I don't know how many ways we can tell you the same thing: If your child did not *BOTH* live with you more than half the year (183 nights or more) *AND* lived with you during the time any qualified child care was given, then you cannot claim ANYTHING.
From what you posted "My kids live in Germany with my ex and I have visitation during the summers" then that does not meet the half year test so NOTHING can be claimed for child care at all (even if the child care was the type of care that would qualify - overnight summer camp does not).
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
