Summer camp without breaking the bank

Wed., May 17, 2006

David Uffington King Features Syndicate

If you’ve checked into summer camp for your child, you might be suffering sticker shock. A camp can cost thousands of dollars per week, particularly the specialty themed camps. Length of camp is a big factor, too, as is the distance if it involves travel to get there. Don’t spend any money until you’ve done your homework.

Your child’s interests and personality play a big part in having a successful camp experience, and that’s the place to start in choosing a camp. Some might be happy with a traditional camp such as 4-H or Scouts. For some, an adventure camp (wilderness survival, kayaking, rafting) is just the ticket. For others, a day camp is all they can handle.

To explore the types of camps available, go online to: www.mysummercamps.com, 1-877-777-7738; or www.campparents.org, 1-765-342-8456.

Not all camps are expensive. There are alternatives to breaking the bank to let your child experience summer camp.

•If you have a child with medical issues, such as asthma or ADHD, there is likely a camp that specializes in dealing with children with the same illness.

• Check into camperships through Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts. Your child doesn’t necessarily need to be a member.

•The YMCA has run summer camps for 130 years. Go to www.ymca.net and click on Find YMCA Camps to locate a camp in your state. The Y day camp for kids under 8 might be the way to initiate your child into camping that doesn’t involve leaving home overnight.

•Churches often run day camps, as well as overnight camps, and you don’t always have to be a member.

• If you work for a large corporation, find out whether it runs a camp for children of employees.

• State parks and local recreation departments often run camp programs.

To look for ways to pay for camp, search online for “campership grants” and enter your state.

If you work and are putting your child in summer day camp, ask your tax preparer if all or part of the camp is deductible, since it is in lieu of a day-care expense.

When you add up the costs of camp, don’t forget to factor in any additional fees for uniforms, spending money and what it will cost you to go visit.

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