It is an open secret that sending the kids to summer camp is expensive. Free summer camps try to ease the fiscal burden on families. Would you know where to look – and find – free summer camps for your kids this year?
Operation Purple Offers Free Summer Camps for Children of Uniformed Service Members (37 States, 2 Countries)
Operation Purple is sponsored by the National Military Family Association. It offers free summer camps in 37 states as well as Germany and Guam. Parents should submit summer camp applications for their children by April 16th.
Children with at least one parent currently deployed (or about to deploy) receive priority processing. These free summer camps are open to all children of uniformed service members, whether they are on active duty or currently in the reserves.
Wingspan Arts, Theater Conservatory Free Summer Day Camps (NY)
This is one of the most popular summer day camps in New York. Summer camps run five weeks, five days per week. Students in grades five through eight participate in acting, voice and dance lessons, performing arts instruction as well as productions.
Applications for camp are due in September for the following summer. To put the value of this free summer camp into perspective, consider that the first through fifth graders only receive three weeks of instruction at a tuition cost of $1,500.
Free Summer Camps for Children Affected By/Infected With HIV/AIDS by Camp Kindle (CA, NE)
Children currently infected with HIV, those with an AIDS diagnosis, kids who have a close family member affected by the disease or who lost a loved one to the illness – these children are eligible to attend Camp Kindle for free. Families are welcomed to attend with the children.
Parents may apply for inclusion in the free summer camp program throughout the year. Campers should be between seven and 15 years of age. Children forced to grow up fast because of HIV/AIDS have the opportunity to just be kids at these free summer camps.
Free Teen Summer Camps With the Louis August Jonas Foundation (NY)
For academically strong (but fiscally disadvantaged) teens with a strong interest in developing their leadership skills, the Louis August Jonas Foundation operates two summer camps in New York. These free summer camps last from late June to mid-August.
Camps are separated by gender and limited yearly to 120 teens total. Each group of campers is chosen based on academic performance, proven abilities, leadership potential and strength of character. The goal of camp operators is to achieve a mix of participants that spans the socio-economic spectrum and incorporates campers from a wide array of different nationalities.
Caveat
Free summer camps are hard to find; apply early and make sure to submit the complete package. A zero price tag should never take the place of due diligence;it is imperative to look these gift horses in the mouth – just as it should be with any activity, club or venue where you allow your children to go and participate.
Read More Articles on Summer Camps by This Author
Top 10 Summer Camps for Boys in the Northeast
Top Ten Christian Summer Camps in California
Resources
Operation Purple. “Application Period Open for Operation Purple Summer Camp” (accessed March 19, 2010)
Wingspan Arts. “Theater Conservatory & Classes” (accessed March 19, 2010)
Camp Kindle. “Campers” (accessed March 19, 2010)
Louis August Jonas Foundation. “Program Calendar” (accessed March 19, 2010)
