The Summer Camp Struggle Is Real

When Outside Costs Too Much

Let’s go ahead and say it out loud: why is summer camp priced like Beyoncé tickets?!

Seriously. After dropping coins all school year—field trips, class pics, teacher gifts, new shoes every 3 months because your kid grows like they’re training for the NBA—now here comes summer like, “Oh hey girl, that’ll be $300 a week for someone to watch your child from 9 to 3. Snacks not included.”

And let’s not even get into extended care. That’s a whole second job.

As a solo mom, it’s exhausting.

We already carry the emotional, physical, and financial weight. And summer? Chile, it comes with premium pricing and no refunds. The pressure to make it magical for our babies while trying not to drown in expenses is real. You want your child to enjoy their break—not just sit in front of a screen. But at what cost?

Literally.

So what do we do when we’re trying to keep the lights on, feed these bottomless pits we birthed, and still give them a summer to remember?

Here’s how I’m navigating this season without letting the financial fatigue steal my joy—or my peace:

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1. Let Go of the “Big Summer” Pressure

Your baby doesn’t need a Pinterest-worthy summer. They need presence, not perfection. Water balloons in the backyard, library trips, and homemade popsicles still hit. Don’t let social media trick you into believing summer has to be expensive to be memorable.

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2. Get Real About Your Budget

Look at your money—not with shame, but with intention. If camp is non-negotiable, what can be trimmed? Maybe it’s skipping weekly takeout or pushing back that Amazon cart (I know, I know). If camp isn’t in the budget, that’s okay too. You’re not failing your child.

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3. Share the Load Where You Can

Swap days with another trusted solo mom. Take turns watching each other’s kids a couple times a month. It’s not a full camp schedule, but it gives both of y’all a break—and community is priceless.

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4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Scholarships or Sliding Scales

A lot of camps have financial aid, but they don’t always advertise it loudly. Ask. Apply. Advocate. You’d be surprised what doors open when you speak up.

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5. Create “Rest Days” for You

Every day doesn’t need to be an activity. Schedule rest like it’s an event. A day where your baby watches their favorite movies while you sip tea and breathe? That counts as a summer memory too.

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Mama, I see you.

You’re tired, stretched, and still trying to pour joy into your child’s summer. That is beautiful. But don’t forget: you deserve some joy too. Even if it’s just quiet mornings, a good book, or not being asked “what’s for dinner” for 5 whole minutes.

This summer, let’s stop chasing expensive and start chasing peaceful.

Tag a solo mom who needs this reminder. Let her know she’s not the only one doing summer on a budget and still making it beautiful.

Love, light, & summer fun,

Tiera Nicole