Save Money on Teen Summer Camps

How would you like your child to remember the summer of 2011? While any loving parent would choose the latter set of options, it is impossible to shield your kids from the effects of a long term financial meltdown. Make sure your kids have a good time, acquire new skills, and make lots of friends, while you save the money that would otherwise have been spent on an expensive family vacation. Most of the good summer camps are not exactly cheap, but there are ways in which you can cut down on the costs.

Summer camp savers

• Register early. Most camps offer early bird discounts if you sign up a few months in advance. Make definite vacation plans and save money.

• Get other kids on board. Again most camps offer discounts to siblings and have a Refer – a – Friend scheme where you get a discount. Camp is more fun when you have a few familiar faces around.

• You also get a discount if you sign up for additional weeks.

Summer camp vs. summer vacation

• Summer vacations are pretty expensive when you factor in airfares, car rental, hotel rates, food, souvenirs, and the list just goes on. Camps, even the expensive ones, will burn a smaller hole in your pocket than the cheapest vacation you can think of.

• Besides, vacations are mostly about sightseeing and shopping and doing all the usual touristy things. Camp, on the other hand, is fun, educational and builds your child’s self-confidence.

• Another indirect benefit of sending the kids to camp rather than take a family vacation is that you and your wife can plan a peaceful staycation to restore your sanity without breaking the bank.

Most kids have a great time at summer camp, provided you choose carefully. Here are some yardsticks suggested by experienced parents.

•The smaller camper – to -counselor ratio the better. An average of 6:1 works best if you’re looking for personalized instruction.

•Check out the counselors’ academic credentials and teaching experience. Get feedback from kids who’ve been to that camp.

•Is it a reputable camp? What are their safety practices? What kind of skills will he pick up there? Do they adhere to American Camp Association guidelines?

For the best value for your money, ask around and get answers to these questions. Make the most out your summer camp investment for kids.

Teen summer camps are expensive but by following some guidelines on how to save money on summer camps USA, you can make this summer memorable to your child with this investment.