Sibling discounts at Swiss summer camps

In Switzerland, sibling discounts at summer camps typically reduce the second child‘s fee by about 10–20%. A third child can see discounts of up to 50% or sometimes receive a free week. Weekly fees commonly range from CHF 600–CHF 2,500, so higher fees tend to produce larger absolute savings.

Policies vary widely by camp type — day, residential, and private/boutique camps each set different rules. Some municipal or community camps and residential programmes usually offer larger discounts, while boutique or elite programmes may cap discounts or decide case-by-case.

Stacking rules aren’t consistent: some camps let multiple discounts stack (for example, Fee × 0.90 × 0.85), while others only apply the single best offer. Always ask how discounts combine.

Always request a written, line‑item invoice so you can see the gross fee, each discount, any vouchers or subsidies, and the net paid amount. Check with your canton whether subsidies or tax deductions use the gross or net figure. We’ll help you interpret invoices and canton rules if you want support.

Key Takeaways

Typical discounts: second child around 10–20%; third child up to 50% or sometimes a free week. Savings increase with higher weekly fees.
Policy varies by camp type: municipal/community and residential camps usually offer larger discounts. Boutique or elite programmes often cap discounts or decide individually.
Stacking rules differ: some camps let discounts stack (apply multiplicatively, e.g., Fee × 0.90 × 0.85). Others apply only the single best discount.
Get written confirmation and a line‑item invoice showing gross fee, each discount, vouchers/subsidies, and the net amount paid. Provide proof of siblings when asked.
Confirm with your canton whether subsidies or tax deductions use the gross or net amount. Watch for common exclusions like transport, equipment, and deposits, and don’t rely on verbal promises.

Practical steps

Ask in writing for the camp’s discount policy and an example invoice before registering.
Get a line‑item invoice after payment and check that each discount and subsidy is shown separately.
Keep proof of sibling relationships (e.g., birth certificates) ready if requested.
Contact your canton to clarify subsidy and tax-deduction rules — whether they apply to gross or net amounts.
Contact us if you want help interpreting an invoice or understanding canton rules; we can review documents with you.

Quick overview — What sibling discounts mean for Swiss summer camps and headline numbers

A sibling discount is a reduced tuition applied when two or more children from the same family register for the same camp or with the same operator. We, at the young explorers club, offer sibling discounts to encourage family bookings and raise occupancy.

Headline figures you should see up front

Here are the key numbers and rules to expect:

Second-child discount (10%–20%) on the regular weekly fee.
Third-child discount (up to 50%) in many family-friendly programmes.
Typical camp week fee CHF 600–CHF 1,800, so savings scale with price.
Discounts are applied per booking and will often stack with early-bird or multi-week offers, though some camps treat them as mutually exclusive.
Exact practice varies by camp type (day camps, residential overnight, international-school camps, specialised sports/arts camps).

Quick worked example and practical notes

If a camp charges CHF 1,200 per week, a 15% second-child discount saves CHF 180/week, so child #2 pays CHF 1,020 that week. We recommend running the simple multiplication (fee × discount %) to see your weekly saving, then multiply by the number of weeks for your full-season benefit.

We combine sibling discounts with early-bird and multi-week discounts where policy permits; sometimes camps choose exclusivity to protect revenue. Read the booking terms and ask the camp to show the final invoice breakdown so you can compare net costs. For guidance on evaluating multiple offers when booking siblings, see choose the best camp.

Practically speaking, expect day camps to offer smaller percentage cuts, overnight residential programmes to provide more generous family rates, and specialised or international-school camps to vary widely—some apply discounts, others don’t. We advise confirming whether discounts apply per week, per session, or per season, and whether ancillary charges (meals, equipment, transport) are included in the discounted amount.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

How sibling discounts are commonly structured — models, stacking rules and which camps are likely to offer them

Common sibling-discount models

Below are the formats you’ll most often see at Swiss summer camps; I list practical examples so you can compare offers quickly.

Percentage-based: camps give a percentage off one or more children — expect 5%–20% second-child and 20%–50% third-child or a free third-child option in many policies.
Flat-rate reduction: a fixed CHF amount off per sibling on the invoice.
Free weeks: one child receives a free week when other children pay full price.
Cheaper-sibling pricing: pay full for the eldest, and younger siblings get a reduced rate.

Tip: I recommend checking which model the camp uses and asking for the exact arithmetic they’ll apply to your invoice.

Stacking, timing and which camps typically offer them

Discount stacking varies. Some camps let you combine an early-bird discount and a sibling discount. For example, an early-bird of 10% might sit alongside a sibling 15%, and both apply to the base fee. Other camps pick the single largest discount and won’t stack anything else. Always ask whether discounts stack and request written confirmation.

Timing matters. Early-bird discounts and multi-week discount windows often close before sibling discounts are confirmed, so secure written terms early. Verify whether discounts apply to the base tuition only or extend to add-ons like equipment rental, transfers and meal plans. Many camps limit reductions to the base fee.

Which camps usually offer sibling reductions? Municipal camps, community camps and faith-based programmes are the most likely to publish clear sibling policies. International school camps and larger summer programmes offer them at medium rates, often as standard practice. Private boutique camps and elite sports or arts programmes are the least likely to advertise stacked sibling rates; they may negotiate a case-by-case discount or offer a flat concession instead.

We, at the Young Explorers Club, advise families to get examples in writing showing exactly how the total will calculate: list the base fee, each discount line (percentage or flat-rate discount CHF), and which add-ons are excluded. If you want guidance on selecting programs that tend to be family-friendly on pricing, consult our best summer camp guide for practical selection tips.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Typical discount amounts, concrete sample calculations and family-budget impact

We, at the Young Explorers Club, present the numbers parents actually use when planning summer-camp budgets. Typical fee ranges used below are: day-camp CHF 150–CHF 400 per day (or CHF 750–CHF 2,000 per week) and residential camps CHF 800–CHF 2,500 per week. For market context we also reference the broader spans “CHF 750–CHF 2,500 per week” and “typical camp week fee CHF 600–CHF 1,800”. Keep those brackets in mind as you run scenarios.

Concrete examples and how stacking works

Below are compact, ready-to-check examples you can paste into a spreadsheet.

CHF 900/week → 10% second-child = CHF 90 saved; 25% third-child = CHF 225 saved.
CHF 1,500/week → 15% second-child = CHF 225 saved; third-child free = CHF 1,500 saved.
Stacking summary: If an operator allows stacking and both discounts are percentage-based, apply them multiplicatively. For example, a 10% family discount plus a 15% sibling discount on the same fee becomes Fee × 0.90 × 0.85, not Fee × (1 − 0.25). That reduces surprised expectations and sometimes gives slightly different totals than summing percentages.

Use the calculator built into your spreadsheet to swap percentages and weeks quickly. If you want a step-by-step guide to pick the right camp first, see choose the best summer camp.

Family-budget impact — per-week and multi-week totals

Scenario A — Two children, “CHF 900/week”, second-child 10%, 4 weeks:

Child 1: 4 × CHF 900 = CHF 3,600
Child 2: 4 × (CHF 900 × 0.90) = 4 × CHF 810 = CHF 3,240
Total family cost = CHF 6,840
Total savings = CHF 360 (4 weeks at CHF 900/wk with 10% second-child)

That outcome saves 8%–25% of camp costs depending on the discount structure you compare to full price.

Scenario B — Three children, “CHF 1,500/week”, second-child 15%, third-child free, 2 weeks:

Child 1: 2 × CHF 1,500 = CHF 3,000
Child 2: 2 × (CHF 1,500 × 0.85) = CHF 2,550
Child 3: 2 × CHF 0 = CHF 0
Total family cost = CHF 5,550
Total savings vs full price = CHF 4,500 (two free weeks for child 3 and the discount on child 2)

That shows how aggressive sibling deals can produce very large savings — examples up to CHF 6,000 occur for longer stays or larger cohorts.

Net savings ranges and planning tips

Expect net savings from single-digit percentages to over 25% of the family tab, depending on whether a camp offers flat sibling reductions, percentage discounts, or free-child promotions. A modest second-child cut may only trim a few percent. A free-child promotion or heavy stacking can cut totals by several thousand francs across multiple weeks.
Always check whether discounts apply to extras (transport, equipment, meals) or only tuition. That detail frequently changes the effective savings.
Ask camps whether discounts are multiplicative or additive. Misunderstanding here explains most surprises.

Practical tool suggestion

I recommend you use a simple spreadsheet calculator with three inputs — weekly fee, number of weeks, and sibling-discount rules — and formula cells that show per-child net fees and total family cost. We offer a downloadable calculator in the full article to speed comparisons and to illustrate scenarios like those above.

Eligibility, documentation, exclusions and red flags to watch for

We, at the Young Explorers Club, set clear rules so families know when sibling discounts apply. Siblings generally must be immediate family — brothers and sisters — though some camps accept step-siblings or cousins who live in the same household. Most programs require siblings to be registered concurrently or at least in the same season or year, and they must appear on the same billing household. Many camps state plainly that the children “must be registered at booking or prior to camp start.”

Proof is almost always required. Camps typically ask for one of the following:

family ID or birth certificates showing parentage;
proof-of-address that matches the billing name; or
a single invoice that lists both children under the family account.

If you’re still deciding on a program, we recommend you review guidance on how to choose a program; see choose the best camp for practical tips.

Booking checklist and quick email template

Use this checklist before you finalize payment:

Ask the camp for a written copy of the sibling-discount policy.
Provide whatever proof the camp requests (birth certificates, proof of address, or combined invoice).
Confirm the discount amount and make sure it appears on the invoice before you pay.
Save email confirmations and all receipts in one place.
Verify how refunds and cancellations affect the discount.

Copy and paste this short template when emailing the camp:

“Hello — I am registering two children for [camp name/session]. Can you confirm whether a sibling discount applies? Our family billing name is [Name]; children are [Child A, DOB] and [Child B, DOB]. I can provide birth certificates or proof of address. Please confirm the discount amount and that it will appear on the invoice. Thank you.”

Exclusions and fine print can erase any perceived savings, so read the policy closely. Discounts may not apply across all session types — for example, overnight sessions sometimes have different rules than day programs. Camps frequently exclude deposits, transport, insurance, and premium or special sessions from discount calculations. Expect hidden costs like transport, insurance, late-pickup fines, and gear rentals to be billed separately. Also note typical figures you’ll see in policies: deposits are often non-refundable and commonly range from CHF 50–CHF 500, while transport fees can run from CHF 30–CHF 200 per trip.

Watch for common red flags and insist on written answers. Avoid deals that are promised only verbally. If a camp makes last-minute policy changes or applies discounts inconsistently between siblings or sessions, that’s a warning sign. Ask explicitly, “Will the discount be honored if itinerary changes or if one child cancels?” and demand that response in writing. Keep every written confirmation with your receipts so you can resolve disputes quickly.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 7

How sibling discounts interact with subsidies, tax breaks and billing practices

We, at the Young Explorers Club, handle sibling discounts as part of a larger billing and subsidy picture. Cantons often offer childcare support or tax deductions for summer activities, and those benefits usually reference the amount you actually pay after discounts. Confirm with your canton whether the subsidy or deduction is calculated on the net amount after the sibling discount.

Camps sometimes accept canton childcare vouchers or subsidy transfers. The order of calculation—whether the camp applies the sibling discount before voucher calculation—can change the subsidy you receive. Always ask both the camp and the canton family office to confirm the order of calculation and get that confirmation in writing. Keep receipts that show the discount as a separate line item; that line-item invoice is what most family offices and tax authorities expect to see when you claim subsidies or deductions.

We apply sibling discounts clearly on invoices, and we encourage parents to collect documentation that proves the final paid amount. A few practical billing mechanics to watch for:

Vouchers: some cantons issue vouchers that are redeemed by the camp directly. If the camp applies the sibling discount after voucher redemption, the canton may still calculate the subsidy on the gross fee. Confirm which comes first.
Tax treatment: many tax offices calculate deductions on the net amount you actually paid. Don’t assume—get written confirmation from your canton.
Receipts: ask for an invoice that lists the gross fee, the sibling discount, the voucher/subsidy applied (if any), and the net paid amount. That single document simplifies claims and audits.

Practical steps and exact questions to ask

Make these steps part of your registration checklist and bring copies to the canton office if needed:

Ask your canton’s family office whether subsidies or tax deductions are calculated on the net fee after discounts. Get their policy in writing or an official reference.
Request a line-item invoice from the camp that shows gross fees, sibling discounts, vouchers/subsidies, and the final paid amount. Keep both digital and printed copies.
Confirm with the camp billing department how they apply discounts relative to vouchers and subsidies. Ask them to demonstrate with a sample invoice.

Use these template questions when you call or email:

To camp: “Do you apply sibling discounts before or after vouchers/subsidies? Please confirm in writing and provide a sample invoice.”
To canton family office: “Is the subsidy/tax deduction calculated on the gross or net amount after sibling discounts?”

We recommend saving all correspondence and invoices for the full tax year. For examples of typical camp invoices and what to expect during registration, see your first summer camp. Canton policy varies and changes; verify the current rules for your canton before you finalize payment.

Negotiating, confirming and comparing offers — tips, sample scripts and a simple comparison template

We, at the young explorers club, recommend a clear approach: ask early, get it in writing, and compare apples to apples. Below are practical negotiation tips and typical concessions to request.

Negotiation tactics and concessions to request

Start by requesting a written offer and explicitly ask about stacking discounts. Then use these tactics and concessions in conversations:

Ask for a written offer and request stacking with early-bird or multi-week discounts. Always request the invoice format showing each discount.
Propose multi-week bookings or partial scholarship support if availability is tight.
Offer referrals or deposit commitments in exchange for a better rate (referral discount).
Request fee waivers: camps commonly waive pick-up fees (CHF 50–CHF 150) or transfer fees.
Ask for freebies that reduce extras: free equipment rental (CHF 20–CHF 100) or meals included.
Confirm whether discounts apply to add-on weeks or only base weeks; many camps will apply a discount to add-on weeks.
Ask explicitly whether early-bird (often 5%–15%) can stack with sibling discounts (early-bird stacking) or if the camp uses the single best discount policy.

Example stacking math you can use in negotiation: CHF 1,200*(1-0.10)*(1-0.15) = CHF 918 net. Note that some camps permit stacking; others allow only the single best discount — always get written confirmation.

Scripts, comparison template and calculation approach

Polite email (short):
“Subject: Sibling discount request for [camp name/session]
Hello [Camp Admin],
I’m registering [Child A, DOB] and [Child B, DOB] for [session]. Do you offer a sibling discount and does it stack with your early-bird discount? Please confirm the discount %, whether it applies to add-ons, and show how it will appear on the invoice. We can provide proof of relationship if needed. Many thanks, [Parent name / phone].”

Phone script (short):
“Hi, I’m calling about booking two children for [session]. Do you have a sibling discount? Will it stack with the early-bird rate? If yes, can you email a written confirmation and a sample invoice showing the discounted total? My contact is [email/phone]. Thank you.”

Comparison approach: run at least two scenarios — 1-week and 4-week — and calculate per-child and family totals, capturing base fee (CHF), transfer fee (CHF), cancellation policy and extra fees. Save all written confirmations, invoices and emails for your cancellation policy and future disputes. For planning help, see our choose the best camp guide.