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Keeping Summer Camp Costs Budget-Friendly

Most parents were well aware of the recession long before the official announcement in late 2008. Many families have taken steps to trim any “fat” from their budgets - the purse strings are simply pulled too tight to factor in a night at the go-cart track or that family trip to the Grand Canyon. Parents may not realize that even with tightening budgets, the life-changing experience of camp is still within reach.

“I’m a great believer in you don’t have to go to the most expensive camp to have a great camp experience,” said Phil Lilienthal, former camp director of Camp Winnebago and Global Camps Africa CEO. If you’re dealing with an experienced and caring staff of camp counselors, “you can have a program in a parking lot, and it can be great,” he said.

Parents looking for budget-friendly camps should keep the following in mind:

1. The ACA camp community generates $39 million annually for camp scholarships. Don’t be afraid to call the camp director and ask if financial assistance is available.

2. Check with your church or synagogue.

3. Get in touch with social services groups in your community.

4. Visit individual camp Web sites. Most clearly outline whether or not they offer financial assistance for their campers.

Courtesy of the American Camping Association.