“What’s on the agenda for your kids this summer?”
As I sip my coffee with a friend, soaking up the pleasant spring sunshine, I can’t help but think about the impending summer break. Soon, fleeting moments like these, taken during a busy workday while the kids are still in school, will be replaced by the chaos of summer vacation.
With 55 long days ahead of us, it’s time to figure out how to keep the kids entertained as they lounge around, bored and raiding the pantry. Summer means sunscreen battles, endless YouTube sessions, and the backdoor slamming shut far too often. It’s also time to consider summer camp — if the budget allows.
Honestly, I could probably buy a minivan with what it costs to send my two children to local camp programs. The average annual tuition for public community college is around $3,400, so why should summer camps charge more than that for a few weeks of fun? Seriously, what gives?
When I was a child, summer camp was much more straightforward. My mom would pull up in her old sedan, I’d jump out with a group of friends in matching T-shirts, and we’d head inside to meet enthusiastic teenage counselors. We’d craft lanyards and friendship pins, sip watered-down Kool-Aid, and wrap up the day with a rousing game of dodgeball. It was simple, inexpensive, and oh-so-fun.
Fast forward to today, and the camp scene has transformed into a booming $18 billion industry, according to the American Camp Association. Yes, you read that right — $18 billion for kids’ summer enrichment! With over 14,000 camps in the U.S. alone, choices abound, from language immersion to etiquette training, and even explosions (seriously, that exists).
I’ll pass on the $1,400 explosives camp, thank you. My kids can have their own backyard fun for much less.
For working parents, summer can throw a wrench in a normal routine. We need summer camps to ensure our kids are occupied while we juggle work and home life. However, can we please talk about these outrageous prices? Who has an entire year’s salary saved up just for summer camp expenses?
Given the prohibitive costs, I’ve had to get creative with summer activities for my kids. While they’ll each attend a week of scouting camp, I’ve curtailed structured day camps. Instead, I’d rather put that money toward a family activity or even an all-inclusive tropical getaway, which often turns out to be more affordable.
My son dreams of attending Game of Thrones camp (yes, that’s a real thing), and my daughter would love Farm Camp in upstate Massachusetts. But I think they’ll have just as much fun at “Here’s a Popsicle, Now Go Ride Your Bike” Camp and “Get Outside and Find Something to Do Before Mommy Loses It” Camp.
While I cherish my childhood memories of township camp, I can’t help but wish my mother had surprised me with Space Camp like in the classic ’80s movie — I’m sure it was reasonably priced.
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In summary, summer camp should be an enjoyable experience, but the rising costs have made it a challenge for many families. Finding budget-friendly alternatives while ensuring kids have a memorable summer is key.