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These Summer Camp Solutions Can Keep Your Kids Busy On The Cheap

By Housing Nonprofit

HUD Certified Housing Counselors

You don’t have to go broke or crazy trying to keep your kids occupied this summer.

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    All you have to do is discover these affordable summer camp solutions that’ll do the trick without breaking the bank.

    What’s the best move you can make this summer? If you have kids, it’s putting them in summer camp. Not only does this keep their brains and bodies busy, but it also gives you some much-needed time to relax, study, work, or regroup after these trying times.

    What’s the problem with summer camp? According to statistics, it’s the cost of camp. The American Camp Association says that the average tuition for day camp can be up to $800 per week. Resident camp, where your kids stay overnight, is even more expensive at up to $2,000 per week.

    Those numbers are tough to afford, even if you make a solid income. If you don’t, however, you may be wondering how you’ll ever afford summer camp. Well, there’s no need to fret, as we’ve come up with a lengthy list of affordable summer camp options that should suit your needs.

    Affordable Summer Camp Ideas for Low-Income Families

    Apple Store

    Yes, believe it or not, there are Apple Store Camps held across the country. And unlike all of the products in the Apple Store, these camps won’t cost you an arm and a leg, as they’re free.

    Apple Store Camps are held in short sessions, so they’re not a long-term solution. But if you’re looking for ways to fill your kids’ schedules this summer without wasting money, they should do the trick.

    As a bonus, if you want your children to start growing interest in a field, these camps can help by immersing them in coding, movies, music, art, design, etc.

    The Local YMCA

    If your kids use the local YMCA to exercise, play basketball, swim, etc., you probably know that they offer summer camps. If not, now you know.

    To make these camps affordable, the YMCA sometimes uses an income-based scale to fit almost any budget.

    Salvation Army

    Here’s a resource that many parents probably don’t know about, but should. With Salvation Army Summer Camps for Kids, your children can enjoy plenty of activities without negatively impacting your finances.

    Religious Centers

    You don’t have to be an active member at your local church, synagogue, etc., to enroll your children into their summer camps. And your children won’t necessarily be subject to faith-related activities if they attend such camps either.

    Since religious center camps are often free or very affordable, you should contact ones in your area if you’re still searching for something to fill your kids’ summertime itinerary.

    Parks and Recreation Camps

    As soon as you finish reading this article, search online for your city’s parks and recreation department. Give them a call and ask if they have any summer camps available. If so, you can look forward to free or low-cost camps that should keep your kids busy until school starts up once again.