Cashless at Camp

Why a Cash Free Camp Experience?

1. Accurate accountability for parent registration and payments 

In the past, KODA Camp Midwest has accepted Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Cash, and Check. While we loved the amount of options that someone can choose to pay, it has increasingly become a difficult to ensure accuracy of parent payments and while also ensuring parents are aware of how much has been paid towards their children's camp fees. 

Zeffy allows parents to make payments through Zeffy's system and log in later to see how much has been paid towards their camp fee. Parents will receive an automated email once a payment has been made that includes how much has been paid and at what time. When you set up an account, parents can also go back and check their payment receipts.  While there is no invoice option yet, the hope is that Zeffy will be adding this feature on soon. 

This ensures that there is one payment system being used in the accuracy of parent payments. KODA Camp Midwest can confirm how much was paid and by whom. This cuts down on discrepancy and confusion from Executive Director, Business Manager, Financial Committee and parents. 

2. Enhanced transparency in financial audits and budget  

Because Zeffy allows KODA Camp Midwest to see who has registered with payment details, date, and time it can confirm the accuracy of payments. As the business manager does monthly budgets and yearly financial audits, the visibility to confirm payments in a system as they have entered into the bank account is effortless. 

3. 0% transaction fees for parents and KODA Camp Midwest 

One of the best benefits about Zeffy is the 0% transaction fees for both parents and KODA Camp Midwest and it's free! While there is a learning curve (Zeffy makes its money by asking for additional donations), there is no required fee. Parents can use credit, debit or ACH payments with ease and KODA Camp Midwest can accept payments without worrying about additional credit card transaction fees. You MUST click on "other" to put in 0.

4. Increased visibility for parents on camper spending 

KODA Camp Midwest prides itself on transparency to parents. Parents receive a recommended spending amount for their camper for snacks, field trips, and other items they would like to purchase. KODA Camp Midwest is increasing transparency around camper spending by providing levels for snack purchases and bringing prepaid/debit/credit cards to camp. This enables staff to focus on keeping campers save rather than maintaining camper cash.

Zeffy is our Point of Sale system. All transactions will go through a Zeffy form. There will be multiple different forms depending on the purpose. You never need to make an account, but if you ever want to see your transaction history with Zeffy, you are able to make an account through the automated email receipt you receive to see your payment history. 

Some forms you may see:

• Registration 

• Payment 

• Snack Package

• Donations

You will always receive an automated email from KODA Camp Midwest after your purchase. 

You are NOT required to pay any credit card processing fee. Part of what allows KODA Camp Midwest to have a free credit card processor is the way that fees are processed. There's 3 ways most credit card processors offer fees:

1. Organization pays all of the fee

2. Donor pays optional fee

3. Processor pays the fee but suggests higher processing amount 

Many organizations are moving towards the 3rd option. You are never required to pay the processing amount. It is a way for Zeffy to make money off the processing fees. But Zeffy will always be free for KODA Camp Midwest. 

Every day during snack time, campers get an option of having the free snack option - usually fruit, trail mix, string cheese etc. - or if their parent/guardian purchased ahead of time, a paid snack which includes candy and a soda each day. The free option is always available to any camper.  You are never required to pay the snack package if you do not want that for your camper. You can choose to have your camper receive the paid option by paying ahead of time through the Zeffy Snack Package link:

Snack packages

Please do not bring any additional snack items to camp. While we love the tradition of having an extra treat for your camper, unfortunately for health and safety of the rest of the camp, we will not allow any additional snacks to be brought in. Instead, consider mailing them a letter during their time at camp!

Questions/Comments/ Concerns 

Please contact Karen Voss, karen@kodamidwest.org