| Summer camp is a great opportunity for children to | | | | 4. Elicit sponsors. If the camp is more than just for fun, |
| leave the safety of home, meet new friends, and do | | | | like an educational camp or ministry camp, ask for |
| some exploring without their parents. | | | | donations for family, friends, local business people, and |
| Whether it is a week sleep away camp or a six week | | | | church members. The donations do not have to be |
| excursion, summer camp can be expensive. | | | | cash or free gifts. They can be items to sell, services |
| Teenagers especially could help to raise some of the | | | | to raffle, or trades for work. Be creative when asking |
| money needed to fund the trip. Here are some ideas | | | | people to sponsor your child and don't expect it all to |
| to help you and your teenager raise the needed cash | | | | be a free ride. |
| to take the financial stress away from the excitement. | | | | 5. Have a garage sale or sell on online auction sites. |
| 1. Find odd jobs to do around the neighborhood or for | | | | The items that are donated to your child can be used |
| family and friends. Things like mowing a yard, cleaning | | | | for a garage sale or to sell online. Also, search your |
| out a garage, or painting a room are all things most | | | | home for unwanted or used items to sell. No only will it |
| young adults can do. They may only take a day or a | | | | unclutter your child's room or your house, you will get |
| weekend, but can be good pay off. If it is a reoccurring | | | | the money needed for your trip. |
| activity, like lawn mowing, the child can prepare for the | | | | And before you do any of these activities, make sure |
| consistent income and find the remaining money from | | | | you set up a savings account in your name and your |
| other sources. | | | | child's name so the money is spent on summer camp, |
| 2. Hold fund raiser parties. Most direct sales companies | | | | not weekend entertainment and fast food. Be stern |
| will trade out hostess gifts for cash. With the wide | | | | about how the money is used. Do not allow it to be |
| variety of direct sales companies, you or your child | | | | frivolously spent. If for some reason, enough money is |
| can host a few different kinds from home interiors, | | | | not raised, continue to save the money for the |
| jewelry, purses and accessories, and make-up. Instead | | | | following summer or for college. Make sure the |
| of getting a percentage of the profits for free or | | | | account is interest bearing and the child has to have |
| discounted items, ask your representative to give you | | | | your signature for withdrawals. You can even switch it |
| a percentage of the sales in cash. | | | | to a higher yielding saving account or CD and earn |
| 3. Get a job! A teenager can get a nights and | | | | interest. |
| weekend job at a grocery store, watching children, or | | | | Don't give up plan for a summer camp because of |
| at the mall. A few hours a week can really add up in a | | | | funding. Be creative and help your child earn what he |
| short period of time. | | | | needs to get there. |