Can someone please explain what a buono servizio is? When I was signing my kids up for a summer camp, I was asked if I wanted to register through the buono servizio and that I would have to use a different form to do so. I initially thought that it would enable me to have a lower rate, but it turned out that I'd actually pay more. The woman pared it down to it being a contribution of some sort. Then looking into other programs, I saw in the description a note as to whether or not the buono servizio was required... some yes, some no. And I'm not sure if required is the right word... might be accepted? I'm lost.

Most descriptions that I found seemed to be either towards care services for the elderly, a social program of sorts, or, for what seems to pertain to your case, to aid a working mother. It almost seemed to be described as a program being tried in some localities, similar to a day care service. Another description refered to extra services for handicaped persons that needed extra attention or care.

Yea, I initially thought it was some sort of aid to a working mother, but then the tuition for the program if we opted for the buono servizio route was higher... and I think it was actually a way for me to contribute to a buono servizio fund. It was pretty confusing... that's why I asked.

A 'buono' is usually a voucher like a luncheon voucher. So looking at where you are being offered these I would suggest that they are vouchers to have maybe cleaning or such like done in the childrens cabins instead of them doing it...

Just a thought.

Buono servizio is still in an experimental stage and it is usually a check from the comune paid to families with a low income and high school or nursery bills or for families with members that need full time care and assitance at home etc.

In your case it might have meant that you would end up paying a bit more for summer camp if you were in receipt of a free monthly sum from the comune.