Inexpensive Summer Camps for Kids

Summer camps are often very costly, but some inexpensive, low-fee camps, especially day camps, do exist. Many camps offer subsidies or "camperships," so families who need reduced fees can afford to send their children to summer camp.


Education.com magazine reports that according to Ron Fairchild, executive director of the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University, "more than two-thirds of the achievement gap between high- and low-income students can be traced to how children spend their summer vacation."

  1. Girl Scout Camps

    • The Girl Scouts offer a wide variety of day and residential camps, some of which are relatively inexpensive. Subsidies are also available for Girl Scouts who want to attend summer camp.

      The Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta&'s day camps give girls a chance to spend weekdays in a creative all-girl environment. Day campers’ participate in camp activities such as swimming, crafts, nature games and outdoor skills. All campers are provided with a nutritious hot breakfast and lunch, and all-day camps offer after-hours care and an optional overnight. The weekly fee in 2010 was $150 per girl plus $25 for after care.

      A more economical option for Girl Scouts in many states is a Service Unit Camp. In 2010, these local camps cost between $25 and $90 per week for Girl Scout members. The camps run either full- or half-days, and they have themes such as "Under the Big Top," "Pioneer Days" and “The Jungle.”

      Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta
      5601 North Allen Road
      Mableton, GA 30126
      770-702-9100
      girlscouts.org

    Y Camps

    • Younger children enjoy playing together at day camp.

      Many YMCA camps have a three-tiered tuition system, representing actual cost and partially or heavily subsidized cost. Parents may choose the fee that fits their needs. Financial assistance is available through the Y’s "campership" program, so all children have an opportunity to enjoy a camp experience.

      The Y’s resident camps are not inexpensive, but with full fees less than $600 per week, they cost less than private residential camps. The Y’s Sequoia Lake camp in California offers subsidized fees for resident campers that are $75 to $125 less than full fees.

      The YMCA offers day camps as well. Southern Arizona Y’s youth day camps charged a weekly fee of $100 to $125 in 2010. Children, ages 5 to 15, could sign up to attend a full day of camp, from 7:45 a.m.. and until 6 p.m. weekdays.

      Kindercamps, for 4- and 5-year-olds, offer half-day sessions, and tuition is approximately $60 for the week.

      YMCA of the USA
      101 N. Wacker Dr.
      Chicago, IL 60606
      ymca.net/find-a-y-camp

    Church-Sponsored Camps

    • Religious organizations and churches may offer inexpensive summer camps. One example is the Episcopal Diocese&'s City Camp in Providence, Rhode Island. City Camp is a tuition-free day camp where children, ages 6 to12, enjoy swimming, crafts, field trips and games. Every day is different during the four week-long sessions Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and lunch is provided through the federal lunch program. Children are admitted to the program on a first-come, first-served basis, and the camp is "committed to providing a safe, healthy and fun environment for economically disadvantaged and at-risk children in Providence."

      The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island
      275 North Main St.
      Providence, RI 02903
      401-274-4500
      episcopalri.org

    Boys and Girls Club Camps

    • The Boys & Girls Clubs offer affordable summer day camps in many cities throughout the U.S. For example, at Bellevue, Washington&'s Boys and Girls Club, camps run from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Campers participate in weekly camps with themes such as "Passport to Summer Fun," "Wild Things" and "Ships Ahoy!" Campers also go on weekly field trips.

      Activities reflect the club’s commitment to providing “an enriching summer camp experience for every youth.” The club also offers children of working parents extended care with activities beyond the camp day. Campers must be current club members to attend camp, and the cost for each one-week session in 2010 ranged from $125 to $150 plus an additional $30 per week for extended care.

      Boys and Girls Club National Headquarters
      1275 Peachtree Street NE
      Atlanta, GA 30309
      404-487-5700
      bgca.org

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