Camp Waziyatah: How Much Does a Summer of Fun Really Cost?
Okay, so you’re thinking about sending your kid to Camp Waziyatah, huh? Picture this: your child, making lifelong friends, diving into crystal-clear Maine waters, and maybe even starring in their own real-life version of “Bug Juice!” But before you get carried away with visions of summer camp bliss, let’s talk brass tacks: how much is this adventure actually going to set you back?
Camp Waziyatah, with its century-plus history and that whole Disney fame thing, is a seriously popular spot for kids aged 6 to 16. It’s got that classic overnight camp vibe, packed with everything from waterskiing to theater. But, like any great experience, it comes with a price tag. Let’s break down what you can expect to pay for a summer they’ll never forget.
First up, the big one: tuition. Camp Waziyatah gets that families have different schedules, so they offer a few different session lengths. Of course, the longer they stay, the more it costs.
Here’s the lowdown on session options and what they might cost you:
- Full Session (8 weeks): This is the whole shebang, the full immersion experience. Expect to pay around $12,650 for this ultimate summer adventure.
- Six Week Session: Unfortunately, I couldn’t find the exact cost for this session in my research. You’ll want to check the camp’s official website or give them a call for the most up-to-date info.
- First Session/Second Session (4 weeks): Back in 2013, this option was clocking in at about $5200. Keep in mind, prices change, so this is just a ballpark figure.
- First Session/Second Session (2 weeks): In 2013, you were looking at around $2950, but I saw another source that listed $5950. Definitely double-check the current rates directly with the camp!
So, what do you actually get for all that money? Well, quite a bit, actually! Camp Waziyatah packs a lot into their tuition. Here’s what’s typically included:
- Room and board: Think cozy cabins and all the meals your kid can eat. No cooking (or cleaning!) required from them!
- Supervision: Experienced counselors keep a watchful eye on the campers, ensuring they’re safe and having a blast.
- Instruction: Whether your child wants to perfect their backstroke, write the next great American novel, or nail a guitar solo, the tuition covers instruction in a ton of different activities.
- Arts materials: All the paint, clay, and glitter a budding artist could ever need!
- Adventure Bound day trips: Exciting excursions are part of the deal.
- Routine medical and nursing care: Peace of mind knowing that there’s a health center on site.
- Laundry: Because who wants to deal with mountains of dirty laundry when they get home?
Now, let’s talk about those extra expenses that can sneak up on you. It’s not just the tuition you need to budget for.
Here’s a heads-up on some additional costs:
- Camp store: Souvenirs, snacks, that must-have camp t-shirt… it all adds up! The camp applies a store credit and trip surcharge to all families. This costs $250 for shorter sessions and $325 for 6 or 8 week sessions. Up to $50 ($75 for 6 or 8-week campers) can be spent in the camp store for logo merchandise.
- Trip Surcharge: This covers travel, transportation, and other trip fees.
- Airport shuttles: Getting your camper to and from the airport isn’t included in the base price.
- Whitewater rafting trip: For the thrill-seekers, this optional activity comes at an extra cost.
Finally, a word about payment. Camp Waziyatah typically requires a $1000 deposit to hold your child’s spot. Then, you’ll need to figure out a payment plan for the remaining balance. It’s always worth checking with the camp directly about payment options and whether they offer any kind of financial aid. You never know!
Bottom line? Sending your child to Camp Waziyatah is a big decision, both emotionally and financially. But with a little planning and budgeting, you can make those summer camp dreams a reality. Just be sure to head straight to the official Camp Waziyatah website or give them a call to get the very latest pricing information. Happy camping!