If my son attended a summer camp at a non-profit recreation and parks district, can I add it to charity donations?

[AmeliesUncle]

No, you paid for summer camp (something that you benefitted from).  You did not make a charitable contribution.

[Bsch4477]

No. That is not a deductible charitable contribution since you got something in return for it.  But if the child attended day camp to allow you (and your wife, if married) to work the expenses could be used for child care credit if otherwise qualified. 

[KrisD15]

No,

the fee to attend the camp cannot be claimed as a charity donation, however it might be eligible to be claimed as The Child and Dependent Care Credit if the child attended camp during a time you worked and meets other requirements. 

“Q: If a person gives money to sponsor a child to go to church camp they can receive charitable giving credit. However, if a parent pays for their child to go to church camp, they do not receive charitable giving credit. Am I understanding this correctly?

A: Yes, your conclusions are correct. While it may seem a bit unfair, the rationale is based on who is receiving the benefit of the donor’s contribution.”

Camp Fees

TurboTax explains the Child care Credit