By Petra-Ann Brown, Brown Financial Solutions
Summer is right around the corner, and for many parents, that means it’s time to start planning for camp season. Whether you’re exploring day camps, overnight camps, or specialty camps like sports, arts, or nature programs, one thing is clear camp isn’t cheap.
If you’re in a dual-working household like mine, you probably need care for most of the summer (minus any vacation time), that that adds up quickly. With rising costs and limited availability, it’s more important than ever to be financially prepared for summer camp.
Why Camp Planning Matters
Camps offer our kids so much:
- A safe place while we’re at work
- The chance to learn new skills
- Time to build friendships and independence
- Exposure to new activities, creativity, and enrichment
But not all camps are created equal.
When my oldest son was five, I enrolled him in a local town-run camp. I figured it was affordable, nearby, and would keep him busy for a couple of weeks. But after just a few days, he came home frustrated.
He told me the counselors, mostly high school students, were constantly yelling, and the whole day was spent on the playground with no structure or creativity. At first, I thought he might be exaggerating, but I reached out to another mom in our PTO group, and her son had the same complaints.
Luckily, I had only registered for two weeks. We didn’t go back the following year. That experience reminded me: you don’t have to commit to one camp all summer. If it’s not working, explore different options. A blend of programs can offer a richer, more engaging experience, for both your child and your wallet.
My Camp Strategy: Budget + Variety
With two kids in my household, I’ve learned to mix up summer programming. Some weeks, they do sports camp or STEM programs, other times it’s nature camp, and the traditional day camp.
On average, I budget $2,000 – $3,000 each summer for camp. And yes, I treat it just like any other critical expense in my budget. Here’s how I plan for it:
Step-by-Step: How I Budget for Camp
- Estimate the Total Cost: I Start by estimating $3,000 as my camp goal.
- Divide by 12: I divide that total by 12 months, which comes to $250/month.
- Create a Camp Line Item: I add “Camp” as a recurring line item in my monthly budget and fund it every single month, whether it’s summer or not.
- Keep the Fund Going: Even after I’ve paid for camp, I continue contributing to the fund for the next year. That way, I’m always ahead.
Tip: you can also break it down weekly, $3,000 ÷ 52 weeks = about $58/week.
Other Ways to Reduce Camp Costs
If you have family support, you might be able to reduce or replace some weeks of camp altogether. Maybe your kids can spend time with grandparents, and auntie, or even visit relatives in another part of the country. This not only saves money, but it also offers your children valuable bonding time and cultural experience.
But what if camp is your only option, and the cost feels overwhelming?
Resources That Can Help:
- Local camps often offer financial aid – be sure to ask about it early.
- YMCA and nonprofits camps sometimes operate on a sliding scale based on income.
- Ask your child’s school counselor or your local library – they often know about free or subsidized programs you may qualify for.
- Community-based organizations and faith-based programs may also provide funding or scholarships for summer enrichment.
Use the resources available to you. That’s exactly what they’re for.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Stress Less
We all want our kids to have a fun, enriching summer, but that shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind or your budget.
The key is planning early, staying flexible, and remembering that there’s not one-size-fits-all summer.
So, whether you’re missing camps, relying on family, or applying for financial aid, you are doing your best. That’s what matters most.
Start planning now, and summer will feel a lot less stressful later.
Have you started budgeting for camp yet?
Let me know your tips, wins, or struggles in the comments!
