Tips for saving money on summer camp

The end of the school year is coming faster than most parents would like to think.
So what do you have planned for the kids this summer?
And what can you afford?

Don't get soaked by the price of summer camp.
Here is some advice on saving for summer camp:
LESS IS MORE: Day camps usually cost considerably less than overnight camps. Check whether the camp offers shorter, cheaper sessions, too. Fees vary widely, but day camps can cost around $275 a week, while sleep-away can cost about $780, according to the American Camp Association.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER AID: Ask about scholarships. Members of the American Camp Association gave away $39 million in scholarships last year. Ninety percent of camps also offer some form of financial aid.
NEGOTIATE: If you can’t get any formal aid, it won’t hurt to try and negotiate. For instance, ask if you can get a sibling discount if you’re sending more than one child to the camp.
BROWN BAG IT: If the camp offers a meal program, save by packing your child’s lunch. In this economic climate, your child probably won’t be the only one.
TAX FREE: Check if your employer offers flexible spending accounts for dependent care. You can use this option if you’re sending your kid to day camp.
THINK AHEAD: It’s probably too late for early enrollment this summer, but secure discounted rates by signing up your kids for next year.
Getting started
There are more than 12,000 sleep-away and day camps in the country, according to the he American Camp Association, meaning there’s one likely to suit any budget.
In some cases, nonprofit camps such as the Boys & Girls Club might waive fees for families who can’t afford to pay. Churches, synagogues and social service groups also offer low-cost or free options.
One way to begin your search is through CampParents.org, an ACA-run site that lets families search for camps by region, price and key words like “soccer” or “language studies.”
The site also lets users narrow options to camps that accommodate special needs such as autism, diabetes or attention deficit disorder.

1. What are your thoughts on summer camps?
2. Are they worth the money in this economy?
3. What are some alternatives to summer camp that you can think of?