https://teachhoops.com/

Phase 1: The Foundation (3-6 Months Before Camp)

This is the crucial planning stage where you lay the groundwork for everything else.

Define Your Camp's Identity:

Niche: Is this a camp for beginners focusing on fundamentals? An elite shooting camp? A position-specific camp (e.g., for guards or post players)?

Target Audience: Define your age groups (e.g., Grades 3-5, 6-8). This will dictate the curriculum, ball size, and rim height.

Logistics and Legalities:

Secure a Venue: Book a gymnasium well in advance. School gyms, community centers, or local sports complexes are great options. In Madison, facilities at local schools like Memorial or La Follette, or community centers like Goodman, are booked months ahead, especially for summer.

Set Dates and Times: Check local school calendars (like Madison Metropolitan School District's) to avoid conflicts. Decide if it will be a half-day (e.g., 9 AM - 12 PM) or full-day (9 AM - 3 PM) camp.

Get Insurance: This is non-negotiable. You must have liability insurance to protect yourself, your staff, and the facility.

Create Waivers: Develop a clear liability waiver and medical release form that every camper's parent or guardian must sign.

Budgeting and Pricing:

List Expenses: Account for everything: gym rental fees, insurance costs, staff salaries, t-shirt printing, basketballs, first-aid supplies, and marketing costs.

Set a Price: Calculate your total costs and determine a price per camper that covers expenses and provides a reasonable profit. Research what other local camps are charging to remain competitive.

Now that you have a plan, you need to get campers in the door.

Create Marketing Materials: Design a simple, clean flyer and social media graphic with all the essential information: camp name, dates, times, location, age groups, cost, and a link to register.

Spread the Word:

Digital: Post on local community Facebook groups (e.g., Madison parent groups), Instagram, and create a simple website or registration page.

Grassroots: Distribute flyers at local schools, youth league games, and community centers.

Email: If you have a list from previous camps or clinics, use it.

Set Up Registration:

Online System: Use a service like Google Forms to collect information and link to a payment method like Venmo or PayPal for simplicity. For larger camps, consider dedicated services like SportsEngine or CampMinder.

Incentivize: Offer an "early bird" discount for those who sign up a month or more in advance to encourage prompt registration.

This is where you plan the on-court experience.

Develop a Daily Schedule: Create a detailed, hour-by-hour schedule. A balanced schedule prevents kids from getting bored and maximizes engagement.

Sample Half-Day Schedule:

9:00 - 9:15: Dynamic Warm-Up & Welcome

9:15 - 10:00: Fundamental Skill Stations (e.g., ball handling, form shooting, passing)

10:00 - 10:45: Competitive Drills & Games (e.g., knockout, 1-on-1, hot shot)

10:45 - 11:00: Snack/Water Break

11:00 - 11:45: Team Concepts & Scrimmaging (3-on-3, 5-on-5)

11:45 - 12:00: Daily Awards & Dismissal

Hire and Train Staff:

Find Coaches: Reliable high school and college players often make great, energetic coaches.

Set Expectations: Hold a pre-camp meeting to review the schedule, rules, and your coaching philosophy. Emphasize energy, positivity, and engagement.

Maintain a Good Ratio: Aim for a coach-to-camper ratio of around 1:8 or 1:10 to ensure proper supervision and individual attention.

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