 | One Week: $25-$650+ |
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 | Eight-Ten Weeks: $200-$4,500 |
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| Summer day camps are typically geared for elementary school-age children (entering first to eighth grades in the fall), although some take kids as young as 4 years old, and a few are aimed at young teens. Day camps typically cost about half as much as overnight camps, and they can be a good option for children who aren't able to be away from home for an extended period. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Day camps operated by nonprofit organizations or community groups can cost $25 -$200 a week or $200 -$2,000 for 8-10 weeks. These fees vary based on the instruction and activities offered, the number of hours in the camp day, the ratio of campers to counselors, whether field trips are included, and whether the program is subsidized by the sponsoring group. An art day camp offered by a local community recreation center usually costs much less than one presented by an art museum, but the staffing and level of instruction can vary considerably. Many community-run day camps schedule 6 to 10 one-week sessions each summer, so a child can be registered for just one week, a few weeks in a scattered schedule, or for all 6-10 weeks. Others offer day-camp sessions with a specific emphasis for 2-4 weeks, without the option to just sign up for one week.
- Private schools or for-profit organizations as well as colleges and universities offer summer enrichment day camps that can cost $200 -$650 or more per week, or $1,600 -$4,500 for 8-10 weeks. The cost increases depending on the camp's focus, the equipment needed, the maximum number of campers, staff-camper ratios and other factors. MIT's day camp for boys and girls ages 6 to 13 offers swimming and other sports for $250 -$315 for one-week sessions and $625 for two-week programs. ID Tech Camps offers computer day camps at more than 60 universities nationwide, with typical tuition of $779 -$999 a week, usually for children ages 7 to 17 (with programs targeted at specific age groups).
What should be included: | - Depending on the size of the camp, usually a child will be assigned to a group or a specific counselor, and given an age-appropriate schedule for each day. Activities can cover a wide range depending on the camp's emphasis, and may include arts and crafts, music, dance, team sports, nature walks, field trips to local attractions, and more. A Tennessee YMCA and a private New York camp both list their day camp activities. Some day camps include lunch in the registration fee.
Additional costs: | - Many day camps operate for only part of the day (9 a.m.-2 p.m. or 10 a.m.-3 p.m.), and working parents pay additional fees for day care before and/or after camp hours. This could add another $50 -$200 or more per week. There may also be additional charges for field trips or using special equipment, so ask if everything is included in the camp registration fee. Parents might have to provide a sack lunch, or pay extra to have lunch served.
Discounts: | - Some camps reduce or eliminate fees if parents volunteer or work at the camp. Many camps give discounts for early registration or siblings (multiple campers from one family). SmartMoney.com lists ways to save money on summer camp costs.
- Another option is to join with other families to organize a do-it-yourself day camp co-op where each family hosts camp activities one day a week and splits the costs. Some camps are set up to serve underprivileged children or those with serious illnesses or other special needs, and attendance is free or low-cost for children who qualify. Check with any agencies or officials that work with these specific types of children to see if they offer a summer camp.
Shopping for summer day camps: | - Check with local community or recreation centers, parks departments, or the local YMCA, Boys and Girls Club or other nonprofit groups; many offer summer day camp programs. Ask about the camp's emphasis, and whether campers are grouped by age, activity or both. GreatSchools.org lists questions to ask when evaluating summer camps.
- Summer camp licensing requirements vary by state, and in most areas are relatively minimal, just covering health, safety and hygiene issues, not the quality of the programs. When interviewing camp directors, ask for (and check) references from parents of previous campers.
- The American Camp Association lists guidelines for choosing a day camp, and lets parents search for ACA-accredited camps
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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Article updated October 2010 |
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