Inflation Proof Your Summer: How to Save on Camp Despite Rising Prices

Some people are experiencing financial burn as summer approaches because of inflation, which is driving up costs for everything from food to petrol. Parents who are going through sticker shock from summer camp are the most recent casualties.

A well-liked TikTok video by a mother of two from New Jersey, Jamie Aderski, brought attention to issues facing parents who are attempting to register and pay for their kids' camp experiences.

According to Aderski, expenses at her local leisure facilities have increased by at least 10% every summer for the previous few years, to the point that they are now excessively costly. Sometimes, positions are reserved as early as January.

Experts claim that the epidemic is the cause of the increase in summer camp costs. The average cost of a day camp, according to the American Camp Association, is around $87 per day, however this can vary throughout the country. According to Rosenberg, camp expenses are decided upon a year in advance.

How Much Does a Summer Camp Cost

Summer Day Camp Costs and Expectations:

• The average daily fee for day camps is $178.49, with notable increases in recent years attributed to cost inflation.
• Day camps are popular and accessible options for families, offering activities like swimming and outdoor adventures. Camp prices vary based on factors such as location, meal options, transportation, and additional services like before or aftercare and day trips.

Sleep-Away Camp Expenses and Insights:

• The average daily fee for overnight camps is $448.53, reflecting a higher cost due to the immersive experience provided.
• Sleep-away camps typically offer all-inclusive packages covering meals, accommodations, and activities, with additional expenses for transportation and optional activities like horseback riding.
• Researching camp prices and options is crucial for finding the right fit for families, with examples provided for reference, such as Camp Weequahic and Lake Bryn Mawr Camp.

Specialty Summer Camp Costs and Features:

• Specialty camps focus on specific interests or activities like STEM, sports, or performing arts, with prices starting at around $270 per week.
• These camps offer immersive experiences tailored to particular interests and may be offered in one to three-week sessions.
• Traditional day camps provide a broad range of activities, making them suitable for younger children exploring various interests.

How to Offset on Summer Camp Costs

Parents seeking to enroll their kids in summer camps can take various steps to offset costs, according to Rosenberg. These include:

• Inquiring about financial aid options, as many camps offer assistance and flexible payment plans.
• Exploring scholarship opportunities through civic organizations to help cover camp expenses.
• Investigating the child and dependent care tax credit, which could potentially offset up to $3,000 of summer camp costs per child.

Additionally, Aderski shared her plan to enroll her son in a science camp, opting for half-day sessions spread throughout the summer. She emphasized the importance of providing enriching experiences for children and expressed a desire for more inclusive camp options accessible to all families.