Summer camp fees in Switzerland

Summer camp fees in Switzerland run high. Day camps cost about CHF 150–600 per week. Residential weeks sit around CHF 600–2,500 per week. Specialty multi‑week programmes range from CHF 2,000 up to CHF 7,000. Those prices place camps out of reach for many families. Municipal and cantonal subsidies, national programmes such as Jugend+Sport, charities, private foundations and camp-run bursaries can cover tuition partly or fully. Families should apply 6–12 weeks before the start date. They can often combine funding sources where rules allow. Budget separately for travel, insurance and equipment. Awards often exclude those extras.

Key Takeaways

Typical costs: day camps CHF 150–600/week, residential CHF 600–2,500/week, specialty multi‑week CHF 2,000–7,000 — so scholarships plug real affordability gaps.
Primary funding channels: municipal and cantonal subsidies (including Ferienpass schemes), Jugend+Sport, charities (e.g., Pro Juventute, Caritas, Red Cross), private foundations and camp bursaries.
Common coverage levels: municipal grants usually CHF 50–500; camp bursaries often cover 25–75% of fees; full awards are uncommon and usually exclude extra costs.
Apply early: gather documents (tax notice or pay slips, camp invoice, short motivation letter, bank details); submit applications 6–12 weeks before the camp begins.
Maximise savings: combine funding where allowed. Ask camps about sliding scales, sibling discounts, early‑bird rates, payment plans or volunteer‑for‑discount options.

Typical price breakdown

Short summary of ranges

Day camps: CHF 150–600/week
Residential weeks: CHF 600–2,500/week
Specialty multi‑week programmes: CHF 2,000–7,000

Funding sources

Main channels

Municipal and cantonal subsidies — often via local social services or Ferienpass schemes; amounts vary by canton/municipality.
Jugend+Sport — national sports programme with subsidies for eligible children.
Charities — organisations such as Pro Juventute, Caritas and the Red Cross may offer grants.
Private foundations — can provide targeted support depending on family income, special needs or objectives.
Camp bursaries — many camps run their own means‑tested awards or discounted places.

Coverage, exclusions and application practicalities

What awards commonly cover

Many grants and bursaries focus on covering tuition or a percentage of fees. Extras (travel, insurance, equipment, optional activities) are often excluded and should be budgeted separately.

Typical award sizes

Municipal grants: commonly CHF 50–500.
Camp bursaries: frequently 25–75% of the fee; full coverage is rare.

When and how to apply

Timeline: submit applications 6–12 weeks before camp start.
Documents: tax notice or recent pay slips, camp invoice, a short motivation letter, and bank details for transfers.
Combine: check whether you can combine multiple funding sources and follow each provider’s rules.

Tips to reduce net cost

Ask camps about sliding scales, sibling discounts, early‑bird rates and payment plans.
Volunteer for discounts: some camps offer reduced fees in exchange for parent help or staff assistance.
Apply broadly: contact municipal social services, Jugend+Sport and local charities—small awards add up.
Plan for extras: set aside funds for travel, insurance and gear; these are commonly excluded from awards.

Why Summer Camp Scholarships Matter — Cost Snapshot and Social Need

We, at the young explorers club, see camp fees block access to formative experiences for many children. I’ll lay out typical costs and explain why scholarships and subsidies are a policy and community priority.

Cost snapshot: typical ranges and what they cover

Typical planning ranges in Switzerland vary by region, programme type and length. The following figures give a practical sense of what families face.

Here are common price bands and what you get at each level:

Day camps: CHF 150–600 per week — lower cost, local activities, no overnight stay.
Residential / overnight camps: CHF 600–2,500 per week — includes accommodation, most meals and round‑the‑clock staff.
Specialty multi‑week programmes (elite sports, arts, language boarding): CHF 2,000–7,000 for 2–4 week sessions — higher staff‑to‑child ratio, specialised coaching and boarding.

Compare quickly:

Day camp: local, lower cost, good for routine care and group activities.
Residential camp: immersive social learning, suitable for longer stays.
Specialty multi‑week: focused development, usually with extra qualifications or performance opportunities.

I advise families to factor in travel, kit and optional extras (excursions, insurance). Regional differences matter: Geneva and Zürich programmes often sit at the upper end of these ranges.

Social need, impact and financial aid channels

Switzerland has a measurable share of economically vulnerable households. The Swiss Federal Statistical Office reports an at‑risk‑of‑poverty rate of roughly 7–10% (FSO, 2022). That level of vulnerability means many children can’t afford standard camp fees without help.

We view scholarships and subsidies as central to equal access. They:

Let children join structured social environments and build friendships.
Promote physical activity, emotional resilience and practical skills.
Reduce gaps in opportunities between lower‑income children and their peers.
Support talent development in sport, arts and languages for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

Local and national support schemes already make a difference. Examples families should explore include Jugend+Sport, Pro Juventute, municipal holiday pass programmes and canton family support funds. We encourage parents to contact municipal social services and cantonal family offices early, since slots and bursary budgets can be limited.

For practical next steps, I recommend families:

Apply early and assemble proof of income and residency.
Ask camps about sliding scales, sibling discounts and payment plans.
Combine funding sources: combine smaller municipal subsidies with a camp bursary for fuller coverage.

We, at the young explorers club, keep a curated list of programs and funding pathways to help families match needs with support. For parents choosing programmes and comparing costs, our best summer camps page gives a practical starting point.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Types of Financial Aid and Typical Coverage Levels

We, at the young explorers club, set out the main aid routes families can use and what they usually cover. Consult our parents guide for practical application and links to local offices. Apply early, combine sources where allowed, and budget for travel and insurance as these are often excluded.

At-a-glance breakdown

We summarise the main aid categories and typical coverage below:

Municipal / cantonal subsidies and “Ferienpass” / holiday-pass discounts — What: Local governments or Gemeinden run discounts or subsidised holiday programmes. Typical coverage: Small grants or reduced-rate places. Expect CHF 50–500 per child per session. Ferienpass programmes commonly run CHF 50–200 per week.
Non-profit / charity grants (Pro Juventute, Caritas Schweiz, Swiss Red Cross, local foundations) — What: One-off grants for activity costs or emergency assistance from charities or national NGOs. Typical coverage: CHF 50–500 is common. Partial coverage is frequent; full scholarships happen but remain rare.
National youth-sports subsidies and programme-specific funding (Jugend+Sport / J+S) — What: Subsidised sports courses and camps that aim to build youth sport skills. Typical coverage: Course fees are substantially below private camp rates. You’ll usually see subsidised fees or much lower participant contributions rather than fixed cash grants.
Private foundation scholarships (Rotary, Lions, local bank or cultural foundations) — What: Local clubs and foundations award needs- or merit-based grants. Typical coverage: Partial awards commonly cover 25–75% of fees. Full scholarships (100%) occur less often and may exclude travel and insurance.
Camp-run bursaries / need-based discounts or merit scholarships — What: Many camps reserve funds for families with financial need or for standout participants. Typical coverage: Discounts of 25–75% are common. Smaller camps may offer fixed CHF reductions instead of percentage support.
Employer or union-sponsored family assistance — What: Companies or unions sometimes provide family grants, vouchers, or childcare subsidies that can be used for camps. Typical coverage: Highly variable. Expect small fixed amounts or percentage discounts rather than full coverage.

Coverage summary and practical rules of thumb

Small local grants and municipal subsidies typically sit between CHF 50–500.
Camp bursaries usually offset 25–75% of fees; full scholarships are uncommon and often exclude ancillary costs like travel and insurance.
J+S subsidised sports camps tend to cost much less than equivalent private camps, so prioritise those if eligible.
I recommend combining a local subsidy with a camp bursary where rules allow, and keeping documentation (income proof, residency, recommendation letters) ready to speed approvals.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 5

Where to Look: Specific Organizations, Cantonal/Municipal Contacts and First Steps

We at the Young Explorers Club recommend starting with the obvious funders and public services. Each organization below funds different costs and has different application rhythms, so match the source to the child’s need and the camp type.

Pro Juventute — Family and youth support with small grants and emergency assistance for children’s activities, including camps. They often run short application processes for low-income families; contact your local office early.
Jugend+Sport (J+S) — The federal youth sports programme that subsidises many training events and sports camps. Use J+S if the camp is sport-focused or includes certified coaches.
Caritas Schweiz — Provides social assistance and hardship support; may cover activity costs for families in acute need. Availability and procedures differ by canton.
Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz (Swiss Red Cross) — Runs family support programmes in several cantons. Funding priorities and application pathways vary regionally, so check the cantonal Red Cross office.
Schweizer Jugendherbergen — The youth hostel network offers youth programmes and discounts. This is a good low-cost residential option for families who need affordable lodging and group rates.
Rotary Clubs / Lions Clubs Switzerland — Local clubs award small grants or scholarships for children. Applications are often reviewed by local boards and can be need- or merit-based.
Zewo — Use the Zewo registry to find accredited charities and foundations in your area. It’s a fast way to identify trustworthy local foundations that fund youth activities.
Migros Kulturprozent and corporate foundations — These programmes occasionally fund cultural or educational youth initiatives. Apply early; their cycles can be specific to project types.
Local cantonal offices and municipal social services — Your first public contacts should be the kantonale Amt für Soziales / Kinder- und Jugendförderung and Gemeinde Sozialdienste. They manage Ferienpass, Lagerzuschuss and similar local subsidy schemes.

Who to contact first (priority order)

Contact these in order to speed approvals and avoid duplicated applications:

The camp itself — Ask about internal bursaries, payment plans, volunteer exchange and deadlines. We explain how to choose the best summer camp and what to ask.
Municipal social services / school social worker — Check local subsidy programmes (Ferienpass, Lagerzuschuss) and any fast-track options tied to school social services.
National charities / foundations — Reach out to Pro Juventute, Caritas Schweiz and Jugend+Sport to confirm eligibility, required documents and submission windows.
Private clubs and local foundations — Apply to Rotary, Lions and any cantonal foundations for smaller grants; expect board review cycles and possibly in-person interviews.

Search keywords and quick tips to find local help: use phrases like ‘Ferienpass + Gemeinde + [Kanton]’, ‘Sozialdienst + Gemeinde + Kinderlager Zuschuss’, ‘Lagerzuschuss + Kanton’ and ‘Ferienlager Unterstützung’. Keep screenshots or PDFs of your camp invoice and a short income statement ready; most social services ask for those. If the camp offers instalments or volunteer-exchange options, negotiate those before filing subsidy applications.

Eligibility, Required Documents, and What Scholarships Typically Cover (and Don’t)

We, at the young explorers club, explain who usually qualifies, what you must submit, and where gaps most awards leave families responsible. Eligibility for camp scholarships usually hinges on financial need or special family circumstances and sometimes on ability. Criteria commonly include household income below a canton-specific income threshold or receipt of Sozialhilfe/Ergänzungsleistungen. Single-parent households, large families, and families with unemployed or temporarily unemployed parents often qualify. Children in foster care or under child welfare services are typically eligible. Some programmes award merit-based support for sporting aptitude or artistic talent.

Required documents and timing

Below are the documents and timing I recommend preparing well before your application deadline — most programmes ask for materials 4–12 weeks before camp starts, so aim for 6–12 weeks in advance.

Proof of income: recent salary slips, the latest Steuerveranlagung (tax assessment), or a social assistance notice.
Family status proof: birth certificates and custody documentation where applicable.
Camp invoice or registration form showing fees and dates.
Bank account details for transfers (IBAN or local format).
Short motivation letter from a parent or a school reference explaining need or merit.
Timing note: applications often close 4–12 weeks before camp start; missing the application deadline usually means waiting for the next session.

What scholarships cover varies by provider. They most often pay camp tuition and registration fees. Residential camp accommodation is usually covered if it’s included in the fee. Some awards will cover meals and on-site activities that the camp fee already includes. I always check the award letter for explicit line items.

What scholarships rarely cover: travel to and from camp — train fares, flights, or long-distance transport — is usually excluded. Personal spending money and special equipment (sport shoes, musical instruments, bespoke gear) are normally the family’s responsibility. Medical and accident insurance is frequently excluded; many programmes require proof of coverage rather than covering premiums. Mention travel costs and insurance clearly in any budget you submit.

Example scenario: for a CHF 1,200 week-long camp, a 50% bursary covers CHF 600 toward the camp fee. The family still pays CHF 600 plus travel and insurance. I advise building a planning buffer of 10–20% on top of the camp fee to cover transport, insurance, equipment, and incidental expenses.

We recommend preparing a downloadable checklist of documents and keeping electronic copies ready. Suggested items for that checklist include:

Proof of income (salary slips, tax notice)
Tax notice (Steuerveranlagung)
Camp invoice or registration form
Motivation letter
Bank details (IBAN)

Families new to camp logistics may find extra tips in your first summer camp for registration and packing.

Application Process, Timelines and How to Write a Successful Scholarship Application

We break the application into clear steps so you can move fast and avoid last-minute stress. Follow this flow for the scholarship application process and to apply for a camp grant Switzerland.

Contact the camp first. Ask about internal bursaries, volunteer-for-discount exchanges and firm deadlines. Camps sometimes hold small emergency funds that aren’t widely advertised.
Contact municipal or cantonal social services, or your school social worker, to check local subsidy options. These programmes often have quota rules and separate paperwork.
Identify charitable foundations — consult the Zewo registry and local Rotary or Lions clubs — and note each foundation’s application window and meeting cycles. Foundations often meet monthly or quarterly.
Prepare documentation: latest tax assessment or salary slips, tax notice, camp invoice/registration, a short motivation letter, and bank details for transfers. Scan everything into a single PDF if allowed.
Submit the application and set a calendar reminder to follow up after two weeks if you haven’t received an acknowledgement.

Typical decision times you should plan around

Camp-internal bursary: often 1–3 weeks.
Municipal / cantonal subsidy: 2–6 weeks.
Private foundations: 4–12 weeks because of board meeting cycles.

Reverse timeline for a camp starting 1 July (aim to apply 6–12 weeks before)

1 May: Final deadline for most municipal and foundation grants.
15 May: Common deadline for many camp-internal bursaries.
1 June: Last date to follow up on outstanding applications before final payments are due.

What to include in the application letter (aim for 250–400 words in total)

Structure the letter in three short paragraphs:

Paragraph 1: A short family snapshot and clear statement of financial need. Keep this factual and succinct.
Paragraph 2: Describe the child’s interest in the camp and the concrete benefits (skills, supervision, socialisation). Tie the camp activities to expected outcomes.
Paragraph 3: State the exact CHF amount you request and include a mini-budget showing camp fee, family contribution and what the grant will cover. Note the attached documents and offer references from a school social worker if available.

Sample short scholarship letter (≈300 words)

Dear [Organisation / Name],

My name is [Parent name], and I am writing to request financial assistance so that my child, [Child name], can attend [Camp name] from [dates]. We are a single-parent household with two children; I work part-time and our net household income falls below the canton’s assistance threshold. Attached are our latest salary slips and the camp invoice.

[Child name] is 12 and has trained with the local football club for three years. This camp offers specialised coaching and a supervised team environment that will help develop sporting skills and rebuild confidence after a period with limited group activities. Attending will also provide important social interaction and routine.

The camp fee is CHF 1,200. We can contribute CHF 300 and request CHF 600 in assistance. The remaining CHF 300 will be covered by a small personal contribution; travel costs are planned separately. Please find the short budget and supporting documents attached. Any support you can offer — whether a full bursary, partial grant or advice on splitting payments — would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering our application. I can provide further information or a reference from our school social worker on request.

Sincerely,
[Parent name and contact details]

Practical dos and don’ts for Swiss funders

Here are the most important practical points to follow when you prepare and submit applications:

Do include your latest tax assessment or salary slips; many funders list this as mandatory.
Do specify the exact CHF amount you request and include a short budget.
Do attach the camp invoice/registration form so funders see the exact fee.
Do ask the camp whether they can split payments or offer volunteer-for-discount options.
Don’t assume travel or insurance are included; state if you need help with these costs.
Don’t submit vague requests — Swiss funders expect concise, factual applications.
Do follow up after two weeks if you haven’t received an acknowledgement.

Submission methods vary: many programmes accept email, but some municipal offices prefer postal applications. Check each funder’s requirements and keep copies of everything. For families new to camps, we recommend reading our guide to your first summer camp for additional practical tips on registration and planning.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 7

Cost-saving Strategies, Real-world Examples & Quick Checklist

Cost comparisons and practical tactics

We advise families to treat Switzerland as the high-cost option: camps here can run roughly 10–30% higher than similar programmes in neighbouring France or Germany, depending on region and services. J+S programmes and municipal Ferienpass schemes usually give the best baseline savings. We at the Young Explorers Club recommend checking those first before looking at private bursaries.

You can capture meaningful reductions with a short list of straightforward tactics:

Early-bird window — many camps cut 5–15% off the headline fee.
Sibling discounts — lots of operators offer 5–20% off for second or third children.
Request payment plans or instalment options to ease cash flow.
Volunteer exchange — parents or older teens who help at camp commonly save CHF 100–500.
Explore municipal day-programmes or Ferienpass weeks, which often cost CHF 50–200 per week.

For local municipal options we link practical guidance on Ferienpass for parents: Ferienpass.

Concrete-sum examples help make the math simple. A 10% early-bird discount on a CHF 1,000 fee saves CHF 100 immediately. Volunteer exchange savings of CHF 100–500 can cut a family bill by 10–30% on medium-priced camps. Combine a sibling discount with early-bird and you’ll see compounding savings.

We also share three common bursary scenarios so you can picture outcomes:

Low-income single parent: Two weeks at CHF 900/week totals CHF 1,800. If the municipality provides CHF 400 subsidy and the camp grants a 50% bursary on the remainder, the bursary equals 50% of (CHF 1,800 − CHF 400) = CHF 700. Net family cost before travel and insurance ≈ CHF 700. Depending on additional local support or small grants, out-of-pocket typically lands between CHF 500–800.
Merit-based teen athlete: Sport camp costing CHF 3,000 for three weeks. A foundation grant covering 50% reduces the family fee to CHF 1,500. Expect travel and insurance to remain your responsibility.
Local Ferienpass user: Municipal day-programme at CHF 80/week plus subsidised transport CHF 20 gives a total of CHF 100 for a full week—an accessible option for families on tight budgets.

We recommend confirming exactly what each subsidy covers. Many grants exclude travel and insurance. Budget an extra 10–20% beyond the camp fee for those items and for equipment.

Quick printable checklist (apply 6–12 weeks before camp)

Use this checklist as your immediate action plan — print it and tick items off as you go.

Contact the camp about bursaries, early-bird, sibling and volunteer options and note application deadlines.
Check municipality/canton subsidy via Socialdienst / Amt für Soziales.
Verify J+S availability for sport camps.
Search Zewo registry and local Rotary/Lions for small grants.
Ask the school social worker for support and reference letters.
Prepare documents: salary slips, tax notice, camp invoice, birth certificates, bank details, motivation letter.
Submit applications and set a reminder to follow up after 2 weeks.

We also suggest using targeted search phrases to surface local help:

‘Ferienpass + Gemeinde [name]’
‘Lagerzuschuss + Kanton’
‘Ferienlager Unterstützung’
‘Pro Juventute Lager Zuschuss’
‘Jugend+Sport Lager’

Start 6–12 weeks ahead to combine municipal aid with camp bursaries and small foundation grants; that timing gives the best chance to stack funding sources.