Many Russian families are finding it increasingly difficult to afford summer camp for their children, as prices have risen significantly, sometimes by as much as 30% compared to last year. This situation has prompted concern in the State Duma, which is considering measures to make children’s recreation more accessible.

The high cost of vouchers has drawn attention from both parents and legislators. Parents are expressing frustration that summer camps are becoming unaffordable, with some resorting to leaving their children at home unsupervised.

The price increases are attributed to several factors, including food inflation and the need for camps to comply with strict regulatory requirements. Andrei Danilkov, chairman of the Children’s Camp Development Fund, highlighted that food costs are a major expense for camps.

In response to the growing concerns, the State Duma is exploring potential solutions, such as providing financial assistance to parents for purchased vouchers and offering support to children’s camps through tax breaks and subsidies. However, until these measures are implemented, many children may miss out on a traditional summer camp experience, spending their holidays at home or with relatives.

Examples of camp costs in the Sochi area illustrate the financial burden on families. Camps like “VTOCHKU” in the Lazarevsky district cost around 90,725 rubles for 15 days. Other camps offering specialized programs, such as language immersion or adventure activities, can cost even more, ranging from 100,000 to 145,000 rubles for a similar duration.