Save Money with Day Camps
There was a time when kids looked forward to summer because they could play all day and not have to worry about homework, shoes or schedules. Now many kids want and need those schedules even during the summer.
Parents are looking for ways to entertain kids during the summer months without breaking the bank. Day camps offer the scheduled atmosphere and also provide a number of unexpected benefits for the parents and the kids. With a few simple guidelines you can use day camps to save you money.
Tips for Saving Money with Day Camps
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1. Use tax credits and deductions. The IRS provides for parents that need to work with child deductions. Many times the fees that you pay for day camps could be eligible for these deductions.
2. Become a volunteer. Parents with a little extra time or some particular skills can often volunteer for positions in day camps and get discounted or free attendance for children (some may even be able to wrangle a pay check out of the deal as well).
3. Partner with other parents. Share responsibilities for taking the kids and picking up the kids. You will save money on gas and you will have extra time to complete the tasks that you need to do during the day.
4. Find free camps. Almost every church in your area will offer a vacation bible school. Kids learn songs, do crafts and play games. It’s a great (and inexpensive way) to schedule fun for your kids during the summer.
5. Look for other free programs. Some movie theaters offer discounted movies (or free movies), libraries offer reading programs and some other public and private entities may have specials that your kids can enjoy.
There is no reason for summer time blues these days. There is always something that the kids can do and many of them can save you money in the long run.
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Great summer tips.
If you live in a larger city check out the local libraries. Many have free passes to local attractions.
The Chicago library branches, for example, have free passes to major attractions like the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Lincoln Park zoo, and other attractions.
You simply need a library card to check the passes out. Great summertime activities for the kids that won’t break the bank.