Every year, around this time, I see the same thing happen.
Parents start comparing summer camps.
Prices get lined up.
And the question quietly shows up.
“Why does this camp cost more?”
That is a fair question. And I want to answer it honestly.
Black Dragon Martial Arts is not the cheapest summer camp in Middle Tennessee. That is intentional.
Because cheap is not what most parents are actually looking for.
Cheap Usually Means Crowded
Lower priced camps often rely on high numbers to make the math work. More kids, fewer adults, louder rooms, and less individual attention.
That is not how we operate.
We intentionally limit our group sizes so instructors can actually see your child, guide them, and step in before small issues become big ones.
Crowds create chaos. Structure creates calm.
Cheap Often Means Inexperienced Supervision
Summer camps are frequently staffed with seasonal workers who mean well but lack training in behavior management, group leadership, and safety.
Our instructors are not babysitters. They are trained leaders who work with kids year round. They understand structure, expectations, and how to keep kids engaged without yelling or chaos.
Experience costs more. It is also worth more.
Cheap Focuses on Passing Time
Some camps exist to fill hours on a clock.
We exist to create an experience.
Our days are structured with purpose. Kids move. They participate. They interact. They learn teamwork, respect, and confidence through activity and guidance, not lectures.
When kids are engaged, behavior improves and confidence grows.
Cheap Cuts Corners Parents Never See
Parents usually only see drop off and pick up.
They do not see staff ratios, daily planning, safety procedures, or how transitions are handled throughout the day.
We invest heavily in preparation, consistency, and systems so parents can relax knowing their child is in capable hands.
Those things are invisible until they are missing.
Cheap Is Not Always the Best Value
The cheapest option is not always the one that gives your child the most.
Parents tell me they choose our camp because their child comes home happier, more confident, and proud of themselves. They sleep better. They listen better. They feel successful.
That kind of growth does not come from chaos or crowd control.
We Are Built for Families Who Want More
Black Dragon Martial Arts Summer Camp is designed for families who value safety, structure, and quality.
Families who want their child to be seen, guided, and supported.
Families who understand that peace of mind has value.
Families who want summer to mean growth, not just coverage.
We are not the cheapest camp.
We are also not the most stressful, chaotic, or uncertain.
And for many families, that difference matters.
If that sounds like the kind of summer you want for your child, we would love to have you join us.
-Beth Dunkerson
1/27/2026