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 |  | One or Two Weeks: $300-$2,000 |  | Four Weeks: $1,000-$5,500 |  | Seven or Eight Weeks: $2,000-$10,000 |
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Also called sleepover or resident camps, overnight summer camps can be general (hiking, swimming and other outdoor activities) or geared for special interests or needs. Most children who attend summer camp do so for 2-8 weeks, although special interest camps may be 1-3 weeks and some camps offer a 1- or 2-week trial session for younger or first-time campers.
Typical costs: | - A general-interest camp run by nonprofit, religious or community organizations such as the YMCA can be $1,000-$3,000 for a four-week stay or $2,000-$5,000 for eight weeks. Some of these camps offer one- to two-week sessions for $300-$2,000. Costs vary considerably depending on the size and location of the camp, the staff-camper ratio and the types of activities available. Some camps provide financial assistance.
- For example, the YMCA of Greater New York lets parents pick their fee level[1] from $649-$849 for one week or $1,179-$1,579 for two weeks, depending on family finances; programs are divided by age groups[2] of 6 to 7, 8 to 11, 12, and 13 to 15 years old.
- Private camps typically charge about $3,000 -$5,500 for a four-week session or $7,000-$10,000 for seven to eight weeks, depending on the size of the camp, type of activities, quality of amenities (food, equipment) and staff-camper ratios. Specialty camps usually cost more than general-interest camps. High-end camps might have a professional chef on staff, or provide speed boats for water skiing.
- For example, Camp Huawni[3] , a privately owned, non-denominational Christian summer camp in Texas for boys and girls ages 7-16 (with separate facilities for boys and girls and a camper-staff ratio of 3 to 1), charges $1,278 for a one-week session, $2,458 for two weeks or $7,472 for the full summer (42 days).
Related articles: Summer Day Camp, Child Care and Day Care
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What should be included: | - Camps usually vary in size from 100-400 campers. Overnight camps are typically designated as co-ed, all boys, all girls or brother/sister camps which have separate facilities for boys and girls. Specialty camps offer programs on a specific theme, such as academics, the arts, computers or a specific sport, usually for a specific age group. The American Camp Association explains how to decide if a child is ready for overnight camp[4] .
- Housing for campers can vary from actual tents, to tent-cabins with wooden floors and canvas sides and roof, to a full cabin with bathroom facilities. Each camp will provide parents with a list of clothing and other supplies that campers should bring. The Boy Scouts provide a typical packing list[5] for residential summer camp.
Additional costs: | - Some camps charge extra for uniforms, transportation to and from camp, field trips or special equipment. For example, the YMCA of Greater New York[6] provides optional half-day water skiing lessons for $170 a week or half-day riding and horse-care lessons for $195 weekly.
Discounts: | - Most camps offer discounts for early registration or multiple children from one family, and in some circumstances the government may provide financial help. The American Camp Association lists camp costs assistance options[7] .
- Some camps serve underprivileged children or those with serious illnesses or other special needs, and attendance is free or low-cost for children who qualify.
Shopping for overnight summer camp: | - Visit the camp and interview the director in person; if that's not possible, do a phone interview. Ask about the director's background, the age and qualifications of the counselors, and whether the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association[8] or the National Camp Association[9] . Request references from parents of former campers.
- The American Camp Association lists questions to ask[10] a camp director and the National Camp Association provides a guide for choosing a summer camp[11] .
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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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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: 3JRZGRL in Tabernacle, NJ. | Posted: May 27th, 2014 05:05PM |
| Age Group: Entering 4th grade - 12th | Length of Camp: per week |
| Type: Christian Camp NJ |
This is classic summer camp - Nothing fancy, glitzy or high tech - rustic really, and the kids have the time of their lives. Fun, applicable biblical teaching, free time at the lake in boats and canoes, community dining, and dorm / cabin living. Free time activities include fishing, swimming, soccer, volleyball, crafts, and awesome night games. Chapel twice daily and teh kids LIKE to go. Awesome contemporary worship. Unplug your kids for a week or 2 in the summer and check out Delanco Camp. |
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External Resources: | - www.newyorkymcacamp.org/sleepaway/datesandrates.php
- www.newyorkymcacamp.org/sleepaway/programs.php#6
- www.camphuawni.com/parents
- www.campparents.org/righttime
- www.usscouts.org/scoutmaster/camplist.asp
- www.newyorkymcacamp.org/sleepaway/datesandrates.php
- www.campparents.org/affording-camp
- www.campparents.org/funsafety
- www.summercamp.org/guidance/
- www.campparents.org/campvisits
- www.summercamp.org/guidance/pamphlet.html
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