Nothing compares to the experience of summer camp! Kids learn so much and make memories that last a lifetime. With some creative preplanning, strategizing, and deal-finding, your child's camp dreams can come true this summer! Here are 5 creative ideas for how to pay for summer camp, along with five great summer camp deals from our sister site, CertifiKID!
1. Look for early bird savings
Many camps offer 'early bird' savings to families who sign up before a certain date. Sometimes those savings can be significant! Check out your favorite camps to see if they offer early bird registration savings.
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2. Apply for scholarships and payment plans
Some summer camps may offer financial assistance and scholarships, so plan ahead and apply early! Other camps, typically faith-based camps, may offer a discount to members of certain congregations.
3. Work at the camp
If you also happen to be looking for work, consider applying for a job at the camp! My local YMCA offers employees a variety of perks, from a free family membership to discounts on camps.
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4. Have the kids contribute
If your child is old enough to work some odd jobs, it's a great time to teach them about working and saving for things they want. Some kid-friendly work includes dog walking, pet sitting, mowing lawns, and babysitting. Some kids may also prefer to ask for contributions to a "camp fund" instead of toys and other gifts for their birthday.
*Our son has saved close to half of his camp costs, by doing some of the jobs above!* (Elisa P.)
5. Find a great deal on CertifiKID
Our sister site, CertifiKID, offers great deals on things to do for kids. Right now they have offers for summer camps all over the country. You're sure to find something your kids will love and get a great deal too. Here are just five of the many great deals you can find for summer camps on CertifiKID:
Find great summer camp deals on CertifiKID now!
*Some great local NW Bergen County, NJ day camps include:
1) Saddle River Day School-Summer Camp- Weekly options, Scholarships available, Academic offerings Summer Academy - Saddle River Day School
2) Fountain Ridge Day Camp- Different theme each week, Lunch included, Indoor pool! Great for ages 6-12 Get Your Child Enrolled for Fountain Ridge Summer Day Camp (fountainfitnesscenter.com)
3) YWCA-YMCAMP@Mahwah- Located on the grounds of a former Scout Camp- Bus pickup at set locations, Numerous activities, Lake swimming and so much more! Summer Camps – YWCA Northern New Jersey (ywcannj.org)
4) Curtain Up Studios- Amazing weekly theater camps for ages 6-14! Peter Pan, Into the Woods, Dear Evan Hansen and Frozen! Use the code "MacaroniKid25" for $25 off a weekly summer theater camp! Curtain Up Studios
Feel free to email me: Elisaposniack@macaronikid.com for these and many more local and specialty camp suggestions!
