Who Pays for Summer Camp After Divorce?

Summer should be a time of fun and freedom for your kids, not confusion about who pays for camp. If you’re separated or divorced, questions about summer camp expenses can quickly become complicated.

So, who covers the cost of summer camp in Ontario? The answer depends on your custody arrangement, income levels, and what your separation agreement or court order says about shared expenses.

Are Summer Camp Costs Considered Child Support?

Not exactly. Basic child support covers day-to-day expenses like food, clothing, and housing. But summer camp costs are often considered a “special or extraordinary expense” under Section 7 of the Federal Child Support Guidelines. These are extra costs beyond the standard child support table amount.

Section 7 expenses may include:

Childcare (including summer day camps if used for supervision)
Educational programs or tutoring
Medical and dental costs not covered by insurance
Extracurricular activities (like sports teams or specialized camps)

Is Summer Camp Considered a Section 7 Expense?

It depends on the purpose of the camp. If the camp provides childcare while a parent works or studies, it usually qualifies as a Section 7 expense.

If the camp is mostly for fun, it might qualify, especially if it’s consistent with the family’s past spending or if the child has attended similar programs before.

The court may also consider whether the expense is reasonable and whether both parents agreed to it ahead of time.

How Are Section 7 Summer Childcare Expenses Shared?

Section 7 summer childcare costs are usually shared proportionally based on each parent’s income. For example, if one parent earns 60% of the combined income and the other earns 40%, they’ll split the expense 60/40.

Even if one parent pays the full amount up front, they may be entitled to reimbursement for the other parent’s share, if the expense was agreed upon or deemed reasonable by the court.

What Happens If Parents Disagree on Summer Camp?

If one parent signs a child up for camp without input from the other, they may not get reimbursed. Courts generally expect parents to discuss and agree on shared expenses like summer camp.

A well-drafted separation agreement or parenting plan should clearly outline:

What qualifies as a Section 7 expense
How summer camp costs are divided
Whether prior consent is required

When in doubt, speak to a family lawyer to clarify your rights and obligations.

Need Help Navigating Summer Camp Expenses During Divorce?

At Horra Family Law, we help parents create parenting plans that cover seasonal expenses like summer camp. Whether you’re drafting a new agreement or resolving a conflict, our family lawyers are here to support you.