Winter's grip has lightened. Spring school break has already passed. Every kid scratches and itches to finish this year's schooling and be released into the summer! But, for parents 2007 summer camp realities are already here.
Choices Galore. Besides sifting through the menu of summer camp program possibilities ... from outdoor summer camps with wilderness focus such as Outward Bound or National Outdoor Leadership ... to team sports camps like summer tennis camps, lacrosse summer camps summer golf camps summer cheerleading camps and more ... to arts and academic programs including summer acting camps, summer dance camps, summer art camp ... to special need summer camp programs including ADHD summer camps and even weight loss summer camps combining healthy living and moderate exercise.
Paying The Tab - Cost Saving Tip #1. "Early bird gets the worm" may be the operative cliché to describe what parents need to do, which is pick your summer camp program as early in the year ... or even register in the previous year if possible. What do you get? Not guaranteed, but most camps reward early registrants with significant contract discounts of up to 15% or more. Why the discount? It's all about business, money, knowing their future summer camp program revenue stream, so that their summer camp counselor jobs levels can be determined and the right kids selected.
Picking your summer camp program early may also "save money" not because you'll get a discount, but that you'll save real money and a lot of headaches if you fail to get your child a camp spot, and then have to scramble ... you could end up literally spinning your wheels and paying 50% more in some make-do situation.
Cost Saving Tip #2 - Think Locally For Great Programs And Lower Overall Costs. The greatest cost factor "variable" may be travel and transportation costs. Living in Maryland and then sending Johnny to Montana's Glacier Park wilderness may sound cool ... but you're looking at serious money. Yes, you want the "experience of a life time" for Johnny ... but money doesn't grow on trees so if you decide on a distance camp ... then you must hustle onto the Internet travel sites and buy your ticket as early as possible, before the "prime time" season rates lock in.
Simple solution? In virtually every State and region ... across America and Canada ... families can select from a wide range of cool, exciting, challenging summer camp programs, all within 1-day's drive distance.
Ask For Scholarship Aid - Cost Saving Tip #3. If you have modest means ... if you're a single parent ... if both parents work full time and can't afford either time off or extra money, then you need to ask your target camp whether they'll accept your child at a discounted price! The key here is to "offer" something in exchange for a lower price. All summer camps' owner-managers try to lower costs while eking out an income over the short summer months period. Be direct. Ask whether your child can join the camp, but ... also work for the camp. Cleaning up, preparing food, chopping or carrying wood, doing laundry, drying dishes, whatever. It's all about creating a value-exchange that means something for your family and the residential summer camp.
Controlling "Sundries" Expenses - Cost Saving Tip #4. Day trips ... canteen snacks costs ... rentals ... any of the normal "temptations" on hand could represent a significant "hidden cost" that parents need to investigate.
Refunds And Sick Child Early Departures - Cost Saving Tip #5. Reputable camps will have clear standards for assisting families who pay "early deposits" then have a change of mind. Make sure that any deposit moneys will be refunded in whole or in part before you make payments. Also, families may save significant money, in the event that your child become ill while at camp, by ensuring that the camp refund policy covers sickness early departure without penalties.
Creating Lifestyle Changes That Work. Explore the practical side of 2007 summer camps ... costs ... family strategies ... plus the many exciting and challenging summer camp program choices opening up around the country and world.
Summer Camps for Teens: http://www.wise4living.com/kidcamp/ Or Sports Summer Camps: http://www.wise4living.com/kidsport/
Author Robin Derry is publisher for http://www.wise4living.com/ a specialty knowledge site that gives insights and solutions for families committed to summer camps, body health, home and gardening projects, unique gift designs, HDTV and home entertainment systems, technology gifts, household, sport, travel, footwear, education, and family legal needs.
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