Summer Fun on a Budget: Why ETC Camp Is a Smart Investment

Elizabeth Hawks
May 20
3 min read

Updated: May 23

If you’re a parent, you already know: May is chaos. Between recitals, end-of-year parties, concerts, graduations, and teacher gifts, the month has earned its nickname—“Maycember”—because it’s as jam-packed as the holidays. And on top of all that, there’s the question: What are the kids doing this summer?

At ETC, we’ve got an answer that’s creative, high-quality, and budget-friendly. In 2025, we’re not just offering engaging theatre camps—we’re helping families breathe easier by making summer fun more accessible than ever.

Let’s break it down.

30 Hours of Camp for $435

Most ETC camps run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday. That’s 30 hours of hands-on, in-person instruction each week with professional teaching artists.

For the majority of our camps, the weekly tuition is $425. That works out to less than $15/hour for:

Creative instruction by trained, working theatre professionals
Engaging, themed curriculum tailored to your child’s age group
Opportunities for collaboration, performance, and confidence-building
A safe, supportive, and imaginative environment your child will love

Compare that to many other summer options:

Private music, art, or sports lessons? Often $30–$75/hour
Childcare or enrichment centers? $400+ for partial-day care with limited programming
Babysitters? $20–$30/hour with no structured curriculum

At ETC, your child isn’t just passing time—they’re building skills, friendships, and memories.

Please note: Some camps are shorter or longer than a standard week. Our half-day camps and camps with federal holidays within the week are priced lower, while multi-week programs may have a higher tuition. Our film camps also include a small additional fee to cover the use of state-of-the-art equipment and editing software, giving campers hands-on experience with industry tools.

What Do You Get for the Price?

ETC Summer Camps include:

Professional Teaching Artists leading every session
- Meet the Pre-K and K-2 Directors
- Meet the 3rd-6th and Teen Directors
Age-specific camps for PreK through 12th grade
Unique themes like Dreamworld, Shipwrecked, Lost in the Dessert, Antarctic Animals, Camp Comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, Musical Revues, Acting on Screen, Filmmaking, and more
A final sharing or performance for family and friends
Indoor and outdoor activities to keep campers active and engaged

And new in 2025:

Expanded locations across Arlington for greater convenience
Camp merchandise available at registration
Financial aid and scholarships for families who need it most

Flexible, Creative, Affordable

Our goal is to give every child the chance to grow in creativity, confidence, and community—without breaking the family budget. We know summer planning takes time and intention. That’s why we:

Keep pricing consistent and transparent
Offer need-based scholarships and discounts for federal families
Make camps easy to browse, compare, and register for online

Extra Ways to Save

We know that every family's budget looks a little different. That’s why ETC offers several ways to make camp even more affordable:

Families affected by federal layoffs are eligible for 30% off any camp.
Referral Program: If you're a current camper family and refer a friend, you’ll receive a $25 account credit, and your friend gets $25 off their camp registration.

Whether you're looking for financial support or sharing the ETC magic with your community, we’re here to help make camp possible.

A Parent’s Perspective

"The end result spoke for itself. He left feeling a sense of accomplishment and pride, and it definitely improved his confidence."

"My son loved this camp, more than the expensive camps in NoVA. We will be back. Thank you ETC!"

Make the Most of Your Summer Budget

Whether you're new to theatre or a returning ETC family, our camps are a great way to give your child an enriching experience at an accessible price.

Spots fill quickly—especially in our most popular themed weeks.

🔗 View all camps & register now

Want to learn more about our 2025 updates? Check out our recent blog post: What’s New at ETC Summer Camp in 2025

Give your child a summer they’ll never forget—and your wallet a break.