Cash Free Camp Experience
KODA Camp Midwest is moving to a Cash Free Camp Experience!
In order for KODA Camp Midwest to streamline its financials, KODA Camp Midwest is moving to a cashless system. KODA Camp Midwest uses Zeffy, a nonprofit fundraising platform, as a Point of Sale (POS) for all transactions moving forward. This ensures:
Accurate accountability for parent registration and payments
Enhanced transparency in financial audits and budget
0% transaction fees for parents and KODA Camp Midwest
Increased visibility for parents on camper spending
Why a Cash Free Camp Experience?
1. Accurate accountability for parent registration and payments
Currently KODA Camp Midwest accepts Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, Cash, and Check. While we love 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.
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.
For the 2024 teens session, KODA Camp Midwest will be enacting a totally cash free camp. Campers must come to camp with a debit card, pre-loaded card, or credit card for field trips. Parents must purchase a snack package through Zeffy.
Frequently Asked Questions for a Cash Free Camp Experience
What are cashless payments and how do they work?
In their simplest form, cashless payments simply mean having no cash transactions. We offer a range of ways to achieve this including Zeffy online payments and Zeffy tap to pay.
Why are you no longer accepting cash?
After August 31, 2024 KODA Camp Midwest accounts for PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App will be discontinued. Zeffy or check will be the only options moving forward from September 1, 2024. By transitioning to only accepting electronic payments, KODA Camp Midwest will provide a faster, safer, and more guest friendly experience. Staff will spend less time handling cash and more time serving campers, reducing our reliance on this less secure method of payment.
Can I still use Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal to pay for registration and snack money?
After August 31, 2024 KODA Camp Midwest accounts for PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App will be discontinued. Zeffy or check will be the only options moving forward from September 1, 2024.
Is there a fee to use credit or debit cards?
With Zeffy, KODA Camp Midwest's credit card processor, there are no fees for the customer or KODA Camp Midwest. When checking out, make sure to put 0% as the "donation" to Zeffy.
What does this mean for my camper purchasing snacks or going on field trips?
For the 2024 teens session, KODA Camp Midwest will be enacting a totally cash free camp. Campers must come to camp with a debit card, credit card, or pre-loaded card for field trips. Parents must purchase a snack package through Zeffy for snacks.
2024 Youth and Kids will remain the same until a full roll out for a totally cash free system Summer 2025.
How much money should I load onto a pre-paid card?
KODA Camp Midwest recommends to pre-load $50. This will cover two field trips the teen and youth campers go on.