Master Summer Camp Planning: Save Money & Avoid Financial Stress by Fall!

When many of us think of summer, we imagine days filled with leisure and relaxation. However, this ideal is far from reality for parents who must arrange and finance supervised care for their children during the lengthy school break.

The American Camp Association notes that there’s been a growing demand for summer camps, leading to significant cost increases, such as the 15% spike in prices in 2021. According to Care.com, the daily average cost for day camp ranges between $73 and $87. And for those kids eager for an overnight camp experience, the cost jumps to between $150 and $173 per day. Quite steep!

Children, unaware of these financial burdens, simply look forward to fun times, making friends, playing games, and crafting. Yet, the reality for many working parents without the summer off or helpful grandparents or affordable sitters, means finding a place for their children during these months is necessary.

However, if you’re considering summer camp, there are still budget-friendly options available. Here’s what you should consider as you prepare for the camp season.

Break Down the Summer Into Weeks

Grab your calendar and turn to the summer months of June, July, and August. Check any pre-existing plans like family vacations or visits from relatives and mark those weeks off.

Since many camps operate on a weekly payment basis, knowing that not all kids will attend continuously, it can ease your planning. Instead of worrying about the entire summer, consider each week individually.

Determine which weeks your children will attend camp and register early to secure their spots. Explore various camp types beyond the typical ones in natural settings. Museums, colleges, child care centers, art organizations, and nature groups also offer summer programs.

You can also mix and match camps to accommodate your child’s interests and your budget. For instance, they can spend a few weeks at an expensive specialty camp and the rest at more affordable options.

Account for Additional Expenses

When setting your summer camp budget, remember that the weekly rate is not the only expense. Many camps charge a registration fee and may have additional charges for field trips, T-shirts, or supplies.

Transportation costs are another consideration, especially if your child normally rides the bus to school. Pick a camp close to home or work to cut down on travel costs, or arrange a carpool with other families attending the same camp.

Consider whether you’ll need to budget for lunches and snacks if the camp does not provide meals.

For working parents, aligning a camp’s schedule with work hours can be challenging. Many camps offer extended care before and after the program, but this usually comes at an extra cost.

Seek Financial Help for Summer Camp

You don’t have to accept the daunting average camp costs as a given. There are economical choices available.

Your chosen camp might offer less-publicized scholarships, discounts, or other financial aid options.

Talk to the camp director about the possibility of financial assistance or flexible payment plans, and don’t rule out your eligibility based on income alone. Asking can never hurt.

Look for discounts for enrolling multiple children, referring new families, returning campers, signing up for multiple weeks, or early registration.

Public or nonprofit camps tend to be more affordable. Check with local schools, libraries, and parks and recreation departments for their offerings. Organizations like the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Police Athletic League, and religious institutions often provide lower-cost camp options.

Also consider leveraging your social network for creative and cost-effective camp solutions. For example, a community in Rockland County, New York, organized their own summer camp co-op.

By coordinating work schedules, parents in the co-op take turns supervising and engaging the kids in activities, or they jointly hire a childcare professional to handle these duties.

Start Saving Early for Next Summer

One effective strategy for managing summer camp expenses is to start saving well in advance. While it’s too late for this year, beginning now can give you a head start on next year’s costs.

Estimate next year’s summer camp expenses and divide this by 12 to figure out how much to save monthly. Spreading the cost over a year makes it more manageable than scrambling for funds each week.