How To: Finding the Best Summer Camp Deals!

Learn how to find the best bargains for a summer to remember!

The best part of summer planning is getting excited about all the activities you can choose from. With everything from surfing to theater to coding and photography available, you can end up with a long list of potential options, but the tuition can add up quickly. Finding a camp that provides the best value for your family requires some budgeting and planning, but you don’t have to settle for something less intriguing to your child AND it doesn’t have to break the bank! Keep an eye out for the following camp discounts and scholarships when you’re curating your summer plans!

Early Bird Discounts

A common way to cut summer camp expenses down is to take advantage of early bird discounts. Some early bird sales begin as soon as the fall season before summer, but they typically end by February or March at the latest. Another benefit to taking advantage of the early bird discounts is guaranteeing a spot in the camp sessions that you want the most. Many camps have limited space in their camp sessions and popular sessions can sell out quickly. By signing up using an early bird discount, you save money and you secure a spot in sessions that are quickly filling up.

Siblings and Multiple Session Discounts

The more, the merrier! Signing up multiple kids and/or for multiple sessions often leads to big, big savings! Most summer camps offer good discounts for signing up for two or more camp sessions, so if you’re trying to plan out your child’s whole summer, choosing one camp and signing up for several sessions can add to your summer savings. Additionally, if you sign up both of your children for the same camp, there will often be a sibling discount available to you. The key here is finding a camp that has options that both of your children will enjoy, so be on the lookout for camps that offer a variety of programs for children with different interests.

Loyalty and First Time Camper Discounts

Camps love when kids come back every summer to learn more and build on their skills, and they also love spreading the summer joy to new campers. If you’ve returned to the same camp year after year, or if you’re giving a new camp a try, most camps have special discounts just for you as a thank you for your loyalty (or just for giving the camp a try)!

Coupon Websites

Seasoned bargain shoppers are likely familiar with coupon websites (like Groupon and Living Social, among others), where they can hunt for the best deals and purchase vouchers for discounted goods and services. Many summer camps have some of their deepest discounts on these websites for astute savers to find them. Camp sessions on a coupon website are more than worth the purchase, but it is important to read the fine print before buying, as many of the vouchers are limited in quantity and are only available for first time campers.

Scholarships

If a camp’s tuition is too much of a stretch even with any discounts that you’re eligible for, then ask if they offer scholarships for families in need. Some camps may have requirements for their scholarships, be it a commitment of volunteer hours or a family income cap, so always double-check to see if you are eligible. Some camps have a limited number of scholarships to give each summer, so it’s always best to ask early if you plan to take advantage of a scholarship opportunity.

When In Doubt—Call!

Sometimes you may not be sure if you are eligible for a specific discount or scholarship. In any case, it is more than worth it to give the camp a call and ask for help choosing a discount. If you’ve just missed an early bird deadline, they may not be able to give you the exact same discount, but a camp with a culture of service will make an effort to find a discount that will work for your family’s budget! Give the camp a call if you have any questions, and they should be able to answer them as knowledgeably as possible.

Every parent wants to expose their children to new and enriching experiences, and there are so many ways to provide them with these experiences over the summer while staying within your family’s budget. If you capitalize on all of the right discounts and scholarships, then there’s no limit to the learning, growth, and fun your child will have this summer.

PAW’s award-winning camps for kids ages 5-14 include Musical Theater, Filmmaking, Guitar,  Magic, Photography, Rock The Mic, Stage F/X Makeup, Debate Camp & Camp LOL!

Trusted for over 30 years, PAW has 10 camp locations to choose from including; Brentwood, West LA, Manhattan Beach, RPV, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, East Pasadena, Old Town Pasadena, Northridge, and Studio City. For camp information call us at (310) 827-8827 or check out our website at www.PerformingArtsWorkshops.com.

Performing Arts Workshops ~ the ultimate ARTS experience.
Part Art…Part Play…ALL FUN!