Affording summer camp: Tip Sheet Thursday
Eve Eifler, co-director of Tips on Trips and Camps, a free advisory service with a web site (and a Baltimore arm) that helps families find the right camps, sent us some tips on affording summer camp this year.
Even though it's December, this is a timely topic. More than in years past, camps are offering deals for families who enroll early. At the same time, parents might not have the cash on hand for early deposits -- or they might wonder whether their camp plans will change next summer if someone in the family loses a job.
Here are Eifler's ideas:
"If you have a tight budget but know you want to send your child away to camp:
--Be aware of early enrollment discounts. Plan ahead.
--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. Choose a shorter specialty program that will enhance the student’s profile for college or help develop a new interest or skill.
--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.
--Look into financial aid, which is available at most camps. If you apply early, it is possible to get a 20-50 percent discount based on need."
Do you have other ideas to share?
Comments
We have implemented several of these suggestions (offering shorter sessions, discounts, and financial aid), but also have made available a flexible payment schedule. Parents really appreciate being able to spread out their child's tuition.
Posted by: Jeff Carter | December 4, 2008 3:24 PM
Girls Scouts has worked very well for us during that odd week or two between the end/start of the school year & the end/start of summer camp.
We've used the program during the summer, and also around spring break for the past couple of years.
VERY affordable, and transportation was included.
Posted by: Allison | December 5, 2008 2:36 PM
At Aloha Beach Camp we offer lots of flexible payment plans, but the most comforting to parents is that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. Many folks signed up for 2009 as soon as summer 2008 ended, but they know they can get their deposits back if they change their minds.
Posted by: Eric Naftulin | December 7, 2008 6:06 PM
My daughter attends Chop Point Summer Camp in Maine (http://www.choppoint.org). The cost is $1750 for a three-week session (ages 12-18). They offer a discount if you sign up before March 1.
I attended this same camp when I was a teen, and my parents made a deal with me -- I had to earn half the tuition and they would chip in the other half. I really wanted to go, and had no problem saving my half during the school year (babysitting, Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, odd jobs, etc.). For teens especially this is a great way to go. It also made me appreciate it more since I had earned my own way.
Posted by: Wendy | December 9, 2008 7:41 PM
Gold Arrow Camp (www.goldarrowcamp.com) offers a traditional camp program in California's Sierra National Forest on Huntington Lake. We offer significant discounts to families who pay in full by December 1, and additional discounts for families who register prior to March 15.
Posted by: Audrey | February 9, 2009 12:42 AM
Last year when I was researching sending my children to summer camp, I found these articles to be very helpful - they have all sorts of insider tips on saving camp tuition money.
http://www.choicecamps.com/knowledge-center/article102
http://www.choicecamps.com/knowledge-center/article106
I ended up calling them for more information, I spoke with Peter, who was very helpful - definitely recommend checking it out!
-Maryann
Posted by: Maryann | February 19, 2009 12:31 AM