Save Money at Summer Camp
Camp children learning through experience. Play gives children a wide range of skills and helps them develop physically, emotionally & intellectually. Kids learn by doing, living, and experiencing things for themselves. It’s one thing to watch life on a computer screen yet, quite another to experience real life.
Residential camps can be downright expensive, even if the experiences are worth every penny. If you’re trying to figure out how you can afford to send your child to summer camp, consider the following cost saving thoughts.Cheap Summer Camp
Families that in the past have sent their children to private upper end overnight camps, especially on the east coast, are now looking at alternatives that might be far less expensive. One suggestion is to look in the midwest for a camp that might offer very similar activity programs at a cost 25-30% less than the equivalent east coast camp.
For other families who still want to send their children to private camps, one way to save on summer camp is to look for alternative programs that might be similar to what you have done in the past yet less expensive. This is just a matter of shopping on the internet for price.Overnight Summer Camp
For other children the answer may be to leave the private summer camp programs altogether and choose a less expensive overnight camp program, such as a YMCA or a even a church program. These summer camps can save nearly 30% or more compared to the private camps.
In most local areas park districts offer some form of day summer camp. These are usually the most cost effective, but, day camps generally do not offer the same array of activities and benefits that an overnight summer camp provides.
Discounts and campership programs are available from most Camps. But, it does not make Camp free. Individually, camps choose how to run their discounts. So, question the camp director how their particular program runs to see if it will help your situation.
The ACA (American Camp Association) recommends: * Parents should question whether the camp participates in income-eligible subsidy programs, for instance through Title XX. * A Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account allows parents to be reimbursed on a pre-tax basis for child care or adult dependent care expenses for qualified dependents that are necessary to allow parents to work, look for work, or to attend school full time. Visit the FSA Feds Web site for more information. * In certain circumstances, day care expenses, including transportation by a care provider, may be considered dependent care services and paid with pre-tax dollars. Visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for more information. * Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit: The IRS allows an income tax credit of up to $6,000 of dependent care expenses if you have two or more dependents (up to $3,000 for one dependent). The amount of the credit is based on your adjusted yucky income and applies only to your federal taxes. This applies to qualifying day camp expenses as well. Visit the FSA Feds Web site for more information.
All camps are not the same and cost is often reflected in quality of programs. Do your homework to ensure a quality experience for your child. Camps can cut costs by useing volunteers while others have paid staff. Generally speaking camps have more control over paid staff. Also asl about counselor-to-camper ratios to determine how many campers are sleeping in each cabin with how many children. It’s best if counselors are over 18.
Be sure to question the director about the actual, right total cost of the camp. This should include not only tuition, but transportation, canteen and spending money, laundry, off-site trips, and uniforms (if required). Question the director about how much of a deposit is required and if it is refundable. When must the camp fees be paid in full? Question about what the policy is if the family’s plans change and they withdraw the child from the program before the start of camp. What if problems arise during camp and the child must come home?
Camp is all about Safety. You want to be reassured that your child will be safe and will return home at the end of camp. Be sure your camp is an accredited member of the American Camp Association. The ACA ensures that over 300 standards are met in their accreditation process.
Lastly, It is vital to try to remember the experience of being a kid. Summers are long, and the experiences at camp make a lifetime of memories. For many adults, these recollections are some of their fondest. Do what you need to to suit your needs, but don’t let this summer pass your child by without a summer camp experience
About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnightCoed Summer Camps. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 delight in nature, animals and science along with traditional camping activities. Swift specializes in programs for the first time camper as well as adventures for teens. Mention this article and save $200 Minnesota Summer Camp
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