Affording Camp: Tips, Tricks and Tax Breaks

Freshly cut grass, the ice cream man, the scents of overly chlorinated swimming pools, and the sounds of Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out for Summer” come to mind when the Northwest’s arguably most beautiful season makes itself known. What else comes to mind? I’ve gotta pay for camp!

Summer camp can be a significant cost to families. Start off by asking yourself: does your schedule allow for half-day, or do you need full-day camp? Will your kid require transportation and lunch on the camp’s dime? Can all your kids go to the same camp (sibling discounts!)?

Once you’ve squared away what an ideal camp is, you’ll be better prepared to approach camps about cost. There are a few different options to ease a weight on your wallet. Summer camp staff spend all year thinking of ways to be accessible for families, so don’t be afraid to talk to them about money!

Plan ahead and enroll early.
Early bird registration discounts can save you a boatload. Summery feelings may be the last thing on your mind right now, but it pays (literally) to get a leg up. Some camps also offer discounts for booking multiple weeks; if your kid can commit to it, so can you. (Check out our Handy Guide to Local Camp Discounts.)

Ask about scholarships and volunteer discounts.
If you’re a consistent part of a certain school or community, there may be a discount available for your child. Offering your skills as a volunteer can be a welcome relief to an administration’s staffing worries, whether it’s with campers directly or in the office, kitchen or transportation.

Look for programs in surprising places.
Your local community center or park likely has summer programming. Brooklyn Park in SE Portland has been a summer spot for kids in the neighborhood for decades, complete with a “secret club house.” Call your district’s parks and rec line for insider tips!

Say hi to your accountant.
Did you know? The Child and Dependent Care Credit allows you to deduct up to 35% – 40% if you make less than $32,000/ yr in Oregon – of qualifying camp expenses (total expenses of $3000 for one kid, $6000 for two or more kids). There are some stipulations:

• Campers are under 13 years old, or special needs
• Only day camps qualify – no overnights!
• You’re sending kids to camp so you can go to work/look for work
• If you’re married, you’re filing jointly

To learn more, check out IRS Publication 503. Or, call your tax person!