Many children in Sochi may miss out on summer camp this year due to soaring prices, leaving parents struggling to afford recreational opportunities. The cost of sending a child to camp has increased significantly, with some camps costing upwards of 200,000 rubles for a 15-day session. This financial burden is prompting families to consider alternative arrangements, such as staying home or spending time with relatives in the countryside.

The State Duma has taken notice of the rising costs and is proposing measures to make children’s camps more accessible. These proposals include government subsidies for parents and support for camps through tax breaks and reduced utility costs. However, these solutions may not be implemented in time for this summer, leaving many families in a difficult situation.

Irina Morozova, a Sochi resident, exemplifies the challenges faced by parents. She was shocked to discover that sending her two sons to a camp in the Lazarevsky district would cost at least 200,000 rubles for 15 days. She reminisces about affordable pioneer camps from her childhood, a stark contrast to the expensive “elite recreation centers” of today.

According to the Children’s Camps Development Fund, most camps have increased their prices by 5–30% compared to last year. The average cost of a 10-day voucher is now around 125,000 rubles. Andrei Danilkov, chairman of the fund, attributes the price hike to food inflation and the need to meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Despite the high costs, some options are still available for booking in Sochi. These include camps offering various activities such as language learning, sports, creative workshops, and quests. Examples include “VTOCHKU” in the Lazarevsky district for 90,725 rubles for 15 days, and “Shadows over Hogwarts” for 94,400 rubles for 11 days. Other camps, like “SportZania Velvet Seasons” and “Another Dimension. King of the Mountain,” offer specialized programs at higher price points.