TREASURE ISLAND — City commissioners unanimously approved a 42.5% increase in the summer camp fee for residents’ children, raising the cost of the 10-week program from $700 to $1,000. Nonresidents will pay $1,200, up from $900 — a 33% increase.
The fee change, approved on first reading Feb. 17, also establishes a weekly rate of $120 for residents and city employees and $140 for nonresidents, with no sibling discount for weekly enrollment. The 10-week rate includes a 10% discount per sibling.
Recreation Director Cathy Hayduke said the commission had raised the idea of a fee increase several times. She told commissioners a department survey found that nonresident children make up 68% of full summer camp enrollment — 78 campers — compared with 37 resident children, or 32%.
The increase followed a suggestion by Commissioner Arthur Czyszczon that the city raise fees enough for the camp to break even. Czyszczon noted the city has been subsidizing the camp for a population that is roughly 70% nonresidents.
Hayduke presented other options, including waiting until 2027 to adopt the higher fee or implementing a phased increase that would raise the resident rate to $850 and the nonresident rate to $1,050 this year, with the remaining $150 added in 2027. Commissioners opted for the full increase.
Commissioner Arden Dickey said the new resident rate of $1,000 matches what Madeira Beach and St. Pete Beach charge, and the $1,200 nonresident rate is $50 less than those neighboring communities.
“It’s not like it’s significantly under market rate,” Dickey said.
He noted that the camp would need about 25 more participants than it had in 2025 to break even. If enrollment stays flat, he said, the city would lose about $30,000.
Vice Mayor Tammy Vasquez said she had not heard complaints from parents in her district, which she said likely has the most families with children.
“I haven’t had one parent who squawked about the increase,” Vasquez said. “They say that it’s more than worth it.”
She added that about 75% of the families she spoke with had not yet returned to their homes following hurricane damage, suggesting enrollment could rebound this year.
Vasquez said the only request from parents was an early sign-up period for residents rather than opening registration to everyone at the same time.
Hayduke said residents have historically not been turned away from the camp, so many wait until the last minute to register. Nonresidents, however, are cut off once the camp reaches capacity. She said the camp is limited to about 150 children.
Commissioner Chris Clark said he also supported the full increase, noting that donations could help the camp break even.
Hayduke and City Manager Charles Van Zant said the Suncoast Credit Union has offered to provide funds to assist children in need and to help pay for a shade structure at Roselli Park. Civic organizations such as the Islettes also typically donate to the camp, Hayduke said.
The recreation department accepts donations for its scholarship program and Everyone Play’s Fund, which assist families unable to afford registration fees for winter and summer camps and associated field trips. Donations can be sent to Treasure Island Recreation Department, 10451 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island, FL 33706.
If the ordinance is approved on second reading, summer camp registration can begin March 17, Hayduke said. She noted the department has been receiving two or three emails a day from parents asking when registration will open.
The 10-week camp runs from June 2 through Aug. 8, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is open to children ages 5 to 12. Activities include games, sports, arts and crafts, parties, guest speakers, movies and field trips. Optional field trips carry an additional cost.