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The year has barely started, and my kindergarten parents group chat is already buzzing with summer camp anxiety. Registrations are opening and spots fill fast.
I’ve been doing research and here’s what I’ve learned: Camps aren’t cheap. But there are creative ways to work camp into your spending plan, this year and next.
For many families with school-aged kids like mine, summer camps are a necessity. Schools are out and many parents work full-time. Summer camps fill an important child care gap.
But even for parents who are high earners, paying for camps can be a shocking expense. If you have more than one kid, paying for camp can seem almost impossible.
Affordable options do exist, says Henry DeHart, CEO of the American Camp Association, which oversees a national accreditation program for camp health and safety.
“There is a quality camp in your community at a price point that will work for you,” DeHart says.
Summer camp prices can differ widely. Costs are often driven by how long a camp runs, whether it’s a day or overnight program, and the activities offered. Specialty camps — such as those focused on horseback riding, boating or STEM — tend to cost more because they require additional staff, equipment or materials.
It’s also hard to pin down an average camp price because there are so many options.
“There are at least 20,000 camps out there,” DeHart says.
Like many services, camp prices have increased in recent years due to inflation. Staffing and food costs are higher, so camper tuitions are often higher, too, DeHart says.
I found a half-day dance camp at a local high school for $225 a week and a full-day KPop Demon Hunters camp for $555 a week. The vacation Bible school at the church up the street only charges $10 for the week for a half-day, which is also on my radar.
Costs start to add up quickly.
How to build camp into your budget
Even if you feel like you are late to the game, there are still early registration discounts available and time to start setting aside money before summer begins.
If you don’t know where to start, the American Camp Association’s “Find a Camp” tool can help narrow your search. Depending on the camp, you might be able to pay any registration fees now, and tuition later — or in installments over time.
Waiting until closer to summer to look for camps can be costly. You may miss discounts, find top-choice camps are full and end up paying more for options that don’t meet your needs — such as limited programming, inconvenient locations or camps without safety certifications.
Break camp costs into monthly payments
For next year, you can plan ahead. Treat camp like a seasonal fixed expense that you account for in your budget every month, similar to a mortgage payment or utility bill. You can create a sinking fund just for camp costs.
If your total camp costs for June add up to $1,200, starting in September will give you roughly 10 months to save about $120 a month. That cushion can help cover early registration fees in winter or spring, while you continue saving for the remaining tuition.
“Saving money automatically before it hits your checking account is a good strategy,” says Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner in Jacksonville, Florida. “Small amounts add up, and having money saved is much less expensive than high credit card payments.”
This year, if your budget for camp feels tight, McClanahan suggests looking around the house. “Consider selling items you don’t need or want,” she says. “Have a garage sale, take items to a consignment store, or sell items online. It is a hassle, but is a good way to raise money without going into debt.”
Offset costs by cutting back elsewhere
Look for costs that naturally go away or shrink during the summer. Can you redirect your aftercare costs into camp savings? Do you scale back or pause extracurricular activities that only run during the school year, such as sports, music lessons or clubs? Use that money to help cover camp costs.
“Think about spending that isn’t bringing you or your child much value, such as unused subscriptions or easy ‘click’ spending on Amazon,” McClanahan says.
Even small shifts can help. Our son’s half day preschool isn’t open during the summer, so we can redirect his tuition to help us cover any camp costs for my daughter.
But some tradeoffs matter more than others, especially when it comes to long-term savings.
“If you have to cut back on savings to pay for camp, always make sure you are saving enough to at least get your 401(k) and HSA match at work because you can never get that money back,” says McClanahan.
Mix high- and low-cost camps
If you need to cobble together multiple camps to get through the summer, consider splurging on your top pick and supplementing with cheaper options, perhaps through local churches, YMCAs, or city or county programs.
Use your dependent care FSA, if you have one
If you have a dependent care flexible spending account, you can use those pretax dollars to pay for eligible summer camp expenses. If you don’t have one but your employer offers them, you can look into signing up next year, which can also lower your tax bill.
For example, if you contribute $2,000 into a dependent care FSA and use it to reimburse summer camp costs, you could save roughly $400-$600 in taxes, depending on your tax bracket. Overnight camps will probably not apply, so check the eligibility.
Getting your child to and from camp can add to the total cost. Summer camp expenses can quickly add up, from daily driving costs to airfare if the camp is in another state. Additionally, some camps offer extended hours for an extra fee, along with expenses for supplies, field trips, and meals. Coordinating with other parents attending the same camp can help cut costs by setting up carpools and sharing afternoon care.
To help manage costs, camps offer various financial assistance options such as scholarships, grants, early registration discounts, and sibling discounts. Some camps even provide referral fees for bringing in new campers or offer community service discounts for specific professions. It’s important to reach out to the camp director to inquire about available aid and discounts.
While adding camp expenses to your monthly budget may seem daunting, the enrichment and experiences offered by quality programs are invaluable. Camps provide a chance for kids to unplug from technology, engage in face-to-face interactions, and enjoy outdoor activities. Investing in these experiences can be beneficial for children beyond just childcare.
As a parent, planning for summer camp experiences may require some creativity in managing costs. Setting aside a designated “camp fund” in your budget can help prepare for future expenses. By exploring different payment solutions and budget-friendly camp options, you can ensure your child has memorable and enriching summer experiences.