Summer camp champs

Swati Rai

Summer is here and so are the holidays. With children being at home 24x7, holiday homework done, gadgets remain the only go-to entertainment. So what are options for parents? Find an informative and entertaining summer camp for them. This growing trend has also become a business opportunity as well as following one's passion — starting your on summer classes. 

The trend is not limited to metros, but spreading fast in tier-1 and 2 cities, what with the ease of accessing eyeballs over the virtual and social media. There are advantages of starting your own camp but its' easier said than done. Some basics that need to be looked into are — logistical issues of accommodating a certain number of people, breaking-even and, of course, earning a profit. More importantly, if there's a passion or a hobby one follows religiously, this is the time to make the most of it. Here are success stories of four such winners: 

For Art’s sake

Nishi Srivastava (28), an engineer, works in a patent research in Gurgaon. Passionate about art, she started teaching quilled jewellery as a hobby and now has a growing number of people wanting to enroll in her class. 

Motivation

An art-and-craft enthusiast since childhood, I have always wanted to learn new and different forms of art. I got introduced to paper quilling almost two years ago. I started to experiment with paper strips after I fell in love with it and became addicted to this mesmerising art form. I started making paper quilled jewelry, wedding invitation cards, jewellery cases etc. 

Logistically speaking

I advertise primarily on online portals. Also, a friend who is a fashion designer and an event organiser helped me spread the word.

Competition blues? 

I am very confident about my art, that's the biggest motivation. If you are good at your skill and passionate about your work, sooner or later you will find success. 

Essential skills

I think one should be prepared fully before starting any such workshop. Attendees should leave your session feeling that they have learnt something new and fun. One needs to be very patient and focused. Try to constantly improve upon your skill and be proactive. Lastly, remember that you have to love what you do.

Cooking up culture

Delhi-based Anchal Bhalla offers cultural cooking classes. She stumbled upon the idea of sharing her love for all things culinary with tourists visiting India in summers or a holiday. She sees it as a cultural immersion experience for travellers and expatriates. 

Motivation 

I travelled to a lot of countries and was always fascinated about the food. Therefore, I took cooking classes in Switzerland, Bali, Thailand, France, Turkey.

I thought if I want to learn the local cuisine while on a holiday, I am sure, even a tourist coming to India might want to do so.

Logistically speaking

I think after a couple of years, online portals like Tripadvisor also play a vital role which is genuinely review based and helps tourists decide about such experiences.

Competition blues

I feel it is important to enjoy the experience yourself too. I personally conduct all classes and every guest is as important as the first one. We share stories about food, culture, religion, politics and everything under the sun.

Essential skills

Anyone with willingness to learn to cook or even a novice in the kitchen can join the workshops and also conduct these at leisure! 

Rooting for boot camps

Mother to a teenager, Delhi-based, Air Force wife Priya Roongta started doing boot camps for children and adults and teenagers on a regular basis after she trained at the International Pilates Institute. Now alternating between customised classes at her residence, she says she never evenj saw this coming! She is currently working on making her home-baked healthy treats available to her clients. 

Motivation

I have been interested in fitness and wherever I have gone, along with my husband on postings, I have tried to whatever I could and read and follow about fitness. I took it very seriously when I landed in Delhi. My biggest motivation is to stay active and fit and feeling charged.

Logistically speaking

I conduct my sessions either in a park, or even at home or a community centre. The publicity is usually through the word of mouth and on my social media pages and leads, this keeps the costs to nill! 

Competition blues

I don’t really think about it too much — though I know there are a lot of professionals out there doing this kind of a thing. Plus, making the class fun can keep the competition at bay, besides addressing the client goals.

 Essential skills

You have to be sure of your talent and interest. Besides that, your own training from a reputed institute is a must-have! One definitely needs to be a group fitness instructor from a recognised brand and should have the ability to make the workout innovative. Dedication and an eye for detail is another must.

Whisking up Fun

Noida-based, Varsha Malhotra is a qualified, experienced psychologist but chose to stay at home after many years of working as one. Baking was always her passion and she now runs regular summer camps for children for the past two years! 

Motivation

My biggest motivation has been my own kids. When I looked around for activities to keep them occupied during their summer break, all I found were some school-run activities. Most of these had so many kids that no one was getting individual attention. 

Logistically speaking 

While I have made no major investments for my summer baking workshops apart from a gas-based oven of a larger capacity and some other tools like moulds, icing and baking implements. Every now and then, I need to get better and more modern equipment to keep up with the demands.  

Competition blues

Being innovative and creative is important. Every business has to have a USP. I concentrate on children from age group of 5 -18 years of age. I ensure small batches of not more than five children at a time. Hands on & practical training, with each child making his / her own cakes, which are then tasted by their parents. 

Essential skills 

According to me the most important skill is good communication skill. You have to be perfect in what you do. Personal touches in planning all the activities go a long way in keeping the classes interesting. You also need to have a lot of patience and good listening skills. Basic knowledge of computers, photography and some social media is an added advantage.