Parents’ DIY Summer Camps: A New Way to Save Big

Depending on where you live, camp for kids can be a major expense. Here’s how to create a similar experience for your kids, without breaking the bank.

When my oldest child hit middle school, summer stopped being the magical, carefree season I remembered during my own childhood and started to feel more like a logistical marathon—one we had to run with spreadsheets, a calendar full of color-coded camp weeks, and a calculator constantly crunching the numbers. Like many parents, I found myself staring down a summer that was long on needing childcare and short on affordable and ideally low-cost options. Camps were getting more expensive each year, and we had more than one child to consider. Sound familiar?

If so, you’re not alone. And if the price tag on summer camps—$400+ per week in some areas—has you scrambling for alternatives, the good news is there are options. They just take a little creativity, some collaboration, and a willingness to ask for help. Here’s what worked for my family, and for others like Ronald Rock and Sylvia Cabus, two parents with different family compositions and needs who turned their summers around with ingenuity and community spirit.

Create Your Own Camp

When Ronald Rock of Maryland realized that full-time camp for his three children was going to break the bank, he sat down with his wife Jane and sketched out a new plan. “She had this amazing, detailed schedule—but it was so expensive! I told her, ‘What if we do it ourselves?’”

That’s how a plan he likes to call “Dad Camp” was born. Rock took two weeks off from his job and created a homegrown camp with a dad-centric twist. His focus was not just keeping kids busy, but engaging them physically, intellectually, and spiritually. The result? An enriching, low-cost summer experience that grew to include neighborhood kids and even other dads over time. “We were very protective of keeping it Dad-run,” Rock says. “It was important for our kids to see Black fathers involved and leading.”

If you have the flexibility to take time off—or even just a few days here and there—you can plan themed weeks like “Science Week,” “Nature Explorers,” or “DIY Olympics.” Invite neighbors to join, or alternate hosting with another parent to share the load.

Lean on Community Programs

Sylvia Cabus, a longtime PTA volunteer in Washington, D.C., knew that many in her community relied on free or low-cost options. So, she compiled a spreadsheet of accessible camps and shared it with other families at her son’s Title I school. “We found three free camps: one through our church, one through D.C. Parks and Recreation, and one from a local rowing nonprofit,” she said.

These programs may take some digging to uncover, but they’re out there, especially through:

  • Parks and Recreation Departments – Most cities offer affordable day camps that fill quickly, so mark your calendar for registration day.
  • Libraries – Summer reading programs often include crafts, STEM activities, performances, and more.
  • Local nonprofits or community centers – Many offer free programs focused on sports, arts, or education.
  • Churches and faith-based organizations – They often run free Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) or youth programs.

Tip: Cabus advises, “start with your city or county website and branch out from there.”

Activity Swaps and “Mini Pods”

Remember the pod learning model from COVID? Cabus found that idea worked brilliantly for summer, too. “Some neighbors and I pooled resources to hire a camp counselor, and they shepherded the kids in a local park,” she said. “It was flexible, affordable, and easy.”

If you can’t commit to full weeks of DIY camp, consider setting up a swap: You take the kids on Tuesday for a craft day; another parent handles Thursday with outdoor games or a trip to a museum. Even half-days can give working parents enough breathing room to juggle meetings or remote work.

Counselor-In-Training Programs

Older kids can participate in counselor-in-training (CIT) programs, which often come at a lower cost and offer valuable leadership experience. Cabus’s son joined a CIT program for just $100, giving him something purposeful to do while easing the family’s financial burden and the opportunity to gain valuable leadership and work experience.

Many camps welcome tweens and teens as junior counselors or helpers. It’s a win-win: the camp gets extra hands, and your child stays active and engaged.

Work Your Network

“Our village always figured prominently,” says Rock. “Our village included grandparents, neighbors, church members, and eventually, other parents inspired by Dad Camp. One dad taught a history class; another led a hiking trip. Everyone pitched in,” he adds.

If you’re feeling stuck, ask around. You might be surprised how many parents are in the same boat and willing to collaborate. A simple group text or community board post could lead to shared childcare, carpools, or even a full summer schedule.

Ask for Financial Aid (Yes, Really)

Cabus admits it was hard to ask for assistance, but also necessary. “One camp gave me a full refund; another offered 30% off. I’m glad I asked.”

Most camps have some sort of financial aid, sibling discounts, or sliding-scale pricing—you just need to reach out. If you’ve had a recent job loss or financial strain, explain your situation. You may be surprised at how many organizations are willing to help, especially smaller local programs.

Final Thoughts

To any parent reading this who feels stressed about summer, consider this: expensive doesn’t always mean better. With a little creativity and community, you can build a summer your kids will remember for years to come.

Rock advises, “If you want to see who can provide your child with the absolute best, look in the mirror.”