Good Nesting

The Best Summer Camp Ideas For Single Moms In 2023

If you think you can’t work this summer because your kids will be home, stick again. As you’ll see, these summer camp ideas can help any single mom gain freedom while school is out.

Here we present the best options for your kids to have fun in the summer camp activities!

Free or Affordable Programs From Your Local Parks and Recreation Department

If you’re scrambling for low-cost summer camp ideas at the last minute, you’ll want to contact your parks and recreation department now. You can find them by searching online. Once found, give them a call and ask if they know of any discounted summer camp programs in the area.  

Depending on where you’re located, you may have a financial assistance program that makes summer camp free. These tend to pop up in low-income neighborhoods to allow parents to work while their kids are out of class.

Salvation Army Summer Camps for Kids

You probably know that the Salvation Army helps the homeless. But did you know they also have summer camp programs for underprivileged kids? They sure do, as the organization aims to give such kids outdoor experiences that they may not enjoy otherwise.

You can find the program nearest you by clicking here.

Museum Camps

Do you have museums in your area? If so, give them all a call, as many local museums hold affordable summer camps to keep kids occupied. And if you can’t afford the camp, ask if they have any scholarships or financial assistance.

YMCA

The YMCA is famous for helping communities stay active. The organization achieves this goal during the summer with day camps all across the country.

While YMCA camps usually carry fees, some adjust those fees based on income to make them more manageable. You can find the YMCA summer camp nearest you by using this tool.

Religious Centers

Your local church, synagogue, or other places of worship probably has a summer camp as well. 

You don’t necessarily have to be an active member to enroll your kids either. Even better, some religious centers hold summer camps that have nothing to do with faith, so kids from all backgrounds can enjoy them.

Some of these summer camps will charge you, while others may be free or discounted for low-income families. To see options nearest you, look for local places of worship online and give each a call.

Apple Store Camps

The tech giant’s summer camps held at Apple Stores only last for three 90-minute sessions. Still, they’re free, fun, and can spark your children’s interest in things like art, design, coding, music, and movie-making.

Since your children will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the Apple Store Camp sessions, you may want to team up with a friend or family member to take turns.  

Boy and Girl Scout Camps

The Boy and Girl Scout programs have summer camps that are highly affordable and loaded with outdoor activities to keep your kids occupied while you work or take care of other matters. 

Your children don’t have to be existing members to participate, as they can sign up if they’ve never been scouts before.

While these camps do come with a cost, they usually have income-based fees, which can make them more affordable.

Check out these summer camp activities ideas!

These summer camp activities can bring your kids so much joy and knowledge.

  • Summer Camp Map Activity:

For this fun activity, kids will be asked to create a map of the entire camp area, including any trails they may have walked through. They can use trial and error or learn the proper techniques to make an accurate map.

  •  Painting

Playing with spray paint can be a fun and creative activity for kids. Chart paper, cardboard, T-shirts, and walls are all great surfaces to experiment with. Consider rewarding the team with the most innovative art piece to encourage creativity.

  • Books Activities 

Are you looking for ways to inspire kids? Reading books can be a great way to do so! Take your reading sessions outdoors and engage kids in an open atmosphere. Read picture books, novels, and nonfiction to keep them interested.

  • Talent Show

Children can organize a talent show at camp for their buddies to showcase their guitar, singing, dancing, and comedy skills. This is an excellent opportunity to enhance their natural creativity and social skills and build self-confidence and teamwork.

Do you find any of these options interesting? These summer camp activities ideas are recommended for your children to live an adventure full of excitement and education, making memories memorable and unique.