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5 On Your Side looks into camp refund policies

Summer camps fill up fast and early in the year.

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Summer camps fill up fast and early in the year.

Many parents have a lot of money tied up in camps.

Right now, Governor Roy Cooper says summer day camps can happen, as long as CDC guidance is followed.

But many parents aren’t certain they even want their kids to go.

Responding to concerns from some viewers, 5 On Your Side’s Monica Laliberte looked into refund policies for parents, as many camps try to figure out how this summer might work.

Some have already pulled the plug.

"In April, I received notification that the camp would no longer go about, they were going to cancel the entire camp," said Andi Senter.

She enrolled her sons for three weeks with Schoolhouse of Wonder, a non-profit that’s been around for more than 30 years.

Their camps are held in parks across the Triangle.

Schoolhouse of Wonder’s no refund policy actually includes pandemics. https://schoolhouseofwonder.org/blog/may-1-2020-update-regarding-summer-camp-refunds/

In early May, Executive Director Wendy Tonker offered a 75% refund.

That leaves Andi Senter out $475 dollars. "I was upset that I only received 75%," said Senter.

Melanie Lopresti emailed upset about losing $1000 to Schoolhouse for a full summer of camps her child can’t attend.

We reached out to Tonker.

She told 5 On Your Side employee layoffs and government funding weren’t enough, and because of "…commitments to staff and materials prior to the start of the season, a higher percentage of refund is simply not possible."

We checked with another Triangle non-profit about its camp refund policy. The YMCA told us they haven’t made a decision yet– but "work with their families based on their circumstances."

Both the City of Raleigh and town of Cary say parents can get a full refund.. regardless of the reason.

To withdraw from a Raleigh summer camp, email: camp.registration@raleighnc.gov .

With all the different policies, Senter just wants other families to be aware.

"I think Triangle families, especially those that are struggling, could be out a lot of money."

It’s another tough, unprecedented situation leaving both sides in a serious bind.

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