Can I transfer a summer camp registration to another child?
Some camps let you hand your spot to another family before a deadline. Many don't, not even to a sibling. How to find out, and how to do it safely.
Updated 2026-10-18. Quoted facts link to their sources; everything else is general information. Not legal advice.
What real camp policies say
California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco), 2026 summer camp FAQ: “Can I transfer my camp purchase to another family? Yes, you may transfer a camp purchase to another family prior to May 29, 2026.” It also lists a $100 non-refundable deposit, with full refunds only until April 13, 2026.Source: California Academy of Sciences, Academy Summer Camp FAQ (checked 2026-10-18)
Play Make Create (art studio camp): “Camp enrollment is nontransferable. Camp spots may not be given or transferred to another child, including siblings.” Cancellations within 30 days of the start date are nonrefundable.Source: Play Make Create, Studio camp policies (checked 2026-10-18)
YMCA Camp Greenville (South Carolina): the $200 deposit “is non-refundable and non-transferable. The paid deposit for one camper cannot be applied to another camper.” Session changes for the same camper are handled on request, subject to availability.Source: YMCA Camp Greenville, Summer camp policies & procedures (checked 2026-10-18)
The short answer
It depends entirely on the camp. As the examples above show, one camp may happily let another family take your spot before a cut-off date, while the next forbids it even for a sibling. Look for words like “transfer,” “non-transferable” and “another camper” in your registration terms.
Ask the camp before you look for a buyer
Email the camp office: “We can no longer attend [session]. Can we transfer our registration to another family? Is there a deadline or fee?” Camps with waitlists may simply re-fill the spot themselves, which can be a good outcome too. Ask whether they'd credit or refund you if they do.
If a transfer is allowed
The new family usually needs to complete the camp's own forms (health, emergency contacts, waivers). The camp should confirm the change in writing. Only then should the new family reimburse you, and only for what the camp confirms was paid and will be honored.
Listing it on Unrefundable
You can list a camp registration if the camp's terms allow transfer or the camp agrees in writing. We'll check your paperwork, find an interested family, and charge an 8% success fee only if the camp confirms the transfer.