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Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Summer camp: Start thinking about it

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Photo Credit: Getty Images

Photo Credit: Getty Images

I can hardly believe I'm even writing about this topic, but guess what? It's the second week of January and I've already received three application packets for my kids' summer day camp. I was glad for winter break to be over
(sort of...if only we could still be on the beach), but I'm not yet prepared to deal with summer vacation. Mostly because for the first times since we started utilizing summer camp, I really would love for my kids to be home so we could enjoy their time off...together. What a concept, right?

Since many parents are in money-saving mode, I'm wondering how this will impact summer camp enrollment. (Side question: Are you readjusting your summer childcare plans?) But if you are planning on sending your child to a summer day camp, even for a half-day program, chances are very high that you'll need to start looking into those camps now.

So take this post as a gentle reminder to begin the summer camp search process. Heed this advice because trust me, if you wait until April or May, you may be out of luck because spots fill up fast.

Start looking into programs offered by your community recreation centers, local schools and private programs. Also? Think about how you can survive summer without sending the kids to camp
 -- it's completely doable with some planningand a good support network. (I'm even considering it.)

Have you started getting information about summer camp?


Related links on Shine
Keep the kids busy with D.I.Y fun all summer long
Summer kid fun on a budget
Surviving summer break without sending the kids to day camp
Two must-have water-play gadgets under $10 that will keep your kids cool all summer




Related: working mom, summer vacation, summer day camp. home camp, parenting

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From the Community…

Comments 1-6 of 6
  • HotCrossBuns's Avatar
    Posted by HotCrossBuns Tue Jan 13, 2009 6:42pm PST

    We allowed each child one week in a camp of their choice this past summer, and by mid-week they were complaining that it was too hot or they didn't want to get out of bed. This year we've decided no more camps. Instead we'll pick one big activity every other week (kids' museum, movies, water park, etc)and spend the money we would have otherwise spent on 3 kids' camp tuition throughout the summer on things we'll all enjoy.

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  • Mimi-pz's Avatar
    Posted by Mimi-pz Wed Jan 14, 2009 4:09am PST

    We have our local camps expo in 2 weeks. I'm trying to decide what to do. I'll probably go for Savvy related business, but I'm not sure yet if I'll send Josh. I may. We'll see....

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  • SharonW's Avatar
    Posted by SharonW Wed Jan 14, 2009 8:12am PST

    My problem is finding out what camps are available. It seems like I always hear about the good ones when it's already full up. So while I also have already entertained thoughts now (and have my name on the SPCA's camp list because I keep missing that one every year) I just know there's some really good one out there that doesn't need to advertise.

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  • Derik da Derelict's Avatar
    Posted by Derik da Derelict Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:50am PST

    Camp Shining Stars, "Where Success Soars!" is the first non profit co-educational weight loss camp for ages 10-18 years old. Exclusively located on the campus of Barton College. Distingushed Medical Advisory Board. Fantastic Parent References!!!

    www.campshiningstars.org

    Report Abuse
Comments 1-6 of 6

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