Legal Question in Consumer Law in Washington

Re: Summer camp: non-refundable fees

I suppose it would depend on the contract they asked you to sign. "Fees" are charges that are not refundable; "deposits" are given with the expectation that they will be returned if not used.

When you signed the contract for the camp, did the contract spell out their expectations and yours as well?

If, on the other hand, they accepted a contract as signed and then wrote to you a week later that your $ would not be refunded and your child not allowed to attend camp until you ponied up another $x,xxx.xx, you'd likely have a case.

That said, I don't have enough information here to give you a reasoned opinion. Any lawyer would tell you they'd have to see the contract and the other documents detailing the camp transaction to tell you if you have a basis for a valid complaint - or not.

You might want to check with the Attorney General, who enforces quasi-public comsumer protection actions on behalf of consumers. They have a site where you can e-file a complaint regarding a company or an institution doing business in Washington State.

Hope this helps - Elizabeth Powell