More bang for a bunk: Picking a summer camp

There are also some essential statistics that determine whether the camp is a strong one. The most important is the camp director’ average tenure. If it’s five years or less, that’s not so good but if that average is more like 10 or 15 years, take it as a sign that the organization is strong. Also look at the retention rate of campers. If 75 percent of campers return, that's exceptional, but if less than half of them return, that’s worrisome.

Check the staff-to-camper ratio. At minimum there should be a ratio of one-to-10 for ages 9 to 14 at a day camp, and one-to-8 at a resident camp. These ratios don't apply for special-needs campers, who may need one-on-one attention. Also, ask how the counselors are recruited. If a high percentage of counselors were once campers there, it's a good indication that leadership skills are a key part of the camp’s philosophy.

Look for financial breaks. The prime time to look is during the fall and winter since many camps offer "early bird" registration discounts. But realize that many camps have some sessions that are harder to fill. "The June and July sessions fill up faster, but sessions around the Fourth of July and in August are typically lighter in enrollment so some camps offer ‘late’ discounts," said Jeffrey Solomon, executive director of the National Camp Association.

Some camps also offer a discounted tuition rate if you have more than one child registering, you have a younger child who may be a future camper, or if you refer other families. Because many camps are in need of medically trained personnel, they are likely to lower the tuition if you can volunteer medical expertise for a session.

Ask if the camp has "camperships", need-based scholarships offered by some private camps. Not all camps advertise that they have this kind of program. Don't assume you make too much to qualify, and if you do decide to apply for a campership, do it early. Many camps also accept credit card payments and will work with parents to put together plans that spread out payments over the summer or even the entire year.

Negotiating tuition with the camp isn’t a good idea. "If a camp is willing to negotiate, that may indicate it’s having enrollment difficulties," said Solomon. "Since they set their tuition based on how much revenue they generate during the season, I’d be concerned if they were willing to negotiate extra discounts."

If you’re sending your child to day camp, you may be able to take a tax deduction since the camp could qualify as childcare. Ask an accountant if you qualify.

Find out about fees and refunds. Know what’s included in the tuition. Some camps charge fees for special programs such as horseback riding, day trips or special transportation. For overnight camps, ask about the cost of laundry services and whether you need any special equipment. Also ask whether you should send spending money for your child since many camps have stores where they charge for necessities such as sunscreen, film and T-shirts with the camp logo.

It’s also important to know the refund policy beforehand, in case the camp just wasn't the right choice for your child or they're not adjusting well. Refund policies vary from different camps — some offer a refund before a certain date or will reimburse for illness while others offer no refunds. Know the policy before sending any money. Solomon says that most camps try to be flexible. "Camps exercise more good will when there’s an unforeseen experience like a death in family rather than if you’re changing your mind on a whim a few days before camp starts."

Consider cheaper alternatives. Enroll in a shorter session instead of the entire season. Two weeks is a lot cheaper than eight weeks and is definitely better than none. 

Camps run by faith-based organizations and nonprofits such as the Girl Scouts, YMCA and the Boys and Girls Clubs are typically less costly or offer financial assistance, and they’re still high quality, according to experts. "Since they offer virtually the same activities as traditional camps, they’re terrific in terms of quality and you’re not getting a lesser program," said Solomon. "They may not offer pricier activities such as water-skiing or horseback riding, but if your child isn’t interested in them in the first place, they don’t have to be a priority." 

MORE FROM PERSONAL FINANCE

Personal finance Section Front

10 Tips: Furniture shopping on the cheap Social Security unveils new earnings calculator Answer Desk: How safe are banks? Senate panel hears about European tax havens Ugly economic times can lead to ugly divorces 10 Tips: Watch out for TV pitchmen Workers raiding retirement piggy bank Answer Desk: Time to tap U.S. oil reserves? What if your bank fails? 10 Tips: Stay cool and save money Personal finance Section Front   Add Personal finance headlines to your news reader: