An additional option is a non-required choice that usually includes a fee not included in a session or program’s tuition.
Before you start, you should already have your seasons and financial categories set up in Financial Admin. Setting up additional options is a three-part process: build your categories, define the line items within them, and activate those items for the season you're running.
In this article:
Organize additional options into categories families can browse
Create line items with pricing, financial category, and description
Activate options for a season and control who's eligible
Video Walkthrough
Define Additional Options Categories
Working with additional options is very similar to working with line items. To begin setting up these optional activities, you'll first need to define your additional option categories and specific offerings.
Navigate to Admin > Financial Admin > Definitions > Additional Options Categories.
💡Tip: Categories organize additional options in CampInTouch. Families click a category to expand it, then choose an option from the list.
📋Note: Categories are also used for internal reporting on Campminder's Additional Options Report.
Click Define New and give the category a name.
Optionally, add a parent-facing description to give families more context about the options in this category.
Click Save, or Save + Add to create another category.
📋Note: Use Arrange to change the display order; this is how categories will display online.
🎯 Try it now: Go to Admin > Financial Admin > Definitions > Additional Options Categories and define one category you'll use this season. Come back when you've done it.
Define Additional Option Line Items
Once you’ve created your categories, it’s time to add the specific options campers can choose—like trips, activities, or extra services.
Navigate to Admin > Financial Admin, select the Line Items tab, and click Define New.
💡Tip: Click on the gif below to enlarge
Enter a Name for the option. This is what will appear on camper financial ledgers.
Select the appropriate Financial Category from the dropdown.
💡Tip: This selection significantly affects financial reporting, so make sure it’s accurate.
Optionally, enter a General Ledger Number.
If you include a Description, remember that it's parent-facing. Keep it clear and informative.
Set the Transaction Type to Debit and who the transaction should Apply to by selecting the radio buttons.
Set the Financial Type to Additional Option. Once selected, you’ll see another dropdown where you can assign it to one of the categories you created earlier.
Select whether the price should be a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of tuition.
💡Tip: A flat fee works best for most camps, since additional options are usually a one-time event or add-on.
Click Save, or Save and Add to continue adding options.
🎯 Try it now: Go to Admin > Financial Admin > Line Items and create one additional option, with its financial category and pricing set. Come back when you've done it.
Activate Additional Option Line Items in Your Season
Activate any Additional Option here that you plan to use for the selected season, whether it's available through the application, additional options form, or manually added to a ledger.
Video Walkthrough
Navigate to Admin > Financial Admin > {season} and click the Additional Options tab.
💡Tip: Click on the image bleow to enlarge
📋 Note: Additional option line items appear here automatically once a new season is created.
Enter the appropriate charge Amount on the same line.
If this additional options item has an Effective Date and/or a Service Start - End Date(s), enter them using the Date Picker option.
📋 Note: The Effective Date is when the charge appears on the camper's ledger. Leave it blank if you don't need one, or use it to delay a charge, like holding off on a laundry fee until camp ends.
Check the box next to the item to mark it Active.
Click the Pencil icon next to an active item to open its preferences.
There are several options within this window to consider:
Display Memo Field — lets applicants add a note about the option, like a shoe size for a trip.
Display Quantity Field — lets applicants select a quantity; price multiplies by the amount chosen.
Enable Capacity — sets a sign-up limit; track it in real time with the Additional Options Enrollment Report.
Display on the following forms — controls where the option appears: the application, Adult/Family (if enabled), or Additional Options.
Audience Eligibility Settings — narrows who sees the option by gender, grade, session, or program
📋Note: If you select multiple sessions for this Additional Option, you won’t be able to define specific service dates for revenue recognition in the Adjusting Journal Entry report.
Click Set to save your preferences.
Click Save to apply your changes.
🎯 Try it now: Go to Admin > Financial Admin > {season} > Additional Options, activate one item, and set its eligibility. Come back when you've done it.
Before you move on, check yourself:
Can you explain how additional option categories help families navigate CampInTouch?
Do you know which settings control price, eligibility, and where an option displays?
Have you activated at least one additional option for your current season?
Ready for the next step?
Reporting: Additional Options Reports track camper enrollment and sign-ups in real time