Where to find cheap summer camps?

Question

Hi, so far I have found out that churches and YMCA and girl scouts have cheaper rates. Any other suggestions?

Answer 1

I think the skill developing camps are probably the most expensive. Fine arts camps, sports camps, space camps. Etc. Most likely because you have to pay the pros to teach activities and their time isn't cheap...they could be doing other things.

Religious camps are usually cheapest because usually the person's congregation kicks in a little for each kid to go, may even spot the whole fee if they know the child is from a struggling family.

Older kids that have gone to camp a lot sometimes can get in as a CIT. Counselor in training. It is kind of like an internship...they get a few responsibilities, and have a little fun. It can be either paid to go, pay a lower fee, or go to camp for free.

Day camps are cheaper than sleepaway camps if they last the same length of time because they don't require food and housing and round the clock care.

Try getting group rates for more than one child in the same family, or groups of same aged kids. Ask if there are discounts if the kid goes for longer, so...perhaps a month rate is cheaper than four separate weeks?

If your child is really active at home, maybe a civic group, his team, or his congregation will sponsor him with a scholarship to attend camp. Example, a farm kid active in FFA may get the local meat locker to pay his way to camp...VIP on the basketball team may get the booster club or local sporting good store to pay for it. ROTC kid with promising military plans might get help from the VFW.

Kid who can prove use of a certain type of gear may be able to get a corporate sponsorship to a camp. Like a certain skateboard mfr or a ball company like Wilson.

If you are looking into a special needs camp, you might find that camp for regular kids with some slots for special needs kids will be cheaper than one for all wheelchair or all learning disability, or all diabetes. But sometimes the fellowship of kids with like problems is why they want to go to a camp like this. My college roommate went to diabetic camp her WHOLE life and loved it. It was the one time of year she didn't feel like the oddball. In some cases for these programs, medical insurance kicks in...it is a therapeutic or patient education type thing.

If you want a heavily programmed experience for your child on a budget, check into shorter stay camps. If you want a summer long camp, check into less structured places of camping, hiking, etc.

I guess like anything else, safety is most important. Don't cut corners by sending your kid to a camp that doesn't have a good staff to child ratio. And considering that often times, camp is an investment in the kid's education...well, then it isn't so much of a childcare solution, and it can be seen differently.

Answer 2

Just FYI.. if anybody else is looking for info.. Camp Christopher is actually on North Hametown Road in Bath, Ohio... Not really anywhere near Parma.. You didn't mention how old your little sister was.. but maybe you can find daycare camps that she'd enjoy.. Check craigslist..or the Cleveland Plain Dealer childcare section.. There were a lot of stay home moms that were offering "Daycare summer camps" that weren't really expensive with trips to the zoo and the park..etc.

Answer 3

Great answer above. Only thing to add is ask about scholarships if you find a camp that interests you.