How Much Does Summer Camp Cost?

Key Points:

• Overnight summer camps typically cost between $300 to $2,500 per week
• Length, facilities, activities, camp type, and meals all factors into tuition cost
• Save money with discounts, tuition assistance, or financial aid
• Understand what is and isn’t included in the cost of camp tuition

Thinking about sending your child to overnight camp but unsure about the cost? You’ll be surprised at how many affordable options are available. With a wide range of prices and many camps offering discounts and financial aid, finding a sleepaway that fits your budget is easier than you might think. This guide will help you understand the cost of summer camp better and and choose the right camp for your child.

What is the cost of overnight summer camp?

The majority of overnight summer camps typically range from $300 to $2,500 per week. You can occasionally find an outlier outside that range but it’s uncommon.

• Affordable (under $800 /week) – These camps are typically one-week only, with many being religious or state-funded camps with limited programming.
• Standard ($800 – $2,000 /week) – These camps offer the best balance between affordability and high-quality programming.
• High End ($2,000+ /week) – These camps are the best of the best.

What factors affect the cost of camp?

• Length – Longer sessions generally cost more, but often work out to be more cost-effective than combining shorter sessions.
• Facilities – Camps with top-notch facilities or amenities often have higher rates.
• Activities – Camps with more activities or certain specialized programs often have higher rates than those with limited options.
• Camp Type – Non-profit or faith-based camps may have lower tuition compared to specialty camps with expert instruction and advanced facilities.
• Meals – Camps with more varied and higher-quality meals may have higher tuition compared to those with more basic menus.
• Staff – A low camper-to-staff ratio or more expert staff often mean higher rates.

How camp rates are typically listed

Most camps list tuition by session length, making direct cost comparisons challenging. For example, a 4-week session might cost $4000, while a 2-week session at another camp could be $4200. Sleepawayz simplifies this by displaying all camp listings with a cost-per-week range, making cost comparisons easier.

Tips for Saving Money

Explore tuition assistance and financial aid

Take advantage of any tuition assistance or financial aid a camp may offer. Check if you qualify for full or partial assistance. Details and application processes vary by camp, so be sure to inquire directly. You can often find initial information on each camp’s website, but don’t hesitate to contact them for further details.

Check for discounts

Many camps offer various discounts to make them more affordable for families. These include early bird savings, first-timer discounts, sibling discounts, and more. Families can often save 5-15% or more, significantly reducing the overall cost.

Longer sessions are often more cost-effective

Camps often offer discounts for longer sessions. Enrolling in a longer session upfront is usually more cost-effective than combining shorter sessions later. This is especially beneficial for first-time campers who may want to extend their stay.

What is tiered tuition or sliding-scale tuition?

To make summer camp accessible to all families, some camps offer tiered or sliding-scale tuition. This system allows families to choose a tuition level based on their income, with higher-income families paying full cost (Tier 1) and lower-income families paying reduced rates (Tiers 2, 3, etc.). This makes camp more affordable for a wider range of budgets.

Extra Considerations

All-Inclusive vs additional fees

Many overnight summer camps are all-inclusive, meaning the cost of tuition covers everything (all programming, activities, meals, etc). Some camps, however, have a base tuition cost but also have optional add-ons like certain activities, special trips, or even private lessons for an additional charge.

Understand what isn’t included in tuition

Even if a camp says it’s ‘all-inclusive,’ you might still find extra costs for things like airport rides or uniforms. Camp websites usually list what’s included in tuition, but it’s always best to ask the camp directly to be sure.

• Camp Tuition Typically Includes: All meals, lodging, use of their health center, laundry, and all regular activities, trips, and programming.
• Extra Costs May Include : Transportation, camp uniforms, linens or trunk rental, unique activities (like whitewater rafting trips), and ‘camp store’ credits

Know the payment schedule

Some camps allow families to pay in installments while others expect tuition to be paid in full before a certain date. Make sure you understand your camp’s payment schedule.

The deposit often secures your child’s spot

Nearly all overnight camps require families to pay a deposit or registration fee to secure their child’s spot for the summer. Some require it at the time of enrollment while others let you pay later. Either way, pay this ASAP to avoid possible disappointment.