THERE are several tricks that can help Americans have an affordable summer camp-like experience at home this year.
Sometimes fees and travel for the real thing can get costly, but discount retailers offer some solutions.
Current average costs for a summer camp in the United States run around $73 to $87 per day, per Care.com.
For overnight stays, its more like $150 to $173.
That means sending your child to a week-long destination is potentially more than $1,200.
Parents looking to stay within a budget can instead have a backyard summer camp experience through supplies at stores like Dollar Tree.
KEEP IN MIND
For example, the Mini Basketball Hoop Game Set is only $1.25, a steal to include for activity stations outside for the little ones.
Multiple sets could even be bought for that low price to ensure everyone gets a chance to shoot and score.
Consumers should also consider at least five other tricks that won’t cost much money, according to Twinkl.
Having an alternating theme each day or each week of at-home summer camp is a start.
This could be achieved through buying some affordable arts and crafts supplies or decorations at Dollar Tree.
One day could be superhero-themed and include the Assorted Superhero Action Word Sticker Sheets for $1.25.
Keeping the Mini Basketball Hoop Game Set involved, another tip would be to create a backyard Olympics of sorts.
This can be completed through a bunch of smaller events with sports equipment that you already have on hand, or new ones with minor setup and assembly requirements.
Signs can also be obtained and printed off online for a low cost to identify each activity area through Twinkl.
Dollar Tree also sells Two-Tone Foam Footballs in a variety of colors for $1.25, which could be used as a passing station to certain targets.
Additionally, having reading time is a money-saving and beneficial activity as part of the camp.
Other Dollar Tree Budget Buys
- Clear Plastic Crystal-Cut Chip and Dip Tray, $1.25 – buy here
- Large Round Crystal-Cut Plastic Tray, $1.25 – buy here
- Round Silver Plastic Serving Tray, $1.25 – buy here
- Greenbrier Kennel Club Colorful Dog Waste Bags, $1.25 – buy here
- Surefresh Brown Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners, $1.25 – buy here
- Lemon Bleach, $1.25 – buy here
- Extra Large Feminine Birthday Gift Bags, $1.25 – buy here
- Cotton Rounds, 80-ct. Packs, $1.25 – buy here
- Mentos Car Air Fresheners, $1.25 – buy here
The books can be obtained from the library or potentially there are some you already have but have yet to read or want to read again.
GAME ON
Similar to the Backyard Olympics, there could also be game stations during the at-home summer camp.
Dollar Tree offers several popular games for only $1.25, including UNO, Tumbling Tower, Yowza, and Memory Flash.
Lastly, for pure enjoyment to celebrate the time outside at the at-home summer camp, there’s also Goofy String at the discount retailer.
For $1.25 a can, the string can safely be sprayed at siblings and friends for a few laughs and an easy-to-clean-up mess.
String colors include yellow, purple, blue, green, and red.
It’s important to note that shoppers may want to consider buying the Goofy String in-store at one of Dollar Tree’s over 8,700 stores.
Buying it online would require a minimum purchase of 96 bottles at $120.
Dollar Tree is also selling a “beautiful” $1.25 summer essential this month that’s ideal for barbecues.
An ex-employee also pointed out a must-buy item at the same price for the coming months, as it’s perfect for hosting parties and most consumers overlook it easily.
