6 Expert Tips for Running a Profitable Art Camp for Kids
An art camp can serve as a great opportunity to reach out to your community and make additional income. Running an art camp can be an endlessly rewarding experience if you plan correctly. A great art camp is rewarding for the campers, educators, parents, and the greater community. Here are some of our best tips for running a fun and profitable art camp for kids.
A vibrant collection of student artworks captures the creative energy and diversity of a successful art camp.
Tip #1 – Set Clear Objectives and Pricing
One of the best things you can do when starting out the art camp for kids is to determine your camp's purpose. What goals do you have? What do you want others to feel after they have taken your camp? Understanding the objectives and goals of your camp will make it easier to make choices that will help you meet those goals.
Part of these objectives and goals should be a clear pricing structure that reflects the value that you are providing to your campers and their families. When choosing a pricing structure for your camp consider the cost of materials you will need, the cost of renting space, and most importantly the time and expertise you will be dedicating. Understand your worth and be confident when setting prices that are reflective of your value.
Tip #2 – Create Unique, High-Value Offerings
Everyone’s time is valuable and with an endless amount of offerings, your art camp needs to stand out amongst the many summer activity options. Creating unique and exciting activities and camp content can make potential campers interested in your activities. When parents can clearly see that their young ones are enjoying your camp and applying new techniques, they are more likely to feel like they are getting great value and are more likely to return each summer.
Tip #3 – Make Your Marketing Creative
The marketing for your art camp is not only a way to get your camp in front of as many eyes as possible, but it is also an opportunity for you to showcase your creativity and the creativity of former campers. Posting art from former years is a great way to add color and fun to your posts while also showcasing the offerings of your camp.
Be sure to leverage all of your outlets to reach a wide audience. Social media, posters in the community, and partnerships with community groups are great ways to get the word out. Finding parent groups and teacher organizations is also a great way to market your camp.
Tip #4 – Streamline Operations with a Budget and Plan
Sticking to a budget is key to putting on a profitable camp. It can be easy to devote unplanned additional time and resources to your camp, making it harder to make a profit. Take the time to plan your camp efficiently so you can provide the most value to campers in the limited time you have. Prepare materials ahead of time to ensure that each minute of your camp can run as smoothly as possible. Sticking to a solid plan can help you avoid waste and only pay for the materials that you will use.
Tip #5 – Host an Art Showcase or Sale
One of the most effective additions to any summer art camp is a celebratory art showcase to end each camp. These art shows can have the dual purpose of serving as both a fundraiser for future camp endeavors and as a wonderful marketing tool to show parents and the community the value that is offered at your camp.
Not only does the art showcase show the value of your camp, but it is also a wonderful tool to boost the confidence of young artists in your community. Turning the showcase into an art sale can both boost revenue and allow artists to learn their value. In addition, parents love getting the chance to see the joy on their children's faces when they're willing to pay real money for their art. What a validating experience!
Tip #6 – Offer Add-Ons for Extra Revenue
Add-ons allow you to maximize both your income streams and the value that you can provide to campers and their families. If a young artist really enjoys coming to your camp they will have no issue paying a little extra money for added value.
Consider supplying personalized art supply kits to campers who pay an additional fee. This can save parents time by ensuring that the camper has all they need throughout their time at your camp. Selling camp T-shirts it's also a great way to add revenue while creating some natural marketing for your camp.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Expand Creativity with Symmetry Drawing Worksheets
Dive deeper into symmetry with our specially designed symmetry drawing worksheets. These engaging activities challenge students to complete intricate designs while honing their understanding of symmetrical balance. Perfect for classrooms or homeschool settings, these worksheets make learning symmetry both fun and artistic.
Shop Workbooks on Amazon
Affiliate Disclosure: Party in the Art Room is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on this site, a commission may be earned.
Get to know Amanda Koonlaba!
Hi! I’m Amanda. Teaching children to be creative thinkers is my greatest joy. I’m here to help you bring that same joy to your classroom.
This guide is packed with 25 ideas for using art to teach math and ELA. It’s arts integration for the win!
I want all students to feel successful in the art room, so I created a standards-based Daffodil Collage lesson to do just that! The lesson includes an artist study, student reflection, and more, so push your artists to their full potential.
