain well-stocked first aid kits and designate trained respondersTrain all staff on recognizing allergic reactions and keeping emergency medications accessiblePartner with local emergency services to familiarize them with your camp operations


By focusing on these areas, camp organizers can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes the well-being of campers and staff while ensuring preparedness for any unforeseen events.

10. Camp Operations and Logistics

Operating a summer camp involves balancing numerous moving parts to create a seamless experience for campers and staff alike. Begin by creating a structured daily schedule that balances activities, meals, and downtime while prioritizing safety. Maintain appropriate staff-to-camper ratios, and thoroughly train your team on safety protocols and emergency procedures before the camp starts.

Operational logistics, such as transportation and meal services, require thoughtful preparation. Plan field trip transportation and ensure meal options accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, whether food is prepared on-site or catered. Keep facilities clean and organized with a clear maintenance schedule, and track supplies to restock as needed throughout the season.

Efficient systems are key to managing camper check-in and check-out, providing security and peace of mind for families. Be ready to adapt plans as challenges arise, remaining flexible to ensure the camp runs smoothly despite unforeseen circumstances. Thoughtful organization and responsiveness are the cornerstones of a successful camp.

11. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Collecting feedback is vital for the success and growth of your summer camp. By implementing well-designed evaluation forms, you can gather valuable insights from campers, parents, and staff, offering a comprehensive view of your camp’s strengths and areas for improvement.

Your evaluation forms should include targeted questions about key aspects of the camp experience, such as:

  • The quality and variety of program activities
  • Staff engagement and professionalism
  • Facility upkeep and amenities
  • Adherence to safety protocols
  • Overall enjoyment and satisfaction

Carefully analyze the responses to uncover recurring themes and trends, which can help you prioritize necessary changes. Small, incremental adjustments based on this feedback—guided by the Kaizen philosophy—can lead to significant long-term improvements in your camp’s operations and reputation.

Involve your staff in this process, as their firsthand experiences and insights are invaluable for identifying practical solutions. Creating a culture of collaboration fosters innovation and ensures that everyone is invested in delivering an exceptional camp experience.

To measure your progress, establish clear performance indicators and regularly review your results. This will not only keep you on track but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.

Remember, continuous improvement is not a one-time effort but an ongoing journey. Stay receptive to new ideas, adapt as needed, and remain focused on delivering unforgettable experiences. This dedication will ensure your camp grows into a cherished destination for generations of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting a summer camp in Ontario involves various legal, financial, and operational considerations. Understanding the requirements and processes can help you create a successful and compliant camp.

To start a summer camp, you’ll need to develop a business plan, secure a location, and obtain necessary permits. Planning special events and theme days can add excitement to your camp program. Consider organizing activities like talent shows, campfires, and scavenger hunts to create memorable experiences for campers.

Day camps in Ontario must comply with health and safety regulations, including proper staffing ratios and facility standards. For children under 4 years old, camps need a child care license or must follow unlicensed child care rules. Ensure your camp meets all legal requirements to operate safely and effectively.

Starting a summer camp with limited funds is possible but challenging. You can begin small, perhaps renting facilities instead of purchasing property. Seek partnerships with local organizations or schools to reduce costs. Consider applying for grants or exploring crowdfunding options to raise initial capital.

Licensing requirements vary based on the type of camp and activities offered. Traditional day camps may have different requirements than specialty camps focusing on specific activities. Contact your local municipality and the Ontario Camps Association for detailed licensing information.

According to the Ontario Camps Association, the recommended ratio for younger children (five years and under) is a maximum of six campers to one staff member (6:1). For children six and older, the ratio increases to a maximum of 10 campers to one staff member (10:1). Camps should use good judgment to adjust these ratios depending on the activity type, with lower ratios for higher-risk activities or technical instruction. Leaders-in-training (LITs) and counselors-in-training (CITs) are excluded from these ratios.

Camp costs vary widely depending on location, duration, and activities offered. Some families may need financial support to provide this experience for their children. Look into subsidies and financial aids available for low-income families or campers with special needs to make camp more accessible.

Resources for Starting A Summer Camp In Ontario

Government Resources

Industry Resources

Other Resources

Maurice

About the author

Maurice

Maurice (Moe) Muise learned the ins-and-outs of government while an employee of the Government of Canada in Ottawa for 10 years. His current focus is helping small businesses in Canada to identify and maximize funding to grow their business.

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