How to Cut the Costs of Camp This Summer

May 5, 2008 By Tisha (Kulak) Tolar

Camps of yesteryear bring back fond memories of nature trails, fun games, and stories around the campfire. But today’s camps are a-changin’, especially when it comes to the costs associated with the camps. Many places have institutes special programs or amenities that will increase the total cost of camp quite significantly for both day and sleep over camps.

Here are a few ways to keep camps costs reasonable and still give your child a great experience.

Research Camps

Families may not be aware of all the camp opportunities within their local area. It is smart to check out each camp program available and then make a decision based on your own family’s budget. You can visit http://www.summercamp.org/ for information about the programs and costs. Typically, there is a camp for every budget that still offer a rewarding camp experience.

Financial Aid is Available

A large majority of camps offer opportunities for some form of financial aid. There are often scholarship-type programs that will pay for part of the tuition, if not cover all of it. Contacting the camps that interest you and inquiring about the financial assistance available will be a step in the right direction for choosing the right camp for your budget.

Enroll Early

Start making your decisions about camp early. Often, early registrations will receive the biggest discounts plus it increases the likelihood your child will get into the camp of choice and possibly a scholarship. At the end of this year’s camp, ask the camp administration about registering for the following year. It may protect you from increasing tuition costs the following year.

Pay In Advance

Some camps will offer a big savings if you pay the tuition ahead of time. The camp can use the money for operating costs and may reward you with a discount if you pay early.

Ask About Payment Plans

Some camps will allow you to make affordable installment payments in order to send your kids to camp. Contact the camp administrator directly to find out what kind of plans they can offer to help you out.

Send More Than One Child

Depending on the willingness of your other children, you may be able to secure a discount on the tuition by enrolling more than one of your children into a camp program.

Provide Family and Friends with Camp Information

Many camps make gift certificates available for campers. Arming friends and family with the camp contact information will allow them the option to purchase the certificates for birthdays and other presents throughout the year for your child.

Find Out About Refunds

It is not uncommon for first-timers to get the homesick blues and want to leave camp. Make sure you find out what the policy on refunds is in this situation before completing registration or you could end up losing a lot of money.

Posted in children, education, entertainment, family, financial plans, parenting, saving money, vacations

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