Still looking for affordable summer camps? Start with these 10 programs

From reading programs to cooking classes, these awesome summer programs for kids come with fun and educational experiences and a friendly price tag.

Key Takeaways

• Affordable summer programs can help keep kids engaged and learning while easing financial stress for families.
• Options like YMCA camps, local parks and recreation programs, and library activities offer budget-friendly ways to entertain kids.
• Scholarships, sliding scale fees, and financial assistance are available for many programs to make them accessible to all families.

When school is out for the summer, parents may be on the hunt for low-cost summer activities for their kids (and let’s be honest, odds are you started your hunt months ago!). Fortunately, there are many local and nationwide options to keep your children entertained and learning all summer long, with many different options to cater to a wide variety of interests.

If they love STEM, there are tech programs. If they love to cook, you can easily find culinary classes. And, if they’re a drama kid, acting camps are fairly easy to find, too.

But the tough truth is that many summer camps and programs come with a hefty bill. Thankfully, there are summer programs for kids that can be more affordable for families on a budget. And it may not be too late to register.

1. The Y Summer Camps

The Y (aka the YMCA) offers over 1,400 day camps nationwide. In 2020, they served 364,910 kids and teens. And since the YMCA has a lot of camps in a lot of places, it is a great place for parents looking for budget-friendly summer camps. Prices vary depending on location and are often open to all, with options to adjust fees based on income levels. They also offer scholarships and financial assistance to families in need. Check out the YMCA’s search tool to find a camp near you.

2. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts costs about $65/year for membership, while Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts) costs $85/year. There are also additional (usually affordable) fees for activities that range from day camps to overnight camps to family camps. You can find a Girl Scout Camp near you or a Boy Scout troop near you online. Camps, programs, and activity fees vary by local council and are often open to all, with options to adjust fees based on income levels. Financial assistance is also available.

3. Your Local Parks and Rec Department

Check out your local parks and recreation department. They often have many affordable summer programs for kids. These might take place at schools, local parks, and other public facilities. From sports programs and swimming to summer camps, parks and rec departments usually have a wide range of offerings for kids of all ages.

4. Montessori Unlimited Summer Programs

Montessori Unlimited, one of the largest networks of Montessori schools in the US, offers educational summer programs for kids. These programs combine physical and emotional development with exciting endeavors involving art, music, science, culture, and more. Prices vary and may be higher for younger kids, but you can check out the Montessori Unlimited website for your local options.

5. Sylvan Academic Camps

Sylvan Learning Centers have a variety of programs to keep your kiddos intellectually stimulated and bolster their academics through the summer months. A few examples:

• Study Skills (Grades 4–12)
• Fit4Algebra camp (Grades 6–9)
• Writing camp (Grades 4–9)

Camps focus on academics, study skills, and college readiness. Prices vary, and some locations require you to call for the exact pricing.

6. The Salvation Army Summer Camps

Salvation Army offers summer programs for kids from low-income families at locations all over the country. Campers enjoy activities like swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, and making art. Plus, trained counselors help them navigate any complicated emotions and struggles. Search on the Salvation Army website for summer camp locations near you. These camps accept state-provided child care subsidies and offer scholarships.

7. Local Library Programs

Check out your local library for day camps and programs that run all summer long.

8. Your Local College or University

Some colleges and universities offer summer camps and educational programs for kids. The camps provide a great way for enrolled students to earn credit or volunteer hours while offering valuable services to the community.

9. Museum Camps

Whether you live in a major metropolitan area or not, there’s a good chance you are near a museum. And many museums offer affordable summer camps—for members and non-members alike. The Museum of the Moving Image in New York City, for example, invites kids to create original films, animated shorts, and games. Many zoos and aquariums also have programs. Visit your local museum website for more information.

10. Virtual Summer Camps

They may not be right for everyone, but virtual summer programs for kids can offer more financial flexibility and access. Plus, you can register your child for almost any type of camp they have an interest in, from magic camp to art camp to STEM and dinosaur adventure camps.

Read the original article on Parents