Science and Coding Camp Startup Costs and Technical Work
Budget for project testing, curriculum preparation, software review, staff training and device setup alongside equipment. Include support, file delivery and resets after camp. Those tasks take paid time even when learners are not in the room.
Include curriculum design, project testing, staff training, setup, software review, device preparation, support, cleanup, file delivery, and resets. These are real work, not spare time around teaching.
Separate device purchase from a per-session wear allowance. The cash purchase happens when you pay the supplier. An allocation across sessions helps price use over time. Do not count the same cost twice without understanding the model.
Allow for broken cables, lost small parts, printer supplies, batteries where approved, storage, and equipment replacement. A kit may be reusable while some of its parts are not.
Price specialist projects separately if they need additional qualified staff or equipment. Do not let one flashy activity consume the whole week's margin.
Build cash timing around deposits, payroll, licenses, and customer refunds. Advance sales may need to remain available for obligations.
Use written quotes and a realistic low-enrollment case. Do not assume every device purchase will be recovered from the first full week.
Your task: Record cash costs and cost allocations separately, then ask an accountant to review the treatment you will use.
