by Heather Tomasello

Created on: June 20, 2009

Many families would like to send their children to summer camp yet wonder, Can we afford it? From residential camps with hiking, water skiing, and archery, to day camps where kids can create their own computer games or go behind-the-scenes at the zoo, here are options to fit even the tightest budget.

Residential Camps (Cost: $500+)

When most people think of summer camp, images of bunk beds, meals in the mess hall, and songs and s'mores around a campfire come to mind. Residential camp options abound, and may be more affordable than you'd think. Tony Oyenarte, director of Camp Crystal Lake in Starke, FL, points out that over 75% of the camps around the United States offer financial assistance. His camp, for example, sponsors over 65 children each summer. Oyenarte is the president of the southeast region of the American Camp Association, a group which accredits camp programs to ensure that children are provided with a diversity of educational and developmentally challenging learning opportunities.

In his twelfth year as camp director, Oyenarte says, The goal is to have as many kids experience the fun of summer camp as possible!

The ACA has other tips for parents when considering affordable residential summer camp programs:

The ACA camp community generates $39 million annually for camp scholarships. Don't be afraid to call the camp director and ask if financial assistance is available. Check with your church/synagogue or social services groups in your community to see if they offer financial assistance. Visit individual camp Web sites. Most clearly outline whether or not they offer financial assistance for their campers.

Day Camps (Cost: $185+)

Day camps provide another fun and affordable way to keep children interested and busy during the summer. Check out community attractions such as the zoo or science museums for day camp options.

Anthony Pelaez, Director of Education at the Tampa Museum of Science and Industry says he's very excited about this summer's offerings. He feels MOSI has something for everyone, including half-day camps for preschooler, day camps, a special two-week camp for gifted and talented students, and even a week-long residential camp for older students, ages 11-17, which focuses on movie-making and computer gaming.

As a member of the community we are very aware that many families are hurting financially. We not only chose not to raise our prices this summer from last summer, we've also added more discounts, Pelaez says. For example, members of the museum recieve a discount and families with multiple siblings do as well. Check out the zoo or science centers in your community and don't be afraid to ask for these kinds of discounts.

Whether you pack your teenager's bag for a week or two of camp away from home, or drive your kindergartener to a science center or the zoo for a week of playing with computers or kangaroos, here's wishing them a summer camp experience filled with learning new things and making new friends!

Resources on the Web

American Camp Association: www.ACAcamps.org

Camp Crystal Lake in Starke, FL: www.campcrystal.com

MOSI Summer Camps: www.campfun.org

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