From a free experience to a price tag of $1,000-plus, camp in Middle Tennessee varies greatly in price, depending on the type of experience you want for your child.

Wanda DeWaard, an executive with the American Camp Association, Heart of the South, based in Knoxville, says the best resource for parents to find the right for their child camp is online at www.CampParents.org.

While price is important, parents should also consider other factors.

“I think parents should feel free to call the camp director and share their questions and concerns,” DeWaard says. “The director should be able to reply in a way that helps the parent to understand and to feel perfectly comfortable with the idea of camp for their child.

“It can be an amazing, life changing experience that will encourage children to find new interests and talents and to develop skills that will be useful throughout life.”

Many camps offer financial aid, sliding scale or scholarships, as well, so inquire about those options when considering a camp as well.

Here is a sampling of a range of costs and options.

A New Leaf Science and Art Day Camp: $170/week

Camp YI overnight camp: $395/week

Whippoorwill Farm Day Camp: $310/week

Summersong Girl Scouts Songwriting Camp: $385-$400/week

Camp Marymount: $900/two weeks - $1,165/three weeks

Camp Widjiwagan: $495/two-week day camp - $1,625/two-week overnight