When is the best time of year to sell a summer day camp?

Think about what a buyer needs to see. Last season’s results are fresh just after the camp ends, and records are still easy to pull. Registration for the next season shows demand, so a buyer wants to know how it is going. Selling while sign-ups are open lets them see real numbers instead of promises, but it also means the handover must be well organized.

Consider the work the buyer must do before opening: hiring and training staff, confirming sites and transportation, arranging insurance, and talking to families. If you sell too late, they inherit those tasks in a rush. If you sell very early, you may not be able to show a full picture of the coming season. Ask what the buyer’s own timetable looks like.

Finally, think about cash. Deposits taken in advance are owed to families, and your accountant can explain how they should be treated at closing. Ask your lawyer how timing affects site agreements and staff contracts. Plan a transition period in which you introduce the buyer to parents and staff. Talk to a broker or adviser about local patterns, since the best moment depends on your camp and the schedule of your sites.

Key takeaways

• Aim to close before registration opens, so the buyer can lead the next season.
• Allow room for staff hiring, site confirmation, insurance and family communication.
• Ask your accountant how deposits already collected should be handled at closing.