Apr 2010
2
Summer camp provides many opportunities for kids during their time off. It also offers an alternative to day care for many parents. Not only are summer camps a
Affording the extras can be tough these days. Many families can only dream of being able to afford some of the costly specialty camps, especially given the current state of the economy. Summer camp may be a dream for many kids while for others it may be something that has become a tradition. Being able to afford the cost of anything from one year to the next is not always a given. The good news is that there are ways to save on the cost of summer camp for kids. Many of these options are quick, easy and sure to save a few dollars.
Ask for a payment plan. Many camps cannot negotiate on the cost of campership, but they may be able to offer payment plans. Planning ahead can allow you the time to save and start making payment arrangement for the upcoming years' camp fees. When you pick your child up at the end of camp arrange a meeting to discuss installments for the following year.
Talk with your insurance company about discounts. Believe it or not many camps, especially those that are specifically focused on health, nutrition or exercise may be eligible for some type of insurance discount because of the nature of the service they provide. Just as insurance companies offer discounts on gym memberships, smoking cessation programs or wellness classes, they may do the same for children’s' camps geared toward health or wellness. If they do not specifically provide a discount, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
Sibling discounts may apply. Sometimes having more than one child that attends camp may result in savings. Shop around for summer camps that offer a two for one deal. These deals may even apply for groups, rather than just siblings. Talk to other parents or use the school portal to communicate with other parents about summer camp options. Forming a group of campers may just get everyone a discount on the total cost.
Tax deductions for child care costs also apply to camps. Using camp costs as a tax write off is a legitimate day care expense for children under a certain age. Make sure that you include this cost on your year end tax forms.
Financial aid is available for campers that qualify. Some camps offer financial assistance for those families that are under a certain income bracket. Research certain camps and ask if they have financial aid or a sliding scale fee for campership costs.
Employer benefits may include discounts on summer camp fees. Flexible spending plans offered by some employers consider summer camp an allowable reimbursement. Employee discounts or deals offer through employer affiliations may be available. Check with your Human Resource department for employee benefits that may be under advertised in your workplace.
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