“So, what are your kids up to this summer?”
As I sip my coffee with a friend, we bask in the warmth of the spring sun. Soon, these casual chats will be replaced by the chaos of summer vacation—55 days of keeping our kids entertained while they’re home, rummaging through the pantry and, inevitably, fighting over the TV remote.
Ah, summer vacation—the season of sunscreen battles, endless YouTube videos, and the relentless slamming of the back door. And, of course, it’s also the time to consider summer camp for the kids. If your budget allows, that is.
Honestly, I could probably buy a minivan for the price of enrolling my two kids in the local summer camp programs. The typical annual tuition for a public community college is around $3,400, so why should any camp charge more than that? Seriously, summer camps, what’s going on?
When I was a kid, summer camp was straightforward: my mom would pull up in her old station wagon, and I’d hop out with other kids, all of us wearing matching T-shirts. We’d walk into a building buzzing with teenage counselors, and the day would unfold with activities like making friendship bracelets and playing dodgeball. It was affordable and uncomplicated—everyone loved it.
Fast forward to today, and summer camps have exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. According to the American Camp Association, summer camps rake in a staggering $18 billion each year. Let that sink in—$18 billion for our kids to enjoy summer programs!
In the U.S., there are over 14,000 options for day and resident camps, ranging from no-frills to specialized experiences. Your child can choose from French Language Camps, Etiquette Camps, and even Explosives Camps (yes, that’s a real thing). I could set up a backyard science experiment for far less than $1,400—thank you very much! This summer, my kids will attend the “Let’s Use Up the Fireworks and Not Burn Down the House” camp instead.
For working parents, summer can turn into a logistical nightmare, making it nearly impossible to maintain a normal work routine. Summer camps provide a temporary solution, taking kids off our hands while we try to stay productive. We’re willing to shell out big bucks for these sometimes questionable-themed camps just so we can have a moment of peace.
But, really, summer camps, can you tone down those prices? I can’t be the only one feeling queasy when I see the money disappearing from my bank account for a few days of summer fun. Is there a sleepaway camp out there that costs just $50 for the entire summer? #askingforafriend
Because of rising costs, I’ve had to get creative with how my kids spend their summer. Sure, they’ll attend a week of scouting camp, but we’ve largely ditched the structured day camps. I’d rather invest in a family activity or even a weeklong tropical vacation—often cheaper than a summer camp!
Don’t get me wrong—my son would be thrilled about a Game of Thrones camp (also a real thing), and my daughter would love Farm Camp in Massachusetts. However, I think they’ll enjoy “Here’s a Popsicle, Now Go Ride Your Bike” Camp just as much.
While I cherish my memories of no-frills township camps, I can’t help but daydream about the more exciting options like Space Camp from the ’80s movies—at a reasonable price, of course.
In summary, summer camps should maintain a balance between fun and affordability, ideally costing no more than a year of community college tuition. As parents, we’re willing to invest in our children’s experiences, but let’s hope for more reasonable prices in the future.
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Keyphrase: Summer camp affordability
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