LISTEN BELOW
Happy day to you, parents and guardians!
Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Let’s Talk Camp. If this is your first time listening, I’m your host and Camp Director, Stacia Archer-Clarke, from BimSmart Play Vacation Camps and Activity Clubs. Our camps cater to children ages 4-10, and we offer exciting activities throughout the year! If you want to learn more about our upcoming summer camp, which runs from July 12th to August 9th, 2024, head over to our website at bimsmartplay.com.
Today’s episode is all about 4 simple tips to help you manage your child’s camp fees. With summer vacation just five weeks away, these tips might not apply to this year's camp, depending on your budget, but you can definitely use them for next year’s planning.
Now, let me be real with you. As a mom of four, sending all my kids to camp wasn’t a financial option for me—even with discounts, it just wasn’t feasible. And that’s the reality for many parents.
Maybe you have multiple children or don’t have the extra help to care for them during the holidays, so camp becomes the only solution. But then there’s the issue of fees—how do you manage them all?
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with these 4 simple, actionable tips.
Tip 1: The Yearly Plan
Have you ever thought about camp in terms of an entire year rather than just one vacation period? If not, that’s okay—you can start now!
Let’s break it down: how many weeks of vacation does your child have in a year? Easter has 2 weeks, summer has 9 weeks, and Christmas usually gives you about 3 weeks. Altogether, that’s 14 weeks of vacation. And I’m sure you wish those weeks could transfer to your job, right? 😄
So, instead of thinking of camp one vacation at a time, plan for the whole year. This gives you a better idea of what’s ahead and how much you might need to budget.
Tip 2: Do Your Research
Take the time to research camps in your area. Prices can vary dramatically—from as low as $80 per week to as high as $450 per week.
Also, find out if the camp prices are fixed throughout the year or if they change based on themes or activities. Some camps only operate during certain periods, while others, like ours, provide camps during all vacation breaks. Knowing this can help you make an informed decision on where and when to send your child to camp.
Tip 3: Make a Decision
Now it’s time to make some decisions. Start by answering these key questions:
How many of those 14 weeks can you realistically afford to send your child to camp?
Will it be 1 week at Easter, maybe 4 weeks for summer, and a few days at Christmas?
Can you take vacation days to cover some of those weeks yourself?
Is there a trusted family member or friend who can help out on the weeks when camp isn't an option?
It’s important to put these answers down on paper so you can refer back to them when making future plans. Camps like ours provide options for all three holiday periods, which might be a good fit for your family if you need year-round coverage.
Tip 4: The Final Equation
Now that you’ve done the math, researched your options, and made decisions, it’s time to put everything together. How many weeks can you afford, and what will it cost overall?
Take the total amount and divide it by 12 months. This way, you can start saving early by setting aside a small amount each month, making the camp fees more manageable when the time comes. Yes, prices might fluctuate, but at least you won’t be scrambling for funds at the last minute.
Every little bit helps, and with thoughtful planning and budgeting, you can give your child an awesome camp experience without breaking the bank!
There you have it! We’ve covered some essential tips for managing your child’s camp fees. I hope you found these tips helpful! If you did, I’d love to hear from you—reach out to me on Instagram @bimsmartplay.
Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Let’s Talk Camp on our website, bimsmartplay.com, for more practical tips and advice on planning the best camp experience for your child.
Thanks again for tuning in, and until next time, have a great day!
Resources Mentioned
Related Blog Post/Episodes
Connect with Stacia
Check out more inspiration on her website: bimsmartplay.com
Connect with her on Instagram: @bimsmartplay
Watch this episode on her YouTube Channel: @bimsmartplay
Comments