My daughter Yani wrote an essay on her experience in CTY summer camp a year ago. You may find it interesting.

http://www.thecommunityvoice.com/articles/2006/09/22/kids_and_pets/kids02.txt

$3000 for 3 weeks is certainly not cheap. But that is about the average price for summer residential program. You should always apply for financial aid. You don't know if you can get anything unless you try.