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.
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 six of the many great deals you can find for summer camps on CertifiKID:
Save up to $25 on Camp Invention registration
For more than 30 years, the National Inventors Hall of Fame® has inspired millions of children through its flagship summer program: Camp Invention®. The week-long summer camp program is led by certified educators and teaches children in grades K-6 how to cultivate the mindset of an innovator.
In Summer 2022, Camp Invention campers will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM adventures designed to inspire curiosity, stretch imaginations and ensure an epic summer experience. Campers will dive into ocean research with aquatic animals, develop inventions for space exploration, build a spinning robotic artist and design a mega marble arcade!
With locations nationwide, Camp Invention is sure to have a camp that will inspire your child this summer!
Camp Invention
— View deal on CertifiKID
Use Code CI25 or CI15 to Save on Registration
$10 Off Challenger Soccer Camp
Staffed by international and domestic coaches, Challenger camps teach a fun, technical, and tactical based curriculum, inspired by the world’s leading soccer nations. Challenger International Soccer Camps is featuring an exciting new curriculum for 2022 and once again they will be creating a multi-faceted on and off-field summer camp experience at over 2,000 soccer camps in every state nationwide for players ages 2-18. Use Promo Code "KID2022" to receive $10 off your camp session PLUS a free soccer ball and t-shirt and more! BONUS! Register 30 days prior to camp and score a bonus international Jersey!
$10 Off Challenger Soccer Camp
— View deal on CertifiKID
Ages 3-16
Additional $10 Off Breakthrough Basketball Camp
Score big in 2022 - at a Breakthrough Basketball Camp! With 300 basketball camps nationwide, Breakthrough Basketball coaches firmly believe that they have a very important responsibility and an amazing opportunity to have a positive impact on their players' lives. HURRY! LIMITED TIME OFFER: Use Promo Code CERTIFIKID and receive an additional $10 off Spring & Summer Breakthrough Basketball camps nationwide!
Additional $10 Off Breakthrough Basketball Camp
— View deal on CertifiKID
Grades K-12
Camp Chateaugay Sleepaway Camp
This sleepaway camp, located on Chateaugay Lake in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, offers an incredible collection of unique activities and modern, yet rustic facilities, all in a beautiful natural setting. The warm, welcoming atmosphere makes this a perfect option for the first-time sleepaway camper. Your child, age 7-15, will enjoy the ultimate summer camp experience — a traditional camp setting with camp-wide traditions and celebrations, lakefront access to a variety of water sports, a heated pool, riding facilities, sports fields, a 12,000 sq. ft. indoor gym, dance studio, arts center, and so much more!
Camp Chateaugay Sleepaway Camp
— View deal on CertifiKID
Ages 7-17
Camp Stonewall Sleepaway Camp
What if this summer was a return to closeness? One where every day, and every night, was magical. Where your child could rediscover who they are. A place where they could be part of something bigger than themselves. Welcome to Camp Stonewall! Camp Stonewall is a co-ed sleepaway camp nestled on the Marianapolis Prep School campus in Thompson, Connecticut. Serving campers entering grades 2-10, they offer 45+ daily activities in sports, arts and crafts, music, dance, culinary and theatre. The Camp Stonewall community values and promotes independence, flexibility, and character among all campers and staff.
Camp Stonewall Sleepaway Camp
— View deal on CertifiKID
Grades 2-10
$20 for $40 Worth of Personalized Laminated Camp Labels
Get your kids ready for camp with Kiddo Tags™ personalized, laminated custom name labels that stick to just about everything! These nifty little labels are waterproof, weatherproof, and even durable enough to go through the washing machine and dishwasher without budging or smearing—guaranteed! They are perfect for summer camp, school, and daycare.
$20 for $40 Worth of Personalized Laminated Camp Labels
— View deal on CertifiKID
