A video is going viral about the obscene amounts of money celebrities and super-rich families fork over to send their kids to sleepaway camp, and these numbers are painful to write out, much less think about actually paying. In fact, TikTok creator Erin Raii found that several 6-week sleepaway camps cost almost as much as her 2-year Master’s degree program.
Raii broke down the costs of five of the “most expensive and prestigious” summer camps in the country that have “‘Ivy League’ reputations,” and that statement alone has us stunned.
First up on her list was Raquette Lake Camps in New York, which is reportedly one of the oldest camps in the country and has sailing, boating, ropes courses, dance class, gymnastics, and more.
“This camp screams wealthy people only,” Raii said. And she hit the nail on the head because this isn’t your typical summer camp where you sign up and pay up. Instead, it’s “like choosing a private school” or joining a country club. RLC staff meets with families at their home or via video chat or when families come to tour the camp to make sure they’re the right fit.
The price for six weeks? More than 16 thousand dollars! And that’s not including the canteen and the cost to get to and from camp. For reference, Raii wrote over the video that a YMCA sleepaway camp is $800-1,200 per week versus the $2,700 per week for RLC.
Then there’s the seven-week Camp Pontiac in New York which has everything from pottery and STEM activities to circus training. (That earned a “Yes, circus. training,” from Raii.) There’s also wakeboarding, a ninja warrior course, and a price tag of around $15 thousand depending on when you enroll.
Next up on Raii’s list? Camp Laurel in Maine, which offers Zumba, pilates, comic book illustration, costuming, theater, and stage design. Once again, it’s $16 thousand for six weeks and there are additional charges for things like equestrian activities. (Have you passed out yet?)
Then there’s Camp Wicosuta in New Hampshire, allegedly attended by none other than Malia Obama. Notably, it’s one of the only camps where Raii saw diversity in photos. This one is just over $9 thousand for just four weeks.
Last on Raii’s jaw-dropping list is Point O’Pines Camp for Girls in New York which has sailing, farm-to-table cooking classes, and lacrosse, and for six weeks it’s (you guessed it!) $16 thousand.
Once again, we’re astounded by the amount of money rich families can (and apparently will!) shell out for their kid(s). And just imagine the financial toll if there are siblings they are sending to camp too! The price of any kind of decent childcare is so inaccessible for so many families, so to hear these outlandish price tags is just painful in so many ways.
Followers jumped in with other unimaginable stories. One person worked at a camp that was less than a month long and cost $14 thousand. Another worked at a $13 thousand summer camp and was paid less than $2 thousand.
And others couldn’t get over the absurdity and how unnecessary it all sounds.
“I thought my summer camp as a kid was expensive ???? it was like $400 for 2 weeks and I sold BOXES of candy bars for months to earn my way!”
“Omg I though my kid wanting to go to one that was 1500 was so so expensive ????????”
“My summer camp was wela’s house with the cousins ???????? BUT she had cable, we built our own tree house in the woods, stole the neighbors’ row boat, and she had unlimited snacks ❤️”
“I think this is ridiculous but I also fantasize about The Parent Trap campcore ????????,” another said. And … OK … same.
Before you go, check out these celebrity parents who love to spoil their kids with expensive gifts.
