COST
When evaluating a camp, you should ask: What is the total cost, how can I pay for camp, and will I get my money’s worth? Here are the specific “Cost” questions to know:
Why does it cost so much?
What are the tuition and fees, and what do they cover?
When evaluating a camp, you should ask: What is the total cost, how can I pay for camp, and will I get my money’s worth? Here are the specific “Cost” questions to know:
- Profit. One of the things that determines the price of a camp is whether it is “non-profit” or “for profit.” Non-profit camps may be independent, religiously affiliated, or supported by an agency, such as the YMCA or Scouts. About 75% of all overnight camps are non-profit. For-profit camps are privately owned and independently run businesses. For-profit camps are generally more expensive, but that does not mean they are better. Overnight camp can be a big expense. Of course, most parents and kids agree that it’s worth the investment. Learn about the camp’s features, character, service, and quality before you decide the price tag is too high.
- Expensive Camps. Expensive camps charge big bucks to pay for specialized equipment, extravagant facilities, professional instructors, or luxurious out-of-camp trips. We know one camp that takes children to the nearest big city once a week to see major league baseball games. It’s extravagant, but the campers love it. So, if you have the money for such a camp, and if you think your child would enjoy the program of activities, then consider enrolling. However, because price doesn’t equal quality, check out some less expensive camps as well.
- Average Cost Camps. It’s hard to say what the average cost of overnight camp is. In 1999, the average camp cost between $250 and $800 a week if it was operated by a non-profit organization, youth group, or public agency. Privately-run camps and specialty camps cost between $350 and $1200 or more per week. This is a lot of money for most families, especially those considering multi-week stays for more than one child. The money goes to pay for some things you don’t see, such as insurance, utility bills, and property tax. It also goes for things you do see, such as food, equipment, and staff. Ultimately, price does not equal quality, so it pays to shop around.
- Free Camps. Most free camps are sponsored by agencies, and they usually serve underprivileged children or children with special needs. Many are excellent. Do any organizations near you sponsor free (or nearly free) camps?
What are the tuition and fees, and what do they cover?
- Tuition and Fees. The cost of camp is usually broken down into two parts: tuition and fees. Tuition covers room, board, most activities, and most services, such as laundry. Fees cover things like the camp yearbook, some out-of-camp trips, certain activities, and special treats, such as a birthday cake (if your child’s birthday is during camp). What do tuition and fees cover at the camps you’re considering?
- Spending Money. Spending money is sometimes treated as a separate fee. To discourage kids from carrying cash, the office may set up an account for each camper. The campers then draw credit from their accounts to purchase supplies or to pay for special activities. If the camp does have spending money accounts, deposit the recommended amount. Camps know what an average camper spends. Any remaining balance will be refunded to you on closing day.
- Options. You have several options if you can’t afford the camp you like best. First, more than 55% of all camps offer full or partial scholarships to families who cannot afford the full tuition and fees. Second, you can invite grandparents and other relatives to contribute, perhaps as part of your child’s birthday present. Third, kids can help pay for camp themselves, by mowing lawns, baby-sitting, or having a paper route. Camp means something more to children who contribute to its cost. For this reason, some families who can pay full price opt to have their children contribute. Finally, many community groups and schools sponsor children to attend overnight camp. Talk to your school principal, your clergyman, municipal recreation center leaders, and presidents of community organizations like the Rotary Club. They may be happy to pay part or all of the cost of camp.
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