Tips for saving money on summer camp

A few strategies for saving on summer camp:

Less is more: Day camps usually cost considerably less than overnight camps. Check whether the camp offers shorter, cheaper sessions too.

Scholarships and other aid: Ask about scholarships. Members of the American Camp Association gave away $39 million in scholarships last year. Ninety percent of camps also offer some form of financial aid.

Negotiate: If you can’t get any formal aid, it won’t hurt to try and negotiate. For instance, ask if you can get a sibling discount if you’re sending more than one child to the camp.

Brown bag it: If the camp offers a meal program, save by packing your child’s lunch. In this economic climate, your child probably won’t be the only one.

Tax-free: Check if your employer offers flexible spending accounts for dependent care. You can use this option if you’re sending your kid to day camp.

Think ahead: It already may be too late for early enrollment this summer, but secure discounted rates by signing up your kids for next year.