With summer school’s many positive effects, parents are eager to sign their children up for the experience. However, camp can quickly become an extra expense, and some families may question their ability to afford it. Being on a budget doesn’t have to mean summer camp is out of reach.
“There is a camp for every family budget,” says Peg Smith, CEO of the American Camp Association (ACA). “It is important that you ask financial questions. What discounts are available? Are there scholarships? What kind of payment plans (are there)? Don’t assume you can’t afford to send your child to camp.”
Smith suggests that parents begin their research at campparents.org, a resource website run by the ACA. The database allows users to research camps by cost as well as age, interests and special needs.
Many camps offer special discounts including early-registration markdowns, price reductions for multiple enrollments per family, and reductions for full season attendance.
“We offer payment plans and an early-registration discount,” says Gayle Baritz, communications specialist for the Northbrook Park District.
Some camps might also be willing to help cover full or partial cost of tuition for children who come from families with special circumstances and financial issues.
“There are so many different ways to accommodate special circumstances, from full funding to payment plans,” says Barb Lazarus, owner of Game On! Summer Sports Camp 4 Girls.
Families can also ask if a camp is part of a scholarship program. SCOPE Midwest offers scholarships. According to Stacy Schwartz Kotelov, co-owner of the Lake Forest-based Banner Day Camp, families can contact SCOPE Midwest directly to find out which camps participate with the scholarship program.
For families who find their budgets cannot accommodate the cost of residential or overnight camp, places such as the YMCA or local park districts can provide economical day programs.
