Thrifty Thursday: Tips for Saving Money on Summer Camps

Summer camps are loads of fun for kids and teens. But they can get pricey. If summer camp is going to be too expensive for your budget or if you would just like to save a little on it, try these tips:

• Volunteer to help. Often, summer camps need volunteers so much that they offer a discount for the children of those who take a position for the week of camp.
• Ask about scholarships or grants for the camp. Many of the university camps offer scholarships to attend. Grants called 'camperships' are awarded at Scout camps. Ask what money is available before you sign your teens up. Also, ask if the camp participates in income-eligible subsidy programs.
• Shop around. Many expensive camps offer the same activities as church camps, which cost half as much.
• Choose a camp that offers practical help for your child to save money. Does your child need to learn to swim? Do you want him to appreciate science more and get better grades? You can save money in the long run if you choose a camp that teaches something to your teen. This will keep you from purchasing more help later - like paying for swim lessons or high school tutors.

Related Resources:

• 12 Weeks of Fun Summer Activities for Your Teen to Do This Summer
• Summer and Day Camp Ideas Planner
• Keep Your Teen from Getting Bored this Summer by Organizing Their Time
• 101 Fun Things for Teens to Do This Summer

Follow the About.com Parenting & Family's Thrifty Thursday:

• Use a Menu Planner to Save on Groceries
• Saving Money in Pregnancy
• Finding Money for College
• Free Audio Books
• Inexpensive Ways to Say Thank You at the End of the School Year
• Singing Science Records
• Summer on a Budget
• Creative Adoption Fundraising Efforts

Quick Links: Over 100 Saving Money Tips | Quiz: Is your teen money smart?

Follow Parenting Teens on Twitter
Become a Fan of Parenting Teens on FaceBook