Camp keeping my non-refundable deposit but opening back up only for essential and Phase 1 employees

[Anonymous]

This was my thread:
https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/881956.page

My kid's camp at nursery school which is under its own camp contract (which does not give a lot of contract details other than specifying that the deposit to hold your place is non-refundable) finally announced plans for the rest of summer. Initially only the first two sessions were cancelled and they were taking the deposit. Now the remainder of the summer is cancelled and they are still taking the deposit BUT they are going to run camp for essential and Phase 1 employees and they are running a whole new enrollment period for these people. We are not essential workers and cannot use the camp. So we are being kicked out of our camp and they are taking our deposit. This is even worse right? Lawyers on the other thread said I had grounds to challenge them because the contract is void given that they aren't offering the contracted service. Now they will be making money of other people but still taking mine.

[Anonymous]

You need to find a lawyer friend to write you explaining you are entitled to a refund.

[Anonymous]

The deposit was non-refundable? What does your contract say?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The deposit was non-refundable? What does your contract say?

This, you are not entitled to a non-refundable deposit back.

[Anonymous]

OP here. The paperwork for camp is very limited. Basically a form and it identified the initial deposit is referred to as "non-refundable" but as discussed in my original post the idea behind that is so that you don't change your vacation plans and ask for your money back. It was never supposed to refer to a situation where the school did not provide the camp.

[Anonymous]

Any chance you paid with a credit card? If so, do a chargeback with the card. They aren't offering the service for which you paid the deposit, non-refundable or not.

[Anonymous]

How much was the deposit? Presumably they have some year round costs and hired staff for enrollment and planning - that is what your deposit paid for.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The deposit was non-refundable? What does your contract say?

This, you are not entitled to a non-refundable deposit back.

I disagree with this. The non refundable deposit is understood to mean if you decide to cancel you don’t get it back. If they cancel on you they give it back. We’ve had all our camp money back so far including the deposits except for the one at UMD. Haven’t see anything’s from them yet but apparently it’s being processed thru an outside vender.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How much was the deposit? Presumably they have some year round costs and hired staff for enrollment and planning - that is what your deposit paid for.

It was $250. The other thread explains that the school year contract forced us to pay for three months of care we didn’t get. That was for the regular teachers. Summer camp is college kids and other ad hoc people.

They are opening the school to outside people—people who weren’t registered for camp and who didn’t attend the school—essential personnel and phase 1 employees and they will pay for camp. So I am subsidizing these people and am forced out of a camp I wanted to attend.

[Anonymous]

Appeal it on your credit card.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The deposit was non-refundable? What does your contract say?

This, you are not entitled to a non-refundable deposit back.

I disagree with this. The non refundable deposit is understood to mean if you decide to cancel you don’t get it back. If they cancel on you they give it back. We’ve had all our camp money back so far including the deposits except for the one at UMD. Haven’t see anything’s from them yet but apparently it’s being processed thru an outside vender.

What exactly does the contract say? Is there a Force Majeure clause?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much was the deposit? Presumably they have some year round costs and hired staff for enrollment and planning - that is what your deposit paid for.

It was $250. The other thread explains that the school year contract forced us to pay for three months of care we didn’t get. That was for the regular teachers. Summer camp is college kids and other ad hoc people.

They are opening the school to outside people—people who weren’t registered for camp and who didn’t attend the school—essential personnel and phase 1 employees and they will pay for camp. So I am subsidizing these people and am forced out of a camp I wanted to attend.

You seem really bent out of shape over $250. Dispute the charge, send a threatening letter, whatever, but do what you’re gonna do and then move on with your life dude.

[Anonymous]

I'll forfeit 250 to get my 9275 back (many kids). Heck, Ill forfeit 1000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How much was the deposit? Presumably they have some year round costs and hired staff for enrollment and planning - that is what your deposit paid for.

It was $250. The other thread explains that the school year contract forced us to pay for three months of care we didn’t get. That was for the regular teachers. Summer camp is college kids and other ad hoc people.

They are opening the school to outside people—people who weren’t registered for camp and who didn’t attend the school—essential personnel and phase 1 employees and they will pay for camp. So I am subsidizing these people and am forced out of a camp I wanted to attend.

Yup, it's extortion. It's shameful.

[Anonymous]

The school does not take credit cards. Not an option.