With camp costs going ever upward, camp is at risk of becoming a ministry to the wealthy. We asked camp directors for their best money saving ideas. Here are some you can bank on!

Save Money on Equipment

“We use used equipment for our sports activities. We borrow items from churches. We also ask for, and often receive, donations from places that carry the equipment.”

“See that everything is packed away immediately at the end of camp. Then store equipment carefully during the winter. This reduces loss and unnecessary wear.”

Save Money on Food

“Keeping food costs down makes a big difference. We use a local food bank for some items. We are also on our state list that makes us eligible to receive government commodities. If you want to be placed on your state’s list, contact your State House.Ó

“The last two years I staffed our kitchen with ladies that are school cooks. They know how to make tasty, nutritious, low cost, and low waste meals.”

“I let my food director plan what to have for snack time. Then I give him or her a budget. He or she buys snacks that will keep across the whole year to get a good price.’”

“Shop at a club membership warehouse.’”

Save Money on Crafts

“Our craft director was appointed at the end of camp last year. This let him buy craft supplies on sale all through the year.”

“Purchase camp supplies (craft, etc.) through discount mail–order businesses.”

“This year we reduced our craft cost by only working on them two days. Many children are not interested in crafts and can be given an alternate activity, such as going on a field trip.”

“With our beautiful campground facilities, we have done away with crafts. We have many outdoor activities available: swimming, ropes course, trails, sports field. We feel keeping the children indoors goes against what our camp has to offer. Children can have crafts at home or during VBS. But they can’t enjoy the activities unique to camp, especially if they live in the cities.”

Save Money on Staff

“We ask people to give their time as a ministry. We give few reimbursements.”

“Try asking laypersons and pastors to serve as camp speakers. Use volunteer dining hall staff.”

“Use volunteers who do not bring small children or other family member to camp. Those extra people are more mouths to feed.”

Miscellaneous Money Saving Tips

“A camp budget from Sunday School and Discipleship Ministries International helps subsidize our camp. This keeps the cost for the child low, and lets us provide a quality camping experience.”

“We put together our packets of camp material and distribute them at District Assembly. This saves on postage.”

“You can sometimes reduce the cost per camper by increasing the size of your camp.”

“Ask individual churches for donations. They may give prizes, kool–aid, snacks, or even loan vans (and driver for insurance purposes) and provide gasoline. Every donation helps keep costs down.”