How to Plan a 5-Day Kids Photography Camp: Sample Schedule + Tips
Thinking about running a 5-day photography camp for kids? It’s an exciting and rewarding idea, but it definitely requires thoughtful planning, especially if you're considering a full-day format. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to structure your days, keep kids engaged, and incorporate hands-on activities to make the most of the experience.
Half Day vs. Full Day Camps
If you’re just getting started, I recommend beginning with half-day camp sessions (i.e. 9 am–12 pm or 1 pm–4 pm). Half-days are easier to manage, especially with younger students. Half-day camps also allow you to run two separate sessions in one day which maximizes your time and increases your profitability.
However, if you're set on hosting a full-day camp (from 9 am–3 pm), you’ll need to include extra activities to fill the time. While there is a lot of content with the core Kids Photography Camp Curriculum, it likely won’t fill all six hours each day. In that case, consider combining it with elements from the High School Curriculum for more flexibility and variety of content.
Include a Week-Long Project
One fun idea is to have the kids work on a creative project throughout the week—like a themed shadow box or photo craft. This gives them something tangible to take home, showcasing their photos and reminding them of their accomplishments. You can include the cost of materials in the camp fee.
Sample 5-Day Photography Camp Schedule(Full Day: 9 AM–3 PM)
Day 1
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9:00–9:30: Welcome & Orientation
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9:30–10:15: Lesson – History of Photography
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10:15–10:30: Snack Break
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10:30–12:00: Activity – Photo Walk, Scavenger Hunt, or Shooting Time
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12:00–12:45: Lunch
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12:45–1:30: Photo Sharing
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1:30–2:15: Lesson – Photography Gear
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2:15–3:00: Project Time (Shadow box or photo craft)
Day 2
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9:00–9:30: Recap of Day 1
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9:30–10:15: Lesson – Exposure Part 1
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10:15–10:30: Snack Break
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10:30–12:00: Activity – Shooting Time
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12:00–12:45: Lunch
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12:45–1:30: Photo Sharing
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1:30–2:15: Lesson – Exposure Part 2
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2:15–3:00: Project Time
Day 3
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9:00–9:30: Recap of Day 2
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9:30–10:15: Lesson – White Balance
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10:15–10:30: Snack Break
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10:30–12:00: Activity – Shooting Time
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12:00–12:45: Lunch
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12:45–1:30: Photo Sharing
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1:30–2:15: Lesson – Camera Settings
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2:15–3:00: Project Time
Day 4
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9:00–9:30: Recap of Day 3
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9:30–10:15: Lesson – Creative Composition Part 1
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10:15–10:30: Snack Break
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10:30–12:00: Activity – Shooting Time
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12:00–12:45: Lunch
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12:45–1:30: Photo Sharing
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1:30–2:15: Lesson – Creative Composition Part 2
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2:15–3:00: Project Time
Day 5
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9:00–9:30: Recap of Day 4
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9:30–10:15: Lesson – Types of Photographers Part 1
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10:15–10:30: Snack Break
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10:30–12:00: Activity – Final Photo Walk or Scavenger Hunt
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12:00–12:45: Lunch
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12:45–1:30: Photo Sharing
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1:30–2:15: Lesson – Types of Photographers Part 2
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2:15–3:00: Finalize Projects & Share Creations
Bonus Tip: Curriculum Flexibility
If you're deciding between the Photoshop version of the kids camp curriculum and the Canva version, you're not limited to one. If you purchase the Photoshop version and would also like the Canva version for easier editing or flexibility, just reach out, I'm happy to send it to you so you have both options!
Teach a Kids Photography Camp with this Lesson Kit ONLY $125 $59 with code CAMP59
Teach a Kids Photography Camp with this Lesson Kit ONLY $125 $59 with code CAMP59
Printable lessons cover the topics of History of Photography, Photographer's Gear, Exposure, White Balance, Camera Presets, Creative Composition, Types of Photographers.
You can split the lessons into a 5 day camp (or 5 week camp one day a week) sections to span an approx. 1-2 hours (depending on time you allow for taking pictures each day).
Lessons come in layered .psd format for you to edit text & images as you wish. Also included are 5 activity sheets, 2 photo scavenger hunt sheets, a photographer badge, set of 50 card game files, a tentative camp schedule, camp registration form, instructions for Photoshop and a list of fonts used.
Get the bundle for $175 $59 w/code CAMP59
Use this curriculum bundle to teach kids photography camp during the summer or any time of the year. Here's what's included:
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20 Pages of layered .psd lesson files (plus cover)
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Basic instructions to edit in Photoshop and a list of fonts used
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Set of five activity sheets
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Set of two photo scavenger hunt sheet templates
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Camp registration form template
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Photographer badge template
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Instructor notes outlining ideas for games and worksheets
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Set of 50 game card files
Get the bundle for $175 $59 w/code CAMP59
As Featured On:
The curriculum covers exactly what I need for my Basic Digital Photography workshop and has now prompted me to branch out into new worlds with teaching photography to children. I have found that not only do I love taking pictures and creating beautiful images, but that I love teaching others how to do the same!
Cindy J. - Reflections Photography
Get the bundle for $175 $59 w/code CAMP59
Coordinating Products
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Matching Lesson Pages
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Poster Template 11x17 and 8.5x11 Poster Template
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Photographer Badge
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Matching Game Card Files
Lesson Pages
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Set of 20 layered .psd lesson pages (plus cover)
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Tentative Day Schedule
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Instructions for Games
Kids Photography Camp Registration Form
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Pre-made form for Kids Photography Camp Registration
Card Game Files
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Set of 50 card game files you can have printed for games and activities
Get the bundle for $175 $59 w/code CAMP59
Photo Scavenger Hunt Worksheets
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Set of fun photo scavenger hunt pages
Photography Game Ideas
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Use the card games creatively for fun activities for the kids
Sample Activity Pages
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Set of three 5 activity sheets
Get the bundle for $175 $59 with code CAMP59
FAQs
Some ideas for locations include your home studio, a co-op studio, civic center, recreation center, YMCA, other schools, or even at a park. You can also use it to teach an online class within a 50 mile radius of your home or studio.
You can make it whatever time frame you would like. For example you could host a 5 day camp for 2 hours a day, a 2 day camp for 5 hours a day or an 8 week camp for 1 hour each week.
You can choose to make this a requirement if you'd like, but you want to make sure you aren't discouraging someone who can't afford a DSLR. Plus, many times parents won't want to invest in a DSLR until they know their child is more serious. The kids can learn with a point-and-shoot camera just as well and even their own phones. You can bring your own DSLR and gear in for show and tell.
I recommend if you're just starting out to start small. I would keep them around 8-10 kids. If you want more than this make sure you have an additional adult to help out.
Anywhere from $100 to $250. It all depends on your market and the length of the camp. Remember, you can make your money back from the Kids Photography Camp lessons with your very first student!
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
If you need to contact us with questions, feedback, testimonial or a suggestion, please send an email to info@magazinemama.com. All emails are typically responded to within 24 to 48 hours, except weekends and holidays.