Believe it or not, summer is around the corner and summer means it’s time for camp! Private Long Island camps provide a safe haven for children to make friends, explore new interests, and learn important life skills that are not taught in school. 

While most parents understand the essential benefits of camp, unfortunately the recession has made it difficult for many families to afford tuition. However, it’s possible to give your kids the true camp experience with a limited budget.

Just remember these five words:

• Flexible: Many camps offer flexible program options such as 4,6, or 8 week sessions or less than 5 days/week. The less days at camp, the less expensive. 
• Early: Enroll as soon as possible! Tuition rates are lowest during the fall and winter and the savings are substantial. Camps only require a small deposit at enrollment so you can pay the balance throughout the year. 
• Discounts: Ask if there are sibling, no transportation, full payment or other discounts. There may be holiday or mid-winter coupons or special offers from businesses for reciprocal membership. 
• Referrals: Some camps offer cash referral bonuses for every friend that enrolls. These bonuses add up, especially if it includes a raffle for $1,000 off camp tuition next summer! 
• Scholarships: Inquire about financial assistance programs or even unique “campership” awards that offer complimentary tuition's. For example, Rolling River Day Camp in East Rockaway created The Campmates Program, where local businesses sponsor camperships for children from Peninsula Counseling Center at no cost to the families. Act fast though, since scholarships tend be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.   

Every summer, countless parents acknowledge that camp is the best investment they can make in their child’s future. No matter your budget, providing your child with a real camp experience will be worth every penny in the long run.