CBSMarketwatch.com
Summer camps cater to every family budget

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS.MW) -- Every year, millions of parents write hefty checks to cover their children's tuition. But they're not dishing out for
college -- they're paying for summer camp.

It's a time-honored tradition dating back to the early 1900s when children would spend summers riding horses, sleeping on bunks and making
new friends. This year 10 million campers are expected to rough it, a number that's increased by about 10 percent annually in the last decade,
according to the American Camping Association.

Costs can be significant -- up to $1,000 a week per child - but there's likely a camp designed to meet every child's interest and virtually every
parent's budget.

Traditional summer camps -- think Hayley Mills in "The Parent Trap" -- generally last eight weeks, are usually held at a mountain setting and
often feature activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, hiking and evenings by the campfire.

Parents can expect to shell out $3,000 for such a camp run by the YMCA and $7,500 for a private high-end camp, said Jeff Solomon, executive
director of the National Camp Association.

At the more costly camps, you can typically find a higher level of instruction, more expansive facilities and better equipment.

"Higher-end camps might offer water skiing and have a fleet of boats and ski equipment," Solomon said. "They may even bring in a (professional)
ski instructor, whereas the lower-priced camps might not even offer water skiing."

But that doesn't necessarily mean the less-expensive camp is inferior.

"What you need to look at is what your money is buying," said Marla Coleman, president of the ACA. "There are many camps that are less
expensive because they're subsidized, but just as good."

The camp experience

There are about 12,000 camps across America, of which one-fourth are accredited by the ACA. In addition to those boasting conventional
activities, camps are popping up offering everything from computer training to foreign languages and roller blading.

"What matters is to give the child the camp experience," said Nancy LaPook Diamond, co-founder of Niche Directories, which lists thousands of
summer camps on Kidscamps.com. "There's a camp for everybody, but the key thing is to know where your child would be happiest."

What you get

Camp fees vary but typically range from $100 to $500 a week for day camps and $250 to $700 a week for resident camps, according to the ACA. The rise in camp costs has generally remained consistent with cost of living increases.

All-inclusive tuition is becoming more common. That usually includes 24-hour supervision, room and board and activities offered by the camp.
Some camps offer transportation, photographs and video yearbooks at additional costs.

"While the eight-week camp is still very popular, the trend is toward the shorter and specialized -- business, sports, computers -- tailored to a
child's skills," Diamond said.

Eight four-week camps are still most popular on the East Coast, while shorter one- and two-week camps are more common in the West. Four-week camps in the $1,000 to $2,500 price range are the national trend, Coleman said.

Payment resources

Many camps offer "camperships," which help pay campers' tuition. While most are based on need, check with the individual camps to see if you
qualify, experts said. About two-thirds of camps surveyed in 1998 by the ACA said they offer financial assistance.

The Chauncey Ranch YMCA camp in Prescott, Ariz., said on its Web site it "will never turn anyone away because they can't afford the total fee."
The YMCA's three-tiered tuition system, representing actual cost, partially subsidized cost and heavily subsidized cost, ranges from $370
to $470 per one-week session. It's based on an honor system and parents choose the fee that best fits their needs.

"From an economic point of view, (summer camp) is still one of the best deals around," Solomon said. "McDonald's and a movie will cost you $20."

Last year, Niche Directories partnered with MBNA to create Payforcamp.com. Parents can apply for a $25,000 loan with an interest
rate as low as 12.99 percent. Diamond said "well over 1,000 people" have applied for the loan since the program began.

"It helps families smooth over the tuition payment because many camps require deposits and if you're going to an expensive camp or you have
more than one kid at camp, that can be difficult," she said.

Camp bargains

The greatest bargains can be found in the Northeast this year, Solomon said.

"That area has the highest concentration of camps in the country," he said. "It's the most competitive, so there are some real bargains. It
probably has some of the most expensive camps, as well as some of the least expensive."

California camps, he added, are by and large the most expensive due to higher costs of living and lower number of camps. Midwest camps tend to
be the country's least expensive overall.

"There are certain camps that are on the high-end and pricey," Diamond said. "But there are just as many that aren't. There are camps for every
budget."

She added: "Our experience is that families would sacrifice something for themselves in order to give their kids the summer camp experience."

Not too late

While the peak enrollment period usually lasts from December to February, it's been delayed this year because of Sept. 11.

"Opportunities are still available across the board and many are available today that weren't available this time last year," Solomon
said.

Most deadlines for early-enrollment discounts have passed, but several camps still have room as the final enrollment period nears, Coleman said.

The American Camping Association also notes:

Camps will often offer special discounts for early registration, full-season enrollment and enrollment of multiple family members. Know
the refund policy before you send any money. Some camps refund prior to a certain date or for illness, but others don't refund at all. Understand
what's included in the tuition costs. While fees generally aren't hidden, campers may be asked to pay for add-ons such as special activities or
uniforms.