Make a real record, not a page of ticks. For each answer, save the office name, contact, date, written reply, conditions, and next review date. Ask about business registration; camp or child-care status; building and fire use; food and drinking water; activity and land permissions; staff checks and reporting duties; employment, pay, and working hours; transport; accessibility; tax; privacy; and insurance. Some items may not apply. Write the reason and who confirmed it. Canadian business setup information is a starting point, not permission to operate this camp.1
Ask your insurance broker to review the full program in writing. Name ages, hours, every activity, contractors, vehicles, overnight stays, and off-site trips. Ask about exclusions, conditions, policy limits, abuse coverage where relevant, participant injury, professional services, equipment, and cancellation. Do not assume a venue’s policy covers your business or that bad weather is insured.
Before opening, the named leader should be able to show all of this: approved site; lawful program; bound insurance; cleared and trained staff; tested attendance and payment records; enough supplies; health plans; accessible support arrangements; emergency roles; tested communications; safe alternatives; and cash to meet due bills and refund duties. If an item is missing, pause or reduce the offer. An empty form is not a completed check.
Sources for this page
- Government of Canada, Starting a business. Canadian starting points for business registration, permits, and tax accounts. This is not a camp licence. ↩