Pricing Your Programs Without Guilt

When I first started my kid-serving business, I fell into the same trap many founders do: I undercharged. I told myself it would make programs more accessible, fill spots faster, and ease my own fears about whether families would sign up. What it actually did was keep me in survival mode, constantly running at capacity but never generating enough margin to grow.

The turning point came when I realized that sustainable pricing is not selfish—it’s service. If my business couldn’t afford to hire, train, and retain great instructors, or invest in curriculum and systems, then kids and families would ultimately lose out.

Here’s what worked for me:

• Benchmark your industry. Research what other camps and programs charge, not just locally but regionally.

• Calculate your true costs. Include payroll, space, materials, insurance, and your own time.

• Test price elasticity. When I raised rates slightly, retention was still high, and families actually perceived more value.

• Communicate the why. Parents want quality and consistency. Explaining how pricing supports better instructors and better programming builds trust.

If you’ve been hesitant to adjust your pricing, remember this: you’re not just covering costs—you’re creating a foundation for longevity. And that’s how you keep serving kids for the long run.