The Ultimate Summer Dance Camp Checklist
Omar Azam
May 29 2025
5 min read
The Ultimate Summer Dance Camp Checklist
Omar Azam
May 29 2025
5 min read
The Ultimate Summer Dance Camp Checklist
Omar Azam
May 29 2025
5 min read
Are you hosting a summer camp over the summer break? Summer camps are a great way to generate revenue outside of your regular dance lessons, keep your dancers engaged, and introduce new students to the joy of dance in a fun, relaxed setting.
But we know the real work happens behind the scenes — and often during your busiest time of year. Between teaching, competitions, shows, and admin, organising a camp can feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to make sure nothing gets missed and your camp runs smoothly from start to finish.
So, have a glance through this checklist, and if you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re smashing it and ready for a summer of dance! If you’ve not managed to tick everything off yet, don’t worry, you’ve still got time!
Are you hosting a summer camp over the summer break? Summer camps are a great way to generate revenue outside of your regular dance lessons, keep your dancers engaged, and introduce new students to the joy of dance in a fun, relaxed setting.
But we know the real work happens behind the scenes — and often during your busiest time of year. Between teaching, competitions, shows, and admin, organising a camp can feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to make sure nothing gets missed and your camp runs smoothly from start to finish.
So, have a glance through this checklist, and if you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re smashing it and ready for a summer of dance! If you’ve not managed to tick everything off yet, don’t worry, you’ve still got time!
Are you hosting a summer camp over the summer break? Summer camps are a great way to generate revenue outside of your regular dance lessons, keep your dancers engaged, and introduce new students to the joy of dance in a fun, relaxed setting.
But we know the real work happens behind the scenes — and often during your busiest time of year. Between teaching, competitions, shows, and admin, organising a camp can feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to make sure nothing gets missed and your camp runs smoothly from start to finish.
So, have a glance through this checklist, and if you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re smashing it and ready for a summer of dance! If you’ve not managed to tick everything off yet, don’t worry, you’ve still got time!
Are you hosting a summer camp over the summer break? Summer camps are a great way to generate revenue outside of your regular dance lessons, keep your dancers engaged, and introduce new students to the joy of dance in a fun, relaxed setting.
But we know the real work happens behind the scenes — and often during your busiest time of year. Between teaching, competitions, shows, and admin, organising a camp can feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to make sure nothing gets missed and your camp runs smoothly from start to finish.
So, have a glance through this checklist, and if you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re smashing it and ready for a summer of dance! If you’ve not managed to tick everything off yet, don’t worry, you’ve still got time!
Are you hosting a summer camp over the summer break? Summer camps are a great way to generate revenue outside of your regular dance lessons, keep your dancers engaged, and introduce new students to the joy of dance in a fun, relaxed setting.
But we know the real work happens behind the scenes — and often during your busiest time of year. Between teaching, competitions, shows, and admin, organising a camp can feel like just another thing on the to-do list.
That’s why we’ve created this handy checklist to make sure nothing gets missed and your camp runs smoothly from start to finish.
So, have a glance through this checklist, and if you’ve ticked all of these off, you’re smashing it and ready for a summer of dance! If you’ve not managed to tick everything off yet, don’t worry, you’ve still got time!
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
What's covered in this blog post: (Click on the section be taken straight to it)
1) Finalise The Essentials
1) Finalise The Essentials
1) Finalise The Essentials
1) Finalise The Essentials
1) Finalise The Essentials
Before you start planning the days, activities and choreography, make sure the key building blocks are in place. Ask yourself:
Are your dates confirmed? Have you confirmed the exact dates your camp will run? Will different age groups or styles have separate schedules? For example, ages 14–17 might attend in the second week of July, ages 10–13 the third week, and ages 5–9 the fourth. Mapping this out early helps with planning and communication.
Is your venue sorted? Whether it’s your studio or a hired space, make sure it’s booked and ready to go.
What's your theme? If you're going with a theme, is it set? Themes are a great way to add excitement and structure, especially if you're working toward an end-of-camp showcase. Think fairy tales, movie magic, or even a superhero adventure. Don't be afraid to get creative
Before you start planning the days, activities and choreography, make sure the key building blocks are in place. Ask yourself:
Are your dates confirmed? Have you confirmed the exact dates your camp will run? Will different age groups or styles have separate schedules? For example, ages 14–17 might attend in the second week of July, ages 10–13 the third week, and ages 5–9 the fourth. Mapping this out early helps with planning and communication.
Is your venue sorted? Whether it’s your studio or a hired space, make sure it’s booked and ready to go.
What's your theme? If you're going with a theme, is it set? Themes are a great way to add excitement and structure, especially if you're working toward an end-of-camp showcase. Think fairy tales, movie magic, or even a superhero adventure. Don't be afraid to get creative
Before you start planning the days, activities and choreography, make sure the key building blocks are in place. Ask yourself:
Are your dates confirmed? Have you confirmed the exact dates your camp will run? Will different age groups or styles have separate schedules? For example, ages 14–17 might attend in the second week of July, ages 10–13 the third week, and ages 5–9 the fourth. Mapping this out early helps with planning and communication.
Is your venue sorted? Whether it’s your studio or a hired space, make sure it’s booked and ready to go.
What's your theme? If you're going with a theme, is it set? Themes are a great way to add excitement and structure, especially if you're working toward an end-of-camp showcase. Think fairy tales, movie magic, or even a superhero adventure. Don't be afraid to get creative
Before you start planning the days, activities and choreography, make sure the key building blocks are in place. Ask yourself:
Are your dates confirmed? Have you confirmed the exact dates your camp will run? Will different age groups or styles have separate schedules? For example, ages 14–17 might attend in the second week of July, ages 10–13 the third week, and ages 5–9 the fourth. Mapping this out early helps with planning and communication.
Is your venue sorted? Whether it’s your studio or a hired space, make sure it’s booked and ready to go.
What's your theme? If you're going with a theme, is it set? Themes are a great way to add excitement and structure, especially if you're working toward an end-of-camp showcase. Think fairy tales, movie magic, or even a superhero adventure. Don't be afraid to get creative
Before you start planning the days, activities and choreography, make sure the key building blocks are in place. Ask yourself:
Are your dates confirmed? Have you confirmed the exact dates your camp will run? Will different age groups or styles have separate schedules? For example, ages 14–17 might attend in the second week of July, ages 10–13 the third week, and ages 5–9 the fourth. Mapping this out early helps with planning and communication.
Is your venue sorted? Whether it’s your studio or a hired space, make sure it’s booked and ready to go.
What's your theme? If you're going with a theme, is it set? Themes are a great way to add excitement and structure, especially if you're working toward an end-of-camp showcase. Think fairy tales, movie magic, or even a superhero adventure. Don't be afraid to get creative
2) The People
And we’re not just talking about the students excited to sign up. We’re talking about your team. Who’s helping you bring this camp to life?
Are you running the camp solo or with other teachers? Think about how many adults you’ll need to safely and effectively manage the group sizes.
Have you got the right team in place? Consider the dance styles you’re offering — do you have teachers with the right skills?
What about assistants and safeguarding? Make sure you’ve planned for additional helpers if needed, especially for younger age groups. In some areas, there are legal requirements for adult-to-child ratios, which can vary based on the children’s ages. Be sure to check your local guidelines to stay compliant.
Emergency contacts and parental consents? These can usually be collected during the sign-up process, but double-check that everything is stored securely and that you have easy access during camp.
2) The People
And we’re not just talking about the students excited to sign up. We’re talking about your team. Who’s helping you bring this camp to life?
Are you running the camp solo or with other teachers? Think about how many adults you’ll need to safely and effectively manage the group sizes.
Have you got the right team in place? Consider the dance styles you’re offering — do you have teachers with the right skills?
What about assistants and safeguarding? Make sure you’ve planned for additional helpers if needed, especially for younger age groups. In some areas, there are legal requirements for adult-to-child ratios, which can vary based on the children’s ages. Be sure to check your local guidelines to stay compliant.
Emergency contacts and parental consents? These can usually be collected during the sign-up process, but double-check that everything is stored securely and that you have easy access during camp.
2) The People
And we’re not just talking about the students excited to sign up. We’re talking about your team. Who’s helping you bring this camp to life?
Are you running the camp solo or with other teachers? Think about how many adults you’ll need to safely and effectively manage the group sizes.
Have you got the right team in place? Consider the dance styles you’re offering — do you have teachers with the right skills?
What about assistants and safeguarding? Make sure you’ve planned for additional helpers if needed, especially for younger age groups. In some areas, there are legal requirements for adult-to-child ratios, which can vary based on the children’s ages. Be sure to check your local guidelines to stay compliant.
Emergency contacts and parental consents? These can usually be collected during the sign-up process, but double-check that everything is stored securely and that you have easy access during camp.
2) The People
And we’re not just talking about the students excited to sign up. We’re talking about your team. Who’s helping you bring this camp to life?
Are you running the camp solo or with other teachers? Think about how many adults you’ll need to safely and effectively manage the group sizes.
Have you got the right team in place? Consider the dance styles you’re offering — do you have teachers with the right skills?
What about assistants and safeguarding? Make sure you’ve planned for additional helpers if needed, especially for younger age groups. In some areas, there are legal requirements for adult-to-child ratios, which can vary based on the children’s ages. Be sure to check your local guidelines to stay compliant.
Emergency contacts and parental consents? These can usually be collected during the sign-up process, but double-check that everything is stored securely and that you have easy access during camp.
2) The People
And we’re not just talking about the students excited to sign up. We’re talking about your team. Who’s helping you bring this camp to life?
Are you running the camp solo or with other teachers? Think about how many adults you’ll need to safely and effectively manage the group sizes.
Have you got the right team in place? Consider the dance styles you’re offering — do you have teachers with the right skills?
What about assistants and safeguarding? Make sure you’ve planned for additional helpers if needed, especially for younger age groups. In some areas, there are legal requirements for adult-to-child ratios, which can vary based on the children’s ages. Be sure to check your local guidelines to stay compliant.
Emergency contacts and parental consents? These can usually be collected during the sign-up process, but double-check that everything is stored securely and that you have easy access during camp.
3) Venue & Logistics
Running a summer camp is very different from your usual weekly classes, especially when it comes to time and space. Instead of a one-hour dance session, you might be spending several hours, or even full days, with your students. That means your venue needs to do more than just provide a dance floor.
Make sure your space includes:
A suitable dance studio – with enough room for the age group and style you’re teaching.
Breakout areas – for craft activities, chill time, or smaller group sessions.
Kitchen or eating facilities – somewhere safe and clean for snack or lunch breaks.
Accessible toilets – and enough of them, especially if you’re running large groups.
If you don’t have your own studio, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options out there. Local community halls, schools, and sports centers can often tick all the boxes.
3) Venue & Logistics
Running a summer camp is very different from your usual weekly classes, especially when it comes to time and space. Instead of a one-hour dance session, you might be spending several hours, or even full days, with your students. That means your venue needs to do more than just provide a dance floor.
Make sure your space includes:
A suitable dance studio – with enough room for the age group and style you’re teaching.
Breakout areas – for craft activities, chill time, or smaller group sessions.
Kitchen or eating facilities – somewhere safe and clean for snack or lunch breaks.
Accessible toilets – and enough of them, especially if you’re running large groups.
If you don’t have your own studio, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options out there. Local community halls, schools, and sports centers can often tick all the boxes.
3) Venue & Logistics
Running a summer camp is very different from your usual weekly classes, especially when it comes to time and space. Instead of a one-hour dance session, you might be spending several hours, or even full days, with your students. That means your venue needs to do more than just provide a dance floor.
Make sure your space includes:
A suitable dance studio – with enough room for the age group and style you’re teaching.
Breakout areas – for craft activities, chill time, or smaller group sessions.
Kitchen or eating facilities – somewhere safe and clean for snack or lunch breaks.
Accessible toilets – and enough of them, especially if you’re running large groups.
If you don’t have your own studio, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options out there. Local community halls, schools, and sports centers can often tick all the boxes.
3) Venue & Logistics
Running a summer camp is very different from your usual weekly classes, especially when it comes to time and space. Instead of a one-hour dance session, you might be spending several hours, or even full days, with your students. That means your venue needs to do more than just provide a dance floor.
Make sure your space includes:
A suitable dance studio – with enough room for the age group and style you’re teaching.
Breakout areas – for craft activities, chill time, or smaller group sessions.
Kitchen or eating facilities – somewhere safe and clean for snack or lunch breaks.
Accessible toilets – and enough of them, especially if you’re running large groups.
If you don’t have your own studio, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options out there. Local community halls, schools, and sports centers can often tick all the boxes.
3) Venue & Logistics
Running a summer camp is very different from your usual weekly classes, especially when it comes to time and space. Instead of a one-hour dance session, you might be spending several hours, or even full days, with your students. That means your venue needs to do more than just provide a dance floor.
Make sure your space includes:
A suitable dance studio – with enough room for the age group and style you’re teaching.
Breakout areas – for craft activities, chill time, or smaller group sessions.
Kitchen or eating facilities – somewhere safe and clean for snack or lunch breaks.
Accessible toilets – and enough of them, especially if you’re running large groups.
If you don’t have your own studio, don’t worry, there are plenty of great options out there. Local community halls, schools, and sports centers can often tick all the boxes.
4) Marketing - Let’s Get Your Summer Camp Busy
A successful camp means full spots, for both extra income and extra impact. So, how are you spreading the word?
Tell your current families. Make sure they know the what, where, when, and how much. Use emails, WhatsApp groups, or posters in your studio.
Add a “refer a friend” offer. Give students a discount or freebie for bringing someone new.
Use social media and email. Countdown posts, theme teasers, and booking links — make it easy and exciting to sign up.
Boost with ads. A small budget on Facebook or Instagram can help you reach new local families fast.
4) Marketing - Let’s Get Your Summer Camp Busy
A successful camp means full spots, for both extra income and extra impact. So, how are you spreading the word?
Tell your current families. Make sure they know the what, where, when, and how much. Use emails, WhatsApp groups, or posters in your studio.
Add a “refer a friend” offer. Give students a discount or freebie for bringing someone new.
Use social media and email. Countdown posts, theme teasers, and booking links — make it easy and exciting to sign up.
Boost with ads. A small budget on Facebook or Instagram can help you reach new local families fast.
4) Marketing - Let’s Get Your Summer Camp Busy
A successful camp means full spots, for both extra income and extra impact. So, how are you spreading the word?
Tell your current families. Make sure they know the what, where, when, and how much. Use emails, WhatsApp groups, or posters in your studio.
Add a “refer a friend” offer. Give students a discount or freebie for bringing someone new.
Use social media and email. Countdown posts, theme teasers, and booking links — make it easy and exciting to sign up.
Boost with ads. A small budget on Facebook or Instagram can help you reach new local families fast.
4) Marketing - Let’s Get Your Summer Camp Busy
A successful camp means full spots, for both extra income and extra impact. So, how are you spreading the word?
Tell your current families. Make sure they know the what, where, when, and how much. Use emails, WhatsApp groups, or posters in your studio.
Add a “refer a friend” offer. Give students a discount or freebie for bringing someone new.
Use social media and email. Countdown posts, theme teasers, and booking links — make it easy and exciting to sign up.
Boost with ads. A small budget on Facebook or Instagram can help you reach new local families fast.
4) Marketing - Let’s Get Your Summer Camp Busy
A successful camp means full spots, for both extra income and extra impact. So, how are you spreading the word?
Tell your current families. Make sure they know the what, where, when, and how much. Use emails, WhatsApp groups, or posters in your studio.
Add a “refer a friend” offer. Give students a discount or freebie for bringing someone new.
Use social media and email. Countdown posts, theme teasers, and booking links — make it easy and exciting to sign up.
Boost with ads. A small budget on Facebook or Instagram can help you reach new local families fast.
5) Plan Of Action
With your dates, venue, team, and bookings in place, now it’s about delivering a great camp experience.
Daily Focus:
Map out what each day will look like. Will students:
Choreograph their routine?
Learn new dance styles?
Work with a guest teacher?
Participate in creative sessions, such as costume or prop making?
Join in themed days or friendly dance-offs?
Structure:
Plan drop-off and pick-up times, break and lunch slots, and activity blocks. Clarify whether parents need to provide lunch or if it’s included.
End Goal:
Are students working toward a performance, a filmed routine, or a parent showcase? Having a clear goal helps give the camp structure and motivation.
5) Plan Of Action
With your dates, venue, team, and bookings in place, now it’s about delivering a great camp experience.
Daily Focus:
Map out what each day will look like. Will students:
Choreograph their routine?
Learn new dance styles?
Work with a guest teacher?
Participate in creative sessions, such as costume or prop making?
Join in themed days or friendly dance-offs?
Structure:
Plan drop-off and pick-up times, break and lunch slots, and activity blocks. Clarify whether parents need to provide lunch or if it’s included.
End Goal:
Are students working toward a performance, a filmed routine, or a parent showcase? Having a clear goal helps give the camp structure and motivation.
5) Plan Of Action
With your dates, venue, team, and bookings in place, now it’s about delivering a great camp experience.
Daily Focus:
Map out what each day will look like. Will students:
Choreograph their routine?
Learn new dance styles?
Work with a guest teacher?
Participate in creative sessions, such as costume or prop making?
Join in themed days or friendly dance-offs?
Structure:
Plan drop-off and pick-up times, break and lunch slots, and activity blocks. Clarify whether parents need to provide lunch or if it’s included.
End Goal:
Are students working toward a performance, a filmed routine, or a parent showcase? Having a clear goal helps give the camp structure and motivation.
5) Plan Of Action
With your dates, venue, team, and bookings in place, now it’s about delivering a great camp experience.
Daily Focus:
Map out what each day will look like. Will students:
Choreograph their routine?
Learn new dance styles?
Work with a guest teacher?
Participate in creative sessions, such as costume or prop making?
Join in themed days or friendly dance-offs?
Structure:
Plan drop-off and pick-up times, break and lunch slots, and activity blocks. Clarify whether parents need to provide lunch or if it’s included.
End Goal:
Are students working toward a performance, a filmed routine, or a parent showcase? Having a clear goal helps give the camp structure and motivation.
5) Plan Of Action
With your dates, venue, team, and bookings in place, now it’s about delivering a great camp experience.
Daily Focus:
Map out what each day will look like. Will students:
Choreograph their routine?
Learn new dance styles?
Work with a guest teacher?
Participate in creative sessions, such as costume or prop making?
Join in themed days or friendly dance-offs?
Structure:
Plan drop-off and pick-up times, break and lunch slots, and activity blocks. Clarify whether parents need to provide lunch or if it’s included.
End Goal:
Are students working toward a performance, a filmed routine, or a parent showcase? Having a clear goal helps give the camp structure and motivation.
You’re Ready:
With your essentials locked in, your team in place, and your plan of action ready, you’re all set to run a successful, fun, and memorable summer camp.
Want more practical tips? Check out these helpful reads:
Keep it simple, stay organised, and enjoy the summer buzz!
You’re Ready:
With your essentials locked in, your team in place, and your plan of action ready, you’re all set to run a successful, fun, and memorable summer camp.
Want more practical tips? Check out these helpful reads:
Keep it simple, stay organised, and enjoy the summer buzz!
You’re Ready:
With your essentials locked in, your team in place, and your plan of action ready, you’re all set to run a successful, fun, and memorable summer camp.
Want more practical tips? Check out these helpful reads:
Keep it simple, stay organised, and enjoy the summer buzz!
You’re Ready:
With your essentials locked in, your team in place, and your plan of action ready, you’re all set to run a successful, fun, and memorable summer camp.
Want more practical tips? Check out these helpful reads:
Keep it simple, stay organised, and enjoy the summer buzz!
You’re Ready:
With your essentials locked in, your team in place, and your plan of action ready, you’re all set to run a successful, fun, and memorable summer camp.
Want more practical tips? Check out these helpful reads:
Keep it simple, stay organised, and enjoy the summer buzz!
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Resources
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Email Us
Contact Sales
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved
Email Us
Contact Sales
Planning an event or recital?
Visit our sister company, Stage Stubs
for all your ticketing needs.
Free for studios.
© Class Manager 2025, All Rights Reserved