How to Run a Tennis Camp

Many tennis camps are run as day camps due to the lack of overnight accommodations. A successful day camp can be a fun experience for children if it is professionally operated, well organized and has quality coaches and staff. The director must have the expertise in business and programing to prepare, plan and budget. Incorporating basic tennis skills with fun daily activities will encourage repeat customers.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Tennis facility
  • Tennis equipment
  • Tennis awards and prizes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the dates for your camp. Take into consideration any conflicts with school, holidays or schedules of other camps that may be in direct competition with yours. Set the budget for the camp. Include in the budget advertising, staff wages, camper prizes, equipment, balls, t-shirts and promotional materials. Based on this budget, determine the charge per camper. Consider sibling discounts or discounts to loyal patrons.

    • 2

      Promote your camp by advertising in local newspapers and placing printed brochures at health clubs, other tennis clubs and your local YMCA. Update your website with camp information; include dates, times, fees, deadlines and contact information. If you have a database of patrons, send out a blast e-mail with the same information.

    • 3

      Hire experienced tennis coaches and personnel. Many times the success of a tennis camp depends on the qualifications of the staff. Good coaches need to be energetic and have the ability to teach the sport. They should also have the personality to make it fun and enjoyable for the campers.

    • 4

      Write a lesson plan for each day of the week. Meet with staff prior to the first day to go over the schedule. Each day should start with a warm-up routine or activity. Incorporate fun game-like activities, videotaping sessions, and competition events for more advanced players. End each day with a fun game where all campers can participate. Prepare a rainy-day lesson in advance. This could simply be indoor time watching and analyzing instructional videos. Plan to have rest, snack and lunch breaks during the day.

    • 5

      Arrive early on day one to greet parents and campers and to handle any last-minute details and questions. Have the staff arrive early each day to prepare and clean the courts. On the first day, distribute camp t-shirts and organize participants into groups according to age and ability. A good coach-to-student ratio is 1:6.

    • 6

      End the camp on a high note. On the last day, organize activities such as a "hit for prizes" session, a mini-tournament or arrange an exhibition match involving your staff. Finish with a fun and high-energy ceremony where every camper gets an award, prize or medal. Examples of awards are most improved, most talented, best court comedian, best forehand, fastest serve and tournament winner.