Summertime means fun and games — but that usually comes at a price. Between all the camps and lessons and babysitters needed to fill those summer days, costs can quickly add up.
Indeed, the average cost of a weeklong day camp is $314, according to the American Camp Association (ACA). A weeklong sleep-away camp costs an average of $768, says the ACA. For many families, this option is out of reach.
“Without the structure and supervision that school provides, [parents] can scramble for affordable, appropriate activities to engage their kids so they can go to work,” says Dr. Sharon Saline, author of “What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids in School and Life.”
This doesn’t mean you can’t find entertaining and educational ways to occupy your child over the summer, though. Here’s how to find affordable summer child care without breaking the bank.
Take advantage of parent swaps
“The best option I’ve heard is trading with friends,” says Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist, mom and family expert who has published several books on parenting. “So, for instance, four moms with kids the same age get together. Each mom takes a week’s vacation and stays home with all the kids. So each mom gets a month of coverage and only has to take a week off.”
This can be done as daylong swaps, too, or even for a few hours — whatever works for your group of parents. The key is just asking; you might be surprised by how many people will want in on arrangements like this.
“If it’s hard for you to ask for things, reach beyond your comfort zone and do it anyway,” Saline says. “Your relationship with your child and mental health will be better for these breaks.”
If you’re looking for alternative ways to keep your kids busy this summer, here are some additional Care.com resources you can use to find the perfect option for your family’s needs:
Organize family stays
Consider sending your kids to stay with their grandparents or other relatives for a few weeks. Opportunities to socialize are significant for child development and senior welfare, so if the arrangement works, it’s a win-win for the whole family.
On her website divorcedmoms.com, single mom and blogger Lee Sears calls this option “Grandpa Camp.” She says the process can take some convincing to both the grandparents and children, but in the end, it’s rewarding for all.
“First, I had to package the idea of my kids coming to visit as ‘fun,'” she writes. “Then I had to package going to their grandparents’ house as a ‘vacation.’ Somehow, when we could manage it, it all seemed to work.”
For the grandparents, they may have the added benefit of living a longer life when they help watch their grandchildren. According to the May 2017 study published in the Evolution & Human Behavior Journal, seniors who provided some care had a lower risk of death over a 20-year period.
Enrich teens with volunteer work
When kids become teens, it can be even harder to occupy them during the summer. They often feel too mature for camp or to be watched by a babysitter.
“Many consider themselves too old for many of the other options, and yet they are too young for paid employment,” says Dr. Marie Hartwell-Walker, a psychologist and marriage and family counselor who specializes in family therapy and parent education.
Having your teen take on a volunteer opportunity can keep them busy and provide a boost to their resume. They may even gain some valuable skills, as volunteering as a camp counselor provides an opportunity to build leadership and child development skills, while volunteering somewhere like a soup kitchen can boost organizational and cooking skills.
“Nonprofits are often delighted to have another set of hands to do work,” Hartwell-Walker says. “Just make sure there is enough supervision and enough to do every day to keep your child engaged.”
Habitat for Humanity is the most well-known option for teens looking to make a difference. In addition to meeting other teens, they’ll have the chance to engage with their neighborhoods and communities, learn about poor living conditions versus safe and affordable options, learn new skills and accomplish meaningful tasks that can have an immediate impact on people’s lives.
The website Teen Life lists volunteer opportunities for kids based on their location, as does Volunteer Forever, which highlights international opportunities for teens old enough to travel.
Find affordable camps
It is possible to find camps that work for a family on a limited budget. According to the ACA, 93 percent of accredited camps offer some form of scholarship or sponsorship. The key is to start your search for them early. The first step would be to check out the camp’s website, as many list their financial aid opportunities on the site. If they don’t, parents should call an organization’s director to ask about scholarships and other financial aid.
The YMCA is well-known for striving to make camp available for all income brackets.
“Confidential assistance may be provided to the extent possible to cover a portion of your child’s program registration fees,” the organization says on its website.
If your child wants to keep learning through the summer, check out College Greenlight, which lists summer camp programs, many of which have financial aid options.
Parents can also contact the Camp Experts, who work with summer camps all over the world to find the best camp for your child. The experts don’t charge parents or kids anything and work within your budget to help your family find options for summer activities.
Certain types of camps — like those offered at churches or by your local parks and recreation department — are typically more cost-effective than others. Both options usually provide a robust schedule of indoor and outdoor activities.
“Don’t be afraid to inquire about financial aid or apply to programs that are funded by city or state resources,” Saline says. “If you’re not sure what these may be, ask the guidance counselor or principal at your child’s school or other parents for suggestions.”
If your child is old enough (usually ages 13 and up), they might be able to participate in a camp counselor-in-training program. Counselor-in-training gigs typically still cost some money, but they will be cheaper than attending as a regular camper. If your child is an older teen, a job as a camp counselor is another option to get them out of the house while also giving them the chance to earn their own money — and have fun.
