AMES vs eCamp

AMES provides connected activity management and enrolment software for swim schools, dance studios, martial arts academies, gymnastics clubs and other class-based operators. It includes class scheduling, occupancy visibility, waitlists, mobile booking and enrolment across multiple classes or siblings. Staff can record attendance and absences, generate credits and let parents book replacement sessions subject to availability rules. AMES Pay accepts cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay through Stripe Connect, and GoCardless Direct Debit for recurring class fees. Parent updates, reminders, message history and automated absence and credit notices are part of its communications workflow. Listed integrations include Google Calendar, Xero, QuickBooks, Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, Instagram and Google Reviews; custom API integrations can be built during onboarding. AMES says it helps import existing member data, configure the system with a team and provide support after launch. Standard charges a transaction fee on successful payments collected through AMES, starting at 1.25 % per contact, with no monthly platform subscription or setup fee. Payment-provider processing fees and certain communications and AI services cost extra.

eCamp is a free web app for planning camps, scheduling activities, and producing printable plans. It is aimed at youth associations and Y+S camp and trekking offers, while also being open to school camps and other groups. Multiple people can collaborate on the same camp. Users can create activity templates with storyboards, story context, and safety considerations, and assign materials to activities or camp periods. Its PDF and print process includes A3 output and a day overview. The app is initially available in German, French, Italian, Romansh, and English, with login options including MiData, CeviDB, jubla.db, and Google. Users cannot upload files directly, but can link to files stored on services such as Google Drive or Dropbox. eCamp v3 does not include task lists or todos, and course planning was not yet implemented when the listed MVP: Camp launched. The service runs on DigitalOcean managed Kubernetes, with user content and personal data on servers in Frankfurt, Germany. The maker describes availability as best-effort and does not guarantee uninterrupted service. Its source code is public on GitHub under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0.