Summer Camp Discounts

Many parents look forward to sending their kids off to summer camp every year. The campfire songs, telling spooky stories in the dark cabin, swimming all day long - all great memories that stick with you for a lifetime.

The problem is that summer camp can be expensive! Overnight camps start at $600 a week and go up, which is a major expense for many parents who are trying to watch their budget during these difficult times.

But don't fear! There are ways to give your kids the camp experience of their dreams while still saving money:

Day Camps - Find a local camp that allows day campers to join in. You drop off your kids in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon/evening. Many community centers and some YMCA camps work this way, allowing for inexpensive "child care" for older kids who are out of school for the summer but can't stay home alone. Day camp is a lot less expensive than "overnight camp" but still allows all the fun associated with summer camp.

Non-Profit Organizations - Most YMCA, YWCA, and scouting organizations have an overnight camp program. These can be considerably less expensive than the posh private camps in the same area, but be warned - these camps fill up fast! So, earlier you get your application in, the better.

Membership Discounts - There are many discounts out there for camps. Check with the organizations you are involved with (like professional or trade skill groups) to see if they sponsor or work with a local camp.

Camp Discounts - Some camps give discounts for enrolling multiple kids (a.k.a - sibling discount) or signing up for more than one week at a time. These may not be well advertised so you may have to call the camp. Make sure do to this well before sign-up begins and get something in writing so there are no surprises.

Scholarships - Some camps offer scholarships or financial assistance to low-income families and kids who meet certain scholastic or talent criteria. To find out if the camp offers these sorts of programs, call them directly - it never hurts to ask!

Barter - Offer to volunteer at the camp to help offset your child's fees. Many camps are under-funded and welcome any help they can get, though you may end up working through the summer, not just the time your kid is in camp. Call the camp office well before summer and offer your services. Of course, make sure you get something in writing, ensuring that your child's tuition and fees are discounted correctly.