Working at a summer camp offers more than just the opportunity to work with children, grow your leadership and communication skills, and have a purposeful and memorable summer.

Camp life not only provides a simple lifestyle free of many of the stressors of the “real” world; it’s also a great environment to reflect on your financial health, learn how to manage and save your hard-earned camp staff salary, and practice positive financial habits that can benefit you far beyond the summer.

When Room and Board Is Provided

My first summer working for an overnight camp, I saved basically all of the money I made. I didn’t really have any expenses during that time. I didn’t have to pay for food or rent, and I didn’t have a car at the time, so I wasn’t paying for gas or car insurance either. And that year I didn’t have a job during the academic year, so I paid almost nothing in taxes on what I made. Not everyone will have the stars align like they did for me, but it’s definitely possible to walk away from camp with a good amount of money.

— Abe Bluestein, Summer Camp Professional

At overnight camps, and some day camp programs, housing and food are provided. This can be one of the most significant financial advantages of working at a camp, because you won’t have to pay for rent or food, two of the most significant living expenses for most people. Without the burden of rent, utilities, or grocery bills, you have a unique opportunity to save money.

Other possible perks of camps that provide your housing and food:

• Higher disposable income means you have the ability to allocate more money toward savings, investments, and personal expenses.
• Lower commuting costs mean you may not need to use a car or public transportation, saving on gas, maintenance, and transit fares.
• In some cases, employer-provided housing and meals may not be considered taxable income, reducing your tax burden (check local tax laws).
• With major living expenses covered, you may experience more financial security and flexibility and less financial stress.

Some camp employers also provide additional perks such as laundry, internet, and recreational access, further reducing your out-of-pocket expenses.

Even if your camp job does not include room and board, there are additional ways you can make this a summer of saving!

Explore Fun, Free Activities During Time Off

Time off from camp doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of free or low-cost activities that are perfect for those looking to unwind without breaking the bank. Go on a hike, explore local nature spots, visit a lake or beach, or spend time on meaningful activities you can do anywhere — such as journaling, reading, creating music, bird watching, or stargazing. These activities allow you to reconnect with nature, take care of your mental health, and enjoy your downtime — all while keeping your finances intact.

Many overnight camps provide housing and meals during your time off. While it’s nice to get a break from camp, days off away from camp can get expensive. Consider budgeting for some days off that are “spend” days and others that are “no spend” or “low spend” ones.

Many camp staff enjoy going on overnight backpacking or camping trips during their day off. Ask your camp if they will provide food and supplies for those kinds of trips, because camps often want to encourage staff to engage in healthy activities during time off and have already budgeted for your meals.

The time between camp sessions can also be a great opportunity to stay on site at your camp and have your food provided. Instead of spending money on Airbnbs, meals out, and entertainment on every day off, consider getting a few friends to join you in a “staycation” at camp. By staying at camp, you’ll save money on transportation, food, and lodging, which adds up quickly over the course of a summer. Plus, many camps are located in beautiful areas, offering ample opportunities to explore the outdoors or just relax without any additional costs.

Needs vs. Wants: Intentional Spending

Go into the camp season with a goal in mind. I’ve worked in camps for over 20 years (started volunteering when I was 12; got my first job at a camp at 16), and I often plan a vacation for the shoulder season after summer camp is over. Having that goal is a good reminder when making purchasing decisions during the camp season. Do I want to buy a fast-food meal, or do I want to eat the food at camp and instead spend that money on schnitzel in Germany? Do I want to spend my day off and multiple paychecks to get a tattoo with coworkers that I will probably end up regretting, or would I rather have a full day at an amusement park on my vacation? Goals put spending decisions into perspective.

— Jes Lippe, Summer Camp Professional

Spending money during your time off over the summer might feel like it’s part of the experience, but your summer at camp is a great time to reflect on your spending in general. Start differentiating between your needs and wants when you’re setting intentions for your spending. You’re living in a communal environment, and chances are, you don’t need much in terms of “stuff.” Take the time to evaluate your purchases. Are you buying an item because it’s something you truly need or because you’re caught up in the moment?

Sustainable Shopping: Thrift Stores and Local Markets

As you determine there are things you need or would like to purchase — whether it’s a new pair of shoes, clothes for time off, or camping gear — consider shopping at thrift stores or local markets. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be contributing to sustainability efforts by purchasing second-hand goods. Thrift stores are treasure troves for affordable clothing, unique styles, outdoor equipment, and more, so take advantage of them to keep your spending in check while also supporting eco-friendly practices.

Budget and Decide in Advance What You’re Willing to Spend

With most camps using a payroll provider that offers direct deposit, staff can split their deposit between different savings or checking accounts. Twenty percent of their summer pay could go into their “spend” account for time off, with 80 percent going into an account that they don’t use for everyday purchases.

— Zach White, Summer Camp Professional

Whether your summer is just getting started or you’re partway through your season, consider creating a simple budget for your time working at camp. Planning your budget in advance is one of the best ways to stay on track with your financial goals and is a great skill to master. Some great apps that people find helpful for budgeting include Rocket Money, Pocketguard, and EveryDollar.

Sit down and decide how much you’re wanting to spend on nonessentials like entertainment, trips, or souvenirs. Having a clear budget in mind will help you avoid overspending when the temptation arises. Many camps offer recreational activities for staff — from bonfires and team-building exercises to movie nights or access to outdoor activities — so take advantage of these low-cost or free options when you have time off.

Setting a budget for spending at the start of the season can keep you focused on your financial goals and reduce unnecessary spending. There will likely be other staff at your camp who want to save money this summer too. Whether for travel plans after camp, paying back school loans, or just building up your savings, why not set your savings goals, share those goals with each other, and encourage each other to stick with your budgets and plans?

The Temptation of Social Media and Online Shopping

Social media and online shopping can sometimes make it more difficult to stick to a budget. Tailored ads pop up everywhere, and Amazon knows exactly what you like, so pretty much every time you pick up your phone, you’ll be tempted by ads geared to get you to spend. The convenience of online shopping and tools such as Shopify have made it way too easy to make impulse purchases, which can often lead to later regrets.

As a camp staff member, take a step back and evaluate whether these kinds of online temptations align with your financial goals. Consider minimizing your screen time — or even going off social media entirely during your time off — to reduce your exposure to the targeted marketing and consumerism that is rampant on social media. As a side benefit, you may feel some improved well-being from less time online and more time in real-life community.

Consider Unsubscribing

If you have subscription services (Netflix, Hulu, phone apps), consider freezing or unsubscribing from those services for the summer. You won’t have as much free time to utilize them as you normally do, and you might have more fun using your time off to connect with your camp friends and interact with others.

Align Your Values with Your Spending

Working at camp provides an opportunity to reflect on your values and how those values align with your current spending habits. If you’re focused on financial growth, consider how to start saving more. Perhaps designate that a portion of each paycheck go directly into a savings or “no spend” account. Do you value experiences over things? Are you wanting to simplify? Are you trying to save for a bigger goal? By aligning your spending with your values, you can make better decisions about how you use your money and avoid feeling tempted by things that don’t truly add value to your life.

Working at camp offers more than just a fulfilling job experience — it can also be a unique opportunity to step back and take stock and control of your financial future. With room and board provided at many camps, a break from some of your typical expenses, and the chance to develop better habits around money, you have everything you need to save and even improve your financial habits this summer. Be intentional about your spending, embrace sustainable options, and find free or low-cost ways to enjoy your time off. By practicing mindfulness with your money, you can set yourself up for success — both during your time at camp and long after you leave.

Photo courtesy of The Park Slope Day Camp, Brooklyn, NY.

Audrey Monke, MA, with her husband Steve, has owned and directed Gold Arrow Camp (Lakeshore, California) since 1989. On her website and podcast, Sunshine Parenting (sunshine-parenting.com), Audrey shares ideas, stories, and resources for parents and youth development professionals. Audrey’s book, Happy Campers: 9 Summer Camp Secrets for Raising Kids Who Become Thriving Adults (Hachette-Center Street, 2019) shares strategies for bringing the “magic” of camp home.