Summer Camp Insurance

Running a summer camp lets you enjoy all the best parts of parenting or teaching. You get to spend time with children during their favorite part of the year and do all sorts of fun things they'll remember for life. So even if you're not a parent or teacher directly, you still get some of the most amazing and rewarding experiences with kids from all walks of life. Working with so many children from so many backgrounds does come with risks though. And summer camp insurance protects your camp from the financial losses tied to those risks. When things like accidents cause injuries, property damage, or lawsuits, the right insurance steps in to take care of you.

General Liability for Summer Camps

General liability insurance for summer camps covers third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage. Camps are constantly full of activity. Kids are running, swimming, playing sports, and having a great time outdoors. But even with the best supervision, accidents happen. Heck, some kids are downright accident prone. General liability steps in to cover legal fees, medical costs, or settlements if your camp is held responsible.

Claim Example: What's Covered?

  • A camper trips over uneven ground, breaks an arm, and parents sue the camp.
  • A visiting vendor slips in the dining hall and requires medical care.
  • A wayward baseball breaks a neighbor’s car window.
  • Parents allege negligence after their child is injured during an activity.

BOP Coverage for Summer Camps

A Business Owners Policy (BOP) bundles general liability with commercial property coverage. Since summer camps normally own buildings, equipment, and supplies, this is very valuable. Fires, storms, theft, or vandalism can cause devastating losses. A BOP ensures you’re covered for both liability claims and property damage under one convenient policy.

Claim Example: What's Covered?

  • A lightning strike damages cabins and recreational buildings.
  • Kitchen fire destroys appliances and dining hall equipment.
  • Sports equipment and canoes are stolen from the storage shed.
  • A fallen tree crushes a pavilion during a storm.

Workers' Compensation for Summer Camps

Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills and lost wages for staff injured while working at your camp. Most states require it by law, and it’s critical protection for camp owners. From lifeguards to counselors, staff members face risks every day—whether supervising a swim session or leading a ropes course.

Claim Example: What's Covered?

  • A camp counselor sprains an ankle during a hike and needs physical therapy.
  • Someone cooking a meal in the kitchen burns their hand badly.
  • One of your lifeguards at the swimming pool gets sick from heat exhaustion.
  • A groundskeeper injures their back while moving heavy equipment.

What Else Do Summer Camps Need?

Beyond general liability, BOP, and workers’ comp, camps often need specialized coverage tailored to their activities. Here’s what to consider:

  • Commercial Auto Insurance – If you transport campers with buses, vans, or even personal vehicles, you'll need this coverage if there's an accident.
  • Abuse and Molestation Liability – Even when you or your employees are innocent, allegations can be made against anyone at any time.
  • Professional Liability (E&O) – Covers claims related to counseling, teaching, or program instruction.
  • Umbrella Insurance – Extra liability protection when claims exceed your policy limits.
  • Property Insurance – This protects all of your camping property structures such as cabins, dining halls, sports fields, and activity centers.
  • Cyber Liability Insurance – Protects against data breaches, especially with online camper registrations.
  • Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance – If one or more people don't like the management decisions you or your board makes, they may file lawsuits about them.

FAQs For Summer Camp Insurance

How much is summer camp insurance?

In some states a small camp might only pay about $1900 a year. Larger operations with a lot more campers could pay closer to $7,000.

Do day camps and overnight camps need different coverage?

 Yes—overnight camps often require broader property and liability protection than day camps.

Are volunteers covered under workers’ comp?

Not usually. Separate accident insurance is recommended for volunteers.

Does insurance cover camper illnesses like food poisoning?

Yes, general liability typically covers third-party injury or illness claims.

Can camps be insured if they run high-risk activities like ziplining?

Yes, but insurers may require safety protocols and may charge higher premiums.

Is abuse coverage automatically included?

No, it’s usually an add-on. Given the sensitivity, most camps should strongly consider it.

Why Choose USA Insurance

USA Insurance has built a reputation as the go-to provider for summer camp insurance nationwide. We've worked hard to gain the trust and expertise needed to work with camps of all sizes, and we've successfully reached and maintained 99% customer satisfaction over the last 19 years.

  • We are licensed in all 50 states, and that nationwide coverage lets us get your policies issued fast.
  • Summer camps, retail shops, contractors, and service businesses all need specific, and different, types of insurance. That's why we tailor your coverage specifically to your needs.
  • Your budget needs to balance, so we offer flexible and affordable payment options to help with that.
  • We show you how to take proactive steps towards locking in your rates and protecting yourself from future increases.

Give us a call today so we can start protecting your camp like it's our own.