When Costs Go Up, Families Shouldn’t Miss Out on Camp

Photo courtesy of Camp Tapawingo, Saskatchewan

A recent CBC story shared what many camps across Canada are hearing from families: the cost of living is making camp harder to afford.

Parents are making tough choices. Some are choosing between camp, sports, and other activities. Some are pulling their children out of programs because the cost is too high.

The truth is, camp leaders are feeling this too. Many are seeing more families ask for financial help, while their own costs for food, staff, insurance, and supplies continue to rise.

The CCA shared what we are hearing across the country: families want to send their children to camp, but many are being forced to make hard choices.

This is not just a camp issue. It is an affordability issue.

Camp Matters

Camp is more than a fun summer activity.

At camp, children build confidence. They make friends. They learn new skills. They spend time outdoors. They discover what they are capable of.

For many families, camp is also part of their summer child care plan. Parents and caregivers still need safe, supervised places for their children during the summer months. Camps help meet that need.

But right now, Canada’s tax rules do not treat all camp families fairly.

The Problem with the Current Tax Rule

The Canadian Camping Association is asking the federal government to update the Canada Child Care Expense Deduction.

Right now, this deduction treats day camp and overnight camp very differently.

Families who use day camps can claim much higher child care expenses each year. But overnight camp expenses are capped at much lower weekly amounts: $125, $200, or $275 per week, depending on the child’s age and needs.

That does not reflect the real cost of overnight camp.

Overnight camp includes meals, lodging, trained staff, programs, health and safety systems, and 24-hour supervision. These are real child care costs. But the current tax rules do not fully recognize them.

This creates an unfair gap. Families who choose overnight camp may receive less support than families using other forms of summer care, even though overnight camp provides safe, supervised care day and night.

The CCA is calling on the federal government to remove the weekly caps, recognize overnight camp as 24-hour care, and make overnight camp more accessible for families.

Families should not be penalized because they choose an overnight camp experience for their child.

Camps Are Already Doing Their Part

Many camps work hard to keep fees as low as possible. Many also raise money to offer subsidies, bursaries, and financial aid.

That support changes lives.

But camps cannot solve this problem alone.

When more families need help, and when camp costs keep rising, donations and subsidies can only go so far.

Camps are doing their part. Families are doing their best. Public policy needs to help too.

A Simple Step Toward Fairness

The federal government can help by changing the tax rule that limits support for overnight camp families.

This would not solve every affordability problem. But it would be a clear and practical step.

It would recognize that camp is more than recreation. For many families, it is safe summer care, child development, and a place where children grow.

It would also help make camp more fair and accessible for families who are being squeezed by rising costs.

Camp Should Be Within Reach

The CBC article showed the real impact of rising costs.

Families are making hard choices. Camps are seeing more requests for help. Children may miss out on experiences that help them grow.

Camp should not be out of reach because of an outdated tax rule.

If we believe camp matters for children, families, and communities, then our policies should reflect that.