Making Camp Affordable

Recession-Proof Your Child’s Summer
Smart ways to make camp more affordable

By Jill Levin

The costs associated with camp may seem daunting, especially in the current economic climate. But what will your child do this summer if you cannot afford sleep-away camp? Do you envision your child lying on the couch in front of the TV all summer long? Do you have thoughts of your teen plugged into an iPod or logged onto Facebook for three straight months? Or worse? For these reasons and more, plenty of parents—working parents especially—consider camp an absolute necessity.

Although the costs are real, camp is an important part of a family’s summertime peace of mind, as well as an important part of any child’s education. So, don’t dismay, you can find a camp that fits your family budget.

Families “in the know” have heard (mostly by word-of-mouth) that there are a handful of companies that will provide free consulting services to any family that calls them. Experienced advisors ask families questions and address their concerns, to help them find the right “fit” between the program and their child. Some organizations will even provide families with lists of questions to ask directors, to help them with the final selection process.

You can save time and money by using this little-known parent resource. Camp advisors can help you find a sleep-away camp that meets your kids’ requirements and falls within your budget. The service is free of charge, and there’s no obligation of any kind when parents request information.

One such camp advisory organization, Tips on Trips and Camps, offers the following suggestions to make summer sleep-away camps and teen programs more affordable:

• Be aware of early enrollment discounts. Starting your search early (March is a great time) and planning ahead can really pay off.

• Ask the camp about a discount for multiple children from one family.

• Inquire about shorter sessions to accommodate a tight budget.

• Make summer a part of your educational plan. To maximize the returns on your camp investment, choose a shorter specialty program that will enhance your student’s college application or help develop a new interest or skill.

• Look into financial aid, which is available at most camps. If you apply early, it is possible to get a 20-50% discount based on need. Private overnight camps have to rely on campers to cover costs (including insurance, staff and equipment, etc.). You can expect to pay $800 - $1200 a week for a private camp.

If you have a very small budget and need to spend less than $600 per week, contact camps run by your local county government or agencies like the Jewish Federation, the JCC, the Salvation Army, Campfire Boys and Girls or the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. These camps offer a summer experience at a reduced cost because the sponsoring agency subsidizes the camp. Day camp programs offer yet another cost-cutting alternative.

No matter what your budget, there is a camp to meet your family’s financial and educational needs. Camp is a wonderfully enriching gift we give our children, and one that continues to give back, for as long as their experiences stay with them. Happy camping!

Jill Levin is a parent and camp advisor for Tips on Trips and Camps, one of the oldest and largest camp advisory services, offering expert advice—free—to families with overnight campers (ages 8-18) since 1971.