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We're happy you care about the successful development of children. Today the
management of camps and conference centers requires skill, vision, and innovative
strategies for success. The American Camp Association is a community of
camp professionals and is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and
adults through the camp experience. ACA's member and camp-accreditation services
help you meet the challenges of change and assure commitment to the highest
professional practices for camps and conference centers. With over 7,000 members,
ACA is the nation's largest and oldest association of camp professionals for
agency, private, and religiously affiliated resident, day, and travel camps.
The following general guidelines and accompanying information will help you
develop your new program.
In addition, ACA's Web site provides a number of resources to supplement these
guidelines. Especially visit the Camp Knowledge Center which
has tons of resources in each of the 14 core areas of camp. If you have
more questions, contact ACA's Professional Development Department: Kim
Brosnan,
765-342-8456 ext. 314.
Essential Decisions
Several essential decisions need to be made before you proceed with your plans
to start a camp.
- Determine your mission statement or the purpose of your camp.
- Who are the clientele you plan to serve? Are they a new market niche or
an existing group that you serve or that need service.
- What kind of an environment will enhance your ability to accomplish your
mission and serve your clientele?
- Do you want to start a day camp, resident camp or travel camp?
- How many weeks do you plan to operate? Summer only or year-round?
- Do you plan to incorporate? Will you operate as a for profit or non-profit
organization?
Business Plan
Your business plan will be built to accommodate or fulfill the essential decisions
outlined above. The Small Business Administration or a business center at
your local college are two good resources for assistance with your business
plan.
- Where do you plan to get funding for capital and/or operations?
- Do you have an ongoing funding source or pricing strategy?
- What is your existing competition?
- How do plan to market your program?
Federal, State, County, Municipal Regulations
and Taxes
There are a number of regulations and taxes that apply to the camp industry.
These will vary by state or local governmental bodies. It may be helpful to
secure the aid of a lawyer to assist you in the legal requirements. Your state
health officials are also valuable resources.
- What are the permits/licenses required in your area? Which offices handle
them?
- What wage and salary laws affect staff salaries?
- What are the health and sanitation laws concerning sewage disposal and
operation of food service including food storage, food handlers permits,
dishwashing, garbage disposal inspections, water purity tests?
- Are background screening checks required for staff?
- If you plan to provide transportation, are special licenses required? Do
school bus laws apply to camp vehicles in your area? Is insurance required?
- Is a health center required for health care? What kind of certification
or license is required for health care personnel?
- What of the following state and federal taxes are required?
- Federal income
- Federal unemployment
- State income
- State unemployment
- County and state bed/tourist
- Social security
- Workman's compensation
- Sales and property
Insurance
Most camps secure insurance to cover their operations. A few camps are self-insured.
Most insurance companies will want to do a safety audit before insuring you.
- You will probably need the following insurance coverage:
- Property: percentage of actual or replacement value
- Comprehensive general liability
- Worker compensation: owner/officer options
- Health insurance for the owner, staff, and campers
- Personal property
- Vehicle liability
- If you plan to rent or lease do you have a certificate of insurance from
the camp owner?
Site, Facilities, Food Service, and Transportation
You will need to decide where you want to operate your camp.
- Do you have property or do you plan to buy or rent/lease an existing camp?
- How far will your camp program be located from your client base? What are
the transportation issues?
- Will any special accommodations be required to serve your program or clientele
on the property you are considering?
- Should you operate your own kitchen or use a food service management company?
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