Featured Summer Camp Programs
Types of Summer Camps
Most Popular Searches
Articles About Summer Camps
Home
Can I Afford Summer Camp?
Summer camp can be a great experience. It's often a child's first time being away from home for an extended period of time. A summer camp gives kids the opportunity to learn things that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. They learn how to get along with people who are different from them, how to explore and take calculated risks, and they may even learn skills unique to the particular camp they choose.
But despite all the positives, summer camp can also be expensive, leaving some parents wondering if they can afford to send their kids. There is an option, however; an option that will enable parents to send their kids, and help the family work together to achieve something worthwhile.
Fundraising programs are used by high school athletes, clubs, and even non-profit organizations. Though they're most-often used by larger groups, they can also be used by individuals. It's a great way for your child to raise the money he needs to attend camp.
There's a lot of information available about fundraisers, and multiple organizations that offer products and kits. There are several variables to consider when choosing a fundraising product and/or program.
First, consider your budget. Some programs require that a certain amount of product be purchased, either up-front or by the time your fundraising is complete. This can be risky if you don't know how much product you'll sell.
Then, set your goal. Once you know what kind of budget you have to work with, set your fundraising goal. The benefit of determining your budget before you set a monetary goal is that you'll eliminate fundraising programs that could help you achieve your goal but aren't affordable. There's nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect cookie-dough-selling fundraiser, only to realize that you can't afford to buy the required 25 cases to get started.
When setting your fundraising goal, aim high. If your child wants to attend summer camp for one week, at a cost of $675, set a goal of $800. A higher dollar amount will push you and your family a little harder, and when you hit your goal, you can simply stop. It's also wise to try and raise a little extra, because some people will place orders but won't pay in time (or – unfortunately – may not pay at all), so give yourself a little cushion.
It's also important that you give you and your family plenty of time to reach your goal. If your son or daughter wants to attend camp the 2nd week of July, you should start fundraising in early spring. Most summer camps have a registration period that closes several weeks before the camp actually begins. So, even though the camp begins the 2nd week of July, your child has to be registered (which means you'll need the money) by the 1st week of June.
The amount of time you have to fundraise may also affect what program you choose. Some products are more readily available and can be delivered almost immediately, while others may take several weeks. Set a deadline for the completion of your fundraiser, and use that time frame when considering the various programs.
Next, get the word out! Most programs provide order forms and brochures, but actual advertising material may be up to you and your family. The more people you can tell about your fundraising, the better results you'll have. Have kids take information to school. Mom and dad can take brochures to work and can also give them to friends and family members. If you want to be especially aggressive in your fundraising, get permission from store and/or shopping mall managers to sell items outside of their main entrances. Some programs include an online "store" as well. In fact, some magazine subscription programs operate entirely online, allowing you to email friends and family with a link to your web site.
Organization is vital to a successful fundraiser. You'll need to keep accurate records of who's ordered what, who's paid and who still owes money. If you're ordering product as you go, it's also important to know the product's availability. If something is out of stock, it can affect how quickly you're able to raise money. Consider putting the money in a special bank account, either a savings account or even a separate account all its own. This will make it easier to keep track of how much money you've raised and how far you have to go.
A fundraising program is a very realistic way to help your son or daughter raise the money needed for summer camp. It may take some hard work, but it will also give your child a great sense of accomplishment once the money has been raised and summer camp has been paid for.
Specialized Summer Camps
Does your child need a specialized programs? Aspen Education Group has summer programs for many different needs, from wilderness therapy for behavioral issues to adventure camps for kids with autism, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, PDD, and even weight loss adventure camps. Please call to learn more.(866) 845-1389
Boarding Summer Schools
Therapeutic boarding schools can give your child a jump on next year.
Enroll this summer to catch up credits!
Therapeutic boarding schools help teens with behavioral and emotional issues, learning differences, and social problems. The following schools offer year round admissions allowing you to enroll your child this summer:
Aspen Ranch
Turn-About Ranch
New Leaf Academy
Academy at Swift River
Stone Mountain School
Copper Canyon Academy
Wilderness Works!
Is your teen struggling with behavioral and emotional issues that are prohibiting him or her from growing into a mature young adult with a positive future?
Wilderness programs have been proven to help troubled teens. Get the help your teenager needs to today to get them back on the right track!
Learn more >>
