Summer camp scramble: US families need it, but it can cost as much as a month’s rent

Despite high costs, working parents of K-12 children face annual high stakes to find options and fight for camp spots

Summer camp had already begun for Tasmiha Khan's two sons when a work contract unexpectedly ended. Money was suddenly tight for the freelance communications strategist - and the $1,300 price for the school district's months-long summer camp became unaffordable. Khan had no choice but to pull her children out early.

To give them an enriching summer, Khan tried a few alternatives. An Arabic immersion program still had spots open, but Khan wasn't impressed.