🎶 Summertime…and the livin’ is …🎶 not easy or affordable for many American families. A new NerdWallet survey revealed a summer bummer: 1 in 4 parents (25%) say they plan to shell out more than $2,000 per child on camp fees in 2025.
17% of parents also reported they’d go into debt to foot the tuition bill for camp.
The Data Says Camp Affordability is Essential
The Harris Poll surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults 18 and older from February, 5-7, 2025. Of the respondents, 163 people reported that they planned to enroll their children in summer camp.
Among those who planned to put their kids in camp this year:
- 20% said they couldn’t afford summer camp without financial assistance from family
- 18% described paying for summer camp as “financially difficult.”
- 11% reported they have or will use the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) to cover at least some summer camp costs
After reviewing the survey data, Sara Rathner, a credit card expert for NerdWallet, believes the conversation around summer camp affordability matters.
“For working parents, camp is essential,” Rathner says. “Unlike parents in other countries where it’s the norm to take long summer vacations, American parents don’t have huge blocks of paid time off. They need a safe, affordable place for their kids when school is out.”
It would be nice to see sweeping, systematic changes that would make life more affordable and feasible for working families. However, that’s unlikely to happen anytime soon,, and change is often incremental anyway. What can parents do now?
How to Afford Summer Camp
Camp can carry a connotation of “summer fun”—a nice-to-have that lets kids make new friends and new memories. However, for many American families, camp is more than that.
“Camps and other summer care options aren’t just a luxury, but essential for working families who need to get to their jobs while ensuring their kids stay engaged, continue learning, and develop new skills during the break,” says Ezhil Micheal, the general manager of Out of Home, Care.com.
Micheal goes on to say camps provide a safe, supervised space, adding, “That’s why conversations about paying for camps matter…Without reliable summer care, balancing work and family becomes even harder.”
Indeed, camp is just one way to fill the childcare gap, but parents will also need to manage the costs.
Experts offered tips for saving for and affording summer camp.
Save throughout the year
“Don’t wait until May or June to start saving for camp—save all year around,” says Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback.”With double or triple the costs that the average parent is paying for camp, it’s nearly impossible to accumulate the money needed to afford camp in two or three months leading up to summer.”
Chatman suggests putting aside money each month. What that means will vary based on the camp cost and whether you have a fixed salary income. Meeting with a financial advisor can help you map out a plan.
Register early
The early bird gets the discount. Corny? Maybe. True? Often.
“Summer camp spots go fast, and many programs offer early bird discounts if you sign up ahead of the deadline,” Michael says. “Planning as far in advance as you can can make a big difference in cost.”
Care.com’s directory can help point you to options in your area.
Take advantage of camp-sponsored programs and plans
Camps may offer financial assistance scholarships and other programs to help parents save money.
For instance, Andrea Woroch, a budgeting expert, suggests inquiring about sliding scale plans that offer discounts based on income.
Others may reward you for spreading the word.
“Some camps offer referral programs where you can earn credits or discounts for referring families that ultimately enroll their child,” Chatman says. “If you can successfully refer two or three children, you’re looking at a significant discount.”
Tap Dependent Care FSAs (DCFSA)
Some (11%) of parents in the NerdWallet survey reported using Dependent Care FSAs (DCFSA) for assistance, which Michael explains, “let you set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare, including summer camps.”
“If you’re not sure what benefits are available, check with your HR team–you might have options you haven’t tapped into yet,” Michael says.
Use tax credits for childcare
Camps may count as a tax deduction for childcare purposes.
“Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit can help cover up to 35% of your qualifying expenses, putting money back in your pocket during tax season,” Michael says. “If you’re unsure if your program qualifies, check IRS resources…It is important to note that this is limited to day camps, and overnight camps do not apply.”
Care.com also has a guide on how to use the credit.
Lower your debt
If you need to go into debt to pay for summer camp, Rathner recommends looking into a credit card with a 0% interest promotion that could give you a year or more to pay off camp costs.
“If you currently have debt, a balance transfer card would allow you to move that debt over to a new card with a no-interest promotional period,” Rathner says. “If you’re able to pay off your debt before the interest rate returns to its standard level, it can save you hundreds of dollars in interest.”
NerdWallet has a calculator that can help you with number crunching.
Research low-cost programs
You may have access to lower-cost, or free options, though the hours may not be full-day like a camp. Still, it might help some families with flexible work schedules to fill childcare gaps or reduce the costs. Woroch notes community centers and churches may have programs.
“Parks and recreation departments, YMCAs…libraries, museums, and universities in your area may offer camps at a lower cost,” Rathner adds.
If summer camp just isn’t in the cards or budget for your family, Michael says, “A summer nanny or sitter can offer flexible, in-home care, especially if shared with another family.”
Rathner echoed these sentiments: “If you have friends with kids of a similar age, you could split babysitters with other families, or each take a turn watching a group of kids for one day a week. Remote workers could travel with their kids to visit family who could help with childcare while the parents work, or you could send your kids to relatives for some part of the summer.”
