Has anyone ran a summer camp?

[KellysChildCare]

Ya I'm going to do a summer camp older kids from the house ages 7-12 and only 5 under 10 like daycare rules to a max of 10 ...but really do I want 10 kids running around make that 11 when you include my 10yr old... prob not! But ya up to 10 cuz then it'll be 2/10 ratio and max of 5 under 10... think with that I'm within regulations right?

[Inspired by Reggio]

... think with that I'm within regulations right?

Grey area hon ~ some inspectors might let it go and others might hold you hard and fast to the DNA requirement that any premise that cares for more than 5 children, not of common parentage, must be licensed regardless of the number of adults present.

Doing it in a private residence you are definitely more at risk of being viewed as a home childcare and therefore subject to the rules of no more than 5 children under the age of 10 plus your own ... so of you are going to keep it that 5 of the children are under 10 and any more children you take on would be 'over 10' than you would likely be safe.

However have you been able to find INSURANCE that will cover you on a private dwelling for that many children cause most providers have a hard enough time finding insurance carriers that will do 5 plus their own let alone 10 plus their own???

[playfelt]

Ok think I misread what you posted. Yes in theory children over the age of 10 don't count but then you run into an insurance issue because to them they do. Also children that age expect a very organized camp with outings, sports, swimming, etc. As well children that are 11-12 are old enough to be left at home so hard to get parents willing to pay enough to make it worth while.

The interpretation of the day nurseries act also says anything over 5 children needs to be licensed. I really think you are getting into dangerous territory here and should make a few more calls to the ministry for verification before proceeding. That many "big" kids will wreck havoc on the house and basically destroy it if it is not a space set up specifically for daycare - and remember it is not your house.

Your best option is to figure out how many you can fit into your vehicle and take only that many kids. Then you will be able to take them out each day to a park, indoor play area, pool, etc. But word of caution - if you are new to daycare this is not the age group or program that is the best way to start. Learning to handle a group within the confines of the home first before venturing on outings is a lot safer

[playfelt]

Ya I'm going to do a summer camp older kids from the house ages 7-12 and only 5 under 10 like daycare rules to a max of 10 ...but really do I want 10 kids running around make that 11 when you include my 10yr old... prob not! But ya up to 10 cuz then it'll be 2/10 ratio and max of 5 under 10... think with that I'm within regulations right?

Actually that wouldn't put you in ratio. You can only have a total of 5 kids up to the age of 10 at any time even if there is more than one adult meaning you can only have 5 not 10 kids. even if all of the children are aged 7-10 you can still only have 5 of them.