how much is summer camp at the YMCA? 10 Tips
Summer camp undoubtedly offers many benefits for young kids and even older teens. However, it is not free. You will need to find a way for your children to have as much fun as possible but at an affordable rate. We at RunRex have prepared a few tips that we think can help you afford the cost of taking your kids to a summer camp.
Take them to a Day Camp
Overnight camps are usually quite expensive. The reason for this is that the camp has to have the facilities for the kid’s overnight stay. A day camp can help you afford summer camp. In fact, it might be the most appropriate type of summer camp for young kids. Most young kids enjoy spending the day at summer camp but the night may be a bit lonely for them if they are far away from their parents.
Check for Early Registration Discounts
At some summer camps, you will be offered discounts for early registration. These discounts are usually not just a few dollars off. In fact, some summer camps offer as much as 50% off for those who register early. This may help you to afford to take your kid to an otherwise very expensive summer camp. Just ensure you begin shopping early, even before anyone else starts thinking about summer camp.
Hold a Family Fundraiser
If you want the best for your kids, you can request family members to intervene. Hold a fundraiser and invite them to help your children go to the best summer camp possible. You can start the fundraiser early on. It will help you share the cost of summer camp amongst all of you. It is an excellent strategy, which many families use to send kids to summer camp.
Get a Sibling Discount
At most summer camps, they will offer you a sibling discount. Thus, if you have two children of relatively the same age, you should consider sending them to the same summer camp. You will benefit from a discount, which can help you to afford the cost of sending them to camp. However, keep in mind that this discount will only be offered to you if you ask for ask for it.
Apply for a Scholarship
At some summer camps, you could get a free entry if you apply for a scholarship. The scholarships are need-based while others are talent based. For instance, if your kid is good at a certain sport or activity, consider finding a summer camp that accepts such talented kids.
Consider doing the Registration Online
No one likes dealing with physical paperwork. Besides that, there is a good chance of the paperwork getting lost or misplaced. If you apply online, most summer camps will offer you a discount of about $20. It may not seem like much, but if combined with other tips, it could end up saving you a lot of money. Always check if there are any discounts offered for registering online.
Volunteer Your Skills
Some summer camps will let you trade your skills for a discount for your kids. Even if it is basic skills such as teaching children how to paint, you could get a huge discount. You can also consider upgrading the summer camp’s website if you are an IT expert for a chance at a discount for your kid. Just look for a simple activity in which you can volunteer to lower the fee that your child pays for summer camp. You never know, the camp may even have an opening, which can be great if you are, a stay at home parent.
Request for a Payment Plan
Camp organizers understand that you may face financial hardships when paying for camp. However, if you need to get into their particular camp, you can always request for a payment plan. Although you may end up paying slightly more, you can stretch it out over a long duration of time. Consequently, you will not end up with an empty wallet when the kids get back from camp. Always ask for a payment plan if the camp seems too expensive for you.
Begin Your Search Early
The chances are that the cheapest camps are usually sold out quite early. Waiting until the last minute means that you will have to contend with only the expensive camps, which are out of reach for most people. However, if you begin making inquiries early, you could benefit from some lucky find that is both cheap and of high quality. Ask for friends and family to help you in the search for the right kinds of camp for your kid.
Look for a Camp Close to Home
If possible, send your kid to a camp within your state. Expenses only rise as the distance increases. However, be careful not to compromise the summer experience too much for your kid in a quest to save money.