What are your plans for summer camp this year? Has the economy affected your summer camp budget?
Summer Camp Recommendations
CampsAtoZ.com frequently receives requests for camp recommendations. We don’t recommend specific camps to parents. We suggest the following ways of finding the right camp for your kids: visit the camp while it’s in session, talk to the camp director on the phone or in person, ask other parents for recommendations and/or ask for references. Camp staff should be willing to address any concerns or questions that you have. Good Luck!
Swine Flu at Summer Camp
With large groups of kids in close proximity, some parents are wondering how summer camps will deal with a potential outbreak of swine flu this summer. This New York Times article details some of the measures camps are taking to prepare for an outbreak.
Financial Aid for Summer Camp
Mant parents will be seeking help with paying for summer camp this year–many for the first time. You may already know that the larger, well established organizations such as the YMCA and Girl Scouts offer financial assistance. But smaller and privately held camps also offer assistance. In addition, parents should enquire about sibling discounts, multiple session discounts, or employee discounts at school run programs. In Arizona, parents can contact the Arizona Department of Economic Security for information on state assistance.
Economy’s Effect on Summer Camps
Will summer camps be affected by the economic situation? Certainly, there are overnight camps that cost thousands of dollars. But many camps offer financial assistance, scholarships or payment plans for their programs. An article in the New York Times discussed how parents are planning for the summer. Click on the link on the right to read more.
The right age for overnight camp
Many parents wonder when a child is ready to go to an overnight camp. Some camps accept children as young as 7 years old, but this doesn’t mean every child is ready to head off to camp at that young age. Some families do trial runs by having the child stay overnight at the grandparents’ home, or spending a weekend with a school friend’s family. Each child is different, and their own level of interest in going to camp is a key factor.
