“So, what are your kids up to this summer?”
As I sip my coffee on a pleasant spring day, I chat with a friend. Before we know it, summer vacation will be here, bringing with it the challenge of keeping our children entertained for the 55 days they’ll be home, constantly raiding the pantry and asking for snacks.
Summer vacation means sunscreen struggles, endless YouTube videos, and the backdoor slamming a few thousand times a day. And, of course, it’s the time to consider summer camps for the kids—if you can afford them, that is.
Honestly, the cost of sending my two kids to various local camps seems like it could buy a minivan. The average annual tuition for a public community college is around $3,400. No summer camp should have a price tag that rivals a year of education! Seriously, what’s going on with these summer camp prices?
When I was younger, summer camp was a much simpler affair. My mom would pull up to the township center in her green Ford, and a bunch of kids in matching T-shirts would rush in, greeted by teenage counselors. We’d spend the day making friendship bracelets, sipping watered-down Kool-Aid, and playing dodgeball. It was affordable, straightforward, and everyone had a blast.
But now, summer camps have turned into a booming industry, reportedly worth $18 billion. Yes, you read that right—$18 billion for kids’ summer experiences! Parents are clearly dedicated to giving their kids enriching summers, with over 14,000 camps available across the United States. The offerings have expanded beyond my nostalgic memories, including everything from Immersion French Language Camp to Explosives Camp (yes, that’s real).
While I appreciate the variety, I can assure you my kids can have just as much fun blowing things up in the backyard for a fraction of the cost. This summer, my children will be attending “Use Up the Old Fireworks Without Burning Down the House” Camp instead.
For working parents, summer can be a logistical nightmare. We need camps to keep our kids entertained—and off our backs—so we can maintain some semblance of a work schedule. We’re often willing to pay top dollar for camps that might be a bit quirky just to keep the kids busy. But come on, summer camps, can you calm down with those outrageous fees? I can’t be the only one cringing at the thought of spending a small fortune on a few days of camp fun, right?
Due to the prohibitive costs, I’ve had to get creative with our summer plans. While my kids will attend a scouting camp for a week, we’re skipping structured camps in favor of family activities, or even a budget-friendly tropical vacation. Honestly, it might even be cheaper!
Sure, my son might dream of going to Game of Thrones camp and my daughter would love Farm Camp in Massachusetts, but I know they will have just as much fun at “Here’s a Popsicle, Now Go Ride Your Bike” Camp and “Get Outside and Find Something to Do Before Mommy Loses It” Camp.
While I cherish my own memories of those simple township camps, I also can’t help but remember the excitement of the idea of attending Space Camp, just like in those classic ’80s movies—I’m sure it was affordable too.
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Summary
Summer camps have become increasingly expensive, often costing as much as a year of community college. While parents are eager to provide enriching experiences for their children, many are forced to explore alternative options due to these high prices. Creative solutions like family activities and less structured camps can offer just as much fun at a fraction of the cost.