Summer school holidays allow young people to rest, take advantage of free time to play, have fun or learn, and go on vacation. Unfortunately, whether for financial reasons or lack of leave, some families are not able to leave. The solution ? Only send your child on vacation, to a camp for example. Summer camps are ideal for making friends, discovering new things and enjoying things without parents. It allows you to create memories for life! The colonies represent a significant financial cost, but there are several forms of assistance.
What is children’s vacation assistance (AVE)?
The Family Allowance Fund (Caf) or the Mutualité sociale agricole (MSA) can pay you Child Vacation Assistance (AVE) so that your child can take part in a stay during the school holidays. “It can be a linguistic, sporting, artistic or cultural stay“, indicates the French administration website. The support rate ranges from 40 to 70% depending on the family quotient.
To be able to obtain it, you must meet certain criteria. First, you must be a recipient of a social benefit from Caf or MSA. Then you must have at least one child. Moreover, the age criteria to be eligible depend on each department. Finally, you generally need to have a family quotient of less than €700, but this also depends on each department.
“If you are entitled to this aid, your Caf or MSA will inform you during the 1st quarter of the year by postal or electronic mail.“, there is therefore no action to take.
How do learning camps work?
More than 300,000 children have already been able to go on vacation thanks to learning camps since 2020. The system has been renewed for 2024, for children aged 3 to 17. “These colonies thus offer formulas combining reinforcement of learning and leisure activities around the culturesport and sustainable development“, explains the Ministry of National Education and Youth.
To benefit from “learning camp” aid, the child must be a resident of a priority district of the city policy, a resident of a rural revitalization zone, a beneficiary of child welfare. , disabled or comes from a family whose family quotient is less than or equal to €1,500.
“The amount of state aid can reach 100% of the cost of the stay up to €100 per night for stays of at least 4 nights (€400) up to a maximum of 8 nights (€800).“, specifies the ministry.
Can my child benefit from the “Colour Pass”?
The “colo pass” is reserved for children aged 11. It is financial aid which ranges from €200 to €350 depending on the family quotient (which must not exceed €1,500). “The Colo Pass can only be used once per child and must be used during school holidays. The Colo Pass can be combined with other holiday aid“, indicates the Ministry of National Education and Youth.
Which children can benefit from the “teen bag” system?
The “teen bag” system is not intended for children, but rather for adolescents. The purpose of this device is “to support the construction of an independent vacation departure in France or Europe“for young people aged 16 to 25, specifies the Caf. The aim is to help the young person prepare for their stay. They will thus benefit from access to the “teen bag” app, €130 in Holiday Vouchers, a travel bag, a guide to prepare for their departure, a first aid kit, repatriation assistance, civil liability insurance, a health prevention kit (condom, Fil-santé-jeunes, first aid information, etc.) and road safety documentation.
How can I get other help for my child to go on vacation?
In addition to this national aid, there is other more specific aid. They can come directly from municipalities, departments or regions. You should therefore not hesitate to obtain information directly from the communities. It is also possible to obtain aid from associations, such as Secours populaire which offers stays to its beneficiaries.
Finally, do not neglect works councils. They usually offer discounted summer camps.