Last year my daughter attended an aviation camp for a week at no cost to me other than a $25 application fee. This camp is not widely publicized but is what I consider an elite camp because it includes flying lessons and a day trip to another city. My sister found the camp during a search for summer camps for her kids.

The camp is sponsored by corporate partners so most kids were able to attend at no cost, but there are other camps out there that offer specialized experiences that may require a premium price tag. So how can you afford to send your bright kid to this kind of camp without breaking the bank? Here are six tips:

Apply early
Now is the time to apply for summer camp. The earlier in the year you apply the better. This requires keeping your eye on the camp’s application start date, which is often posted on their website. This is not the time to procrastinate so get in gear and find the camps you want your kids to attend. Find the website and jot down the first day they accept applications on your calendar. When that day rolls around grab the application, fill it out completely, and submit it ASAP!

Apply for scholarships
Sometimes you will not see any information about a scholarship on the website. This can be discouraging but do not fear. Often camps do not post information about financial aid because it may not be official and/or they do not want an influx of applications. This may be due to limited funds, not enough staff, or other reasons. The best thing to do is ask if they provide assistance, either full or partial, then make your case for why your kids is worthy of that assistance. Just ask!

Go through your company
Your company may have a connection with a summer camp. Ask human resources and ask the camp itself if there is an affiliation with your company. There may be a discount available for you that is not widely advertised. Check the employee discount boards for summer camps that may have posted an ad. Often they attach discounts for employees only.

Speak to the director
Relationships go a long way so begin cultivating a relationship with the camp director. Call to ask questions about the application, logistics, and special needs your child may have. The director can give you insights to other camp opportunities with partners or within their own camp. The director may strike a deal with you to barter services if you ask. You may be able to get the camp fee reduced by half or completely written off if you provide a valuable service.

Ask family/friends for introductions
You may have family or friends that know camp personnel and in best case scenario, the director. Friends love helping friends so if they know you want to put your child in an elite or specialized camp they will likely come to your aid. A model friend of mine knows my daughter is interested in modeling so she tells me about opportunities I might never hear about. She keeps her eye out for us because I’ve asked her to mentor my daughter. People love helping you when you express a genuine interest in them and in improving your child’s life. Family and friends may also be a source of funding for the camp you want your child to attend. Again, you must be clear about what you want and have conversations with people who care. They will not know what you need until you ask.

Volunteer
The power of volunteering can be effective in the case of getting your child into an elite summer camp. If you are in a position to volunteer for the camp in question ask the director if you can do it in exchange for admission to the program for your child. Volunteering can mean many things. You can volunteer to check kids in at the start of the day. You can volunteer to bring supplies and snacks. You can volunteer to do paperwork or the camp newsletter. You can also have your child volunteer to earn part of his or her way to camp for the summer. It is a good way to show alternatives to getting what you truly desire and how to work hard at the same time.

Getting your child into an elite summer camp program may seem challenging but it is not impossible. Timing, gumption, and resourcefulness are the key to opening the doors of opportunity. If you want to expose your child to new opportunities take the initiative and apply to the programs you want today!

Samantha Gregory

Samantha A. Gregory is an author, consultant, and speaker. She’s a single-mom lifestyle, money, and parenting expert featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, Essence Magazine, HuffPost, ABC News, and Mint.com.

Samantha founded the award-winning RichSingleMomma.com™, the first online magazine featuring personal finance, parenting, and personal development content and courses for single moms.

She aims to inspire women who are ready to thrive and not just survive in their single motherhood journey. Connect with her on Instagram @richsinglemomma.