As a parent of two energetic kids, I thought I had a decent rhythm. The real juggle was finding something for the kids to do after class during the school term — and it really ramped up in the school holidays.

Sure, I could take them to the same playground for the hundredth time, but I wanted to give them more: music lessons, art classes, sports activities, coding workshops. The problem? Finding and booking these activities felt like a part-time job I never applied for.

The Great Activity Hunt

I'd often spend time scrolling through Facebook groups, checking random websites, and calling providers directly. It felt like a lot of digging — outdated information, broken links and phone numbers that went nowhere.

The big providers were easy to find. They had slick websites, online booking systems, and clear pricing. But what about the amazing local art teacher who ran classes from her studio? Or the retired soccer coach who taught kids in the park? These gems were nearly invisible online, buried in the depths of poorly designed websites or scattered across social media posts.

When I did find something promising, the next challenge began. Is there space available? What's included? Do I need to bring anything? Sometimes I'd have to give them a call only to discover the class was full or had been cancelled weeks ago.

The Booking Mess

Even when everything lined up — I found an activity, confirmed availability, and got my kids excited — the booking process was messy.

Each provider had their own system. Some used outdated payment processors. Others required phone calls or, at times, cash on the day. I ended up creating accounts on dozens of platforms, re-entering payment details, and trying to remember which login I'd used for pottery versus swimming.

My password manager filled up with activity booking accounts I barely used.

The bigger providers had it sorted: they offered smooth online experiences, automated confirmations, and professional customer service. But why should size determine whether a business could offer basic conveniences like online booking and payment processing?

The Breaking Point

The challenge was often finding something for the kids to do after class during the school term, but it peaked around school holidays when I had to start hunting for activities. I knew there had to be a better way.

The Idea

I realised the problem wasn't just affecting parents like me: it was hurting activity providers too. These talented teachers, coaches, and instructors were losing potential customers simply because families couldn't find them or book with them easily.

The small providers were at a massive disadvantage. While large companies could invest in professional websites, booking systems, and marketing, individual instructors and small businesses were stuck with DIY solutions that often didn't work.

It struck me that this wasn't really about technology: it was about fairness. Why should a child miss out on learning guitar from an amazing local teacher just because that teacher couldn't afford a $500/month booking platform or a 20-30% booking fee?

Building the Solution

That's when the idea for Campsies began taking shape. What if there was a platform that gave every activity provider: regardless of size: access to the same professional tools that only big companies could afford?

I started sketching out what this would look like:

A centralised place where parents could discover all types of activities in their area
Standardised listings that made it easy to compare options and understand what's included
Real-time availability so families would know immediately if spots were open
One-click booking and payment processing for any activity
Professional-looking profiles that helped providers showcase their expertise

The vision was simple: level the playing field for providers while making life easier for parents.

Making It Real

Building Campsies meant understanding both sides of this equation. I spent months talking to activity providers: from individual music teachers working from home to established dance studios with multiple locations.

The challenges were consistent. Small providers wanted professional online presence and easy booking management, but existing solutions were either too expensive, too complicated, or designed only for large businesses. They were tired of missing bookings because parents couldn't reach them or because they forgot to check their Facebook messages.

On the parent side, the frustration was equally clear. Families wanted a simple way to discover activities, understand what was available, and book with confidence. They were tired of the hassle that finding good activities had become.

The Campsies Difference

Today, Campsies addresses these pain points head-on. For activity providers, we offer:

Professional, SEO-optimized profiles that help parents find them online
Instant booking capabilities that work 24/7
Automated scheduling and payment processing
Tools to manage classes, communicate with parents, and grow their business

For parents, we've created the centralised experience I wished existed years ago:

Discover activities by location, age, interest, or schedule
See real-time availability and clear pricing
Book and pay instantly through one secure platform
Manage all your family's activities in one place

Whether you're a gymnastics coach teaching in your garage or a multi-location swim school, everyone gets the same powerful tools to succeed online.

Looking Forward

Now, we're working to spread the word and bring all the amazing providers in our community onto the platform, so they can be discovered and get access to a better way to manage their classes and get the exposure they deserve.

More importantly, kids have access to amazing experiences and these incredible providers now have the visibility they deserve.

That's what Campsies is really about: connecting families with the passionate people who make childhood more creative, active, and fun. Because every child deserves access to great activities, and every provider deserves the tools to share their talents with the world.

If you're a parent who's felt this frustration, or a provider who's struggled with online bookings, you're not alone. We built this platform because we've been there too, and we believe there's a better way.

The next time your kids ask what you're doing this school holiday, you might actually smile when you answer.

How Campsies Began: Making Kids' Activities Easier for Parents and Providers

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Campsies

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For Businesses

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How Campsies Began: Making Kids' Activities Easier for Parents and Providers

Campsies

More Info

For Businesses

About Us