Making camp affordable for all

We’re not going to pretend otherwise—camp is a meaningful investment.

Right now, many families are looking more closely at their budgets. With so much uncertainty in the economy, there’s a natural instinct to sort expenses into what’s essential and what can wait.

At Camp Hazen YMCA, we believe camp belongs in that essential category.

Not just because it’s fun—but because of what it builds. Independence. Confidence. Lasting friendships. A sense of belonging that stays with kids long after summer ends.

And yet, we hear the same thing from families all the time—especially those in the middle. Full price can feel out of reach, but traditional financial assistance doesn’t always feel like it applies to them. That space in between is real. And it’s exactly why we’ve built our approach to affordability the way we have.

Making Camp More Possible

There isn’t just one path to affording camp. Most families piece it together in a way that works for them.

Payment plans that meet you where you are

Whether you register early or later in the May, we can help spread the cost out over time so it feels manageable within your family’s budget.

Flexible program lengths

While some overnight camps charge $10,000+ for a full summer, Hazen offers shorter options—like one-week Samplers and two-week sessions. Campers still get a full, meaningful experience, just in a format that’s more accessible for many families.

Tiered pricing: pay what you can afford

Our tiered pricing model is built on a simple idea—families should pay what they are able, not be excluded by a single price point.

• Tier 1: Full cost of camp

• Tier 2: Partially subsidized

• Tier 3: Further subsidized

• Tier 4: Additional financial assistance through a simple application

No matter the tier, the experience is the same. Same cabins, same activities, same community. There is no difference in what a camper receives—only in how families pay.

If Tier 4 feels like the right fit, you can start with a reduced deposit and complete a short application. Our team will walk you through the process.

Who is Tier 4 for?

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is: “We make too much to qualify for help.”

The truth is, income alone rarely tells the full story. Mortgages, childcare, student loans, and the day-to-day cost of raising a family all add up. Many families who might not think of themselves as “financial aid families” still find that camp stretches their budget.

That’s why any family can apply for Tier 4—and why we look at the full picture, not just a number on a form.

Finding a Path That Works

Even with options, camp can still feel like a stretch. That’s honest—and it’s okay to acknowledge. Most families don’t solve it in one step. They find a combination that works: a shorter session, a payment plan, a different pricing tier. Piece by piece, it becomes possible.

That’s where we come in. Our role isn’t just to offer camp—it’s to help you find a way to get there. If your child is ready for camp, cost shouldn’t be the reason the conversation stops.

And if you’re already part of the Hazen community, consider passing this along—to a friend, a neighbor, a colleague. Someone whose child would thrive at camp, but who might assume it’s out of reach.

Because often, the biggest barrier isn’t cost itself—it’s the belief that there isn’t an option.

We promise—there is.

Please call the office if you're interested in starting the conversation.

860-526-9529